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Ex keeping all clothing

35 replies

Qwertylkjhg · 27/06/2024 07:18

Hey

Summarising, left my ex 18 months ago.
Parallel parenting with a narcissist, following basic rules like yellow rock, BIFF, JADE.

We exchanged via school in term time.

Sadly it means PE/Uniform days are mixed, it's not go to school in one and come back in the same.

School don't want to get involved or be responsible so getting changed at school and leaving uniform there, isn't viable. I've been in tears the past two weeks as I'm sending my boys in with the wrong uniform daily because their father won't return items. He even sent them back in old school shoes this week that are too small, even though I've purchased 4 pairs for our boys since September as he kept widthholding them.

Every week he returns them in clothes too small or too big (our youngest, he sends in 6/7 so it's too big; our eldest, he sends in the same so it's too small). I will return his uniform but he never returns mine. Often he sends them back in shoes too small or only one set, I've had to repurchase shoes multiple times - I've been patient, he only returns them once he's seen on the school photo app that I've repurchased. Part of his stupid "I'll bankrupt you" campaign I have in writing from him.

He keeps messaging me to 'let me know' he has my uniform but hasn't returned it. He's done this before and implied I need to ask him for it if I want him back. He won't return anything otherwise. He literally hoards our belongings - I've labelled them mum's, too! Last time he dropped off a whole bag for life filled up. And it wasn't even my stuff, it was old clothes that didn't fit them or were totally ruined.. stained with ink and paint and other things not even a 2hr wash or soak could get out.

I'm officially at the point I cannot purchase anymore. I do not have the funds. I'm dealing with 70% of my income going out to solicitors to get our court order amended due to his continued malicious behaviour. I'm literally living off of pennies the next few months while I clear bills, as I also have to accommodate normal bills, fuel for work/school (I cannot move schools without his consent, and I have to drive them as it's not within walking distance of our new place whereas it is for him!), food etc. I'm praying after court, money will be better.

I'm at my wits end. I've never met someone so malicious they would punish their children to get to the other parent. I know it's also so he can campaign he's the better parent - the school thought I was just being unorganised. I've had to explain the situation and offer my receipts to prove actually, I've been replacing monthly like clockwork.

Today, I'm going to lose my last set of PE kit for my eldest. I'm stressed because he even widthheld the brand new trainers for 2 weeks, saying they were gifted to him when they weren't. Every single message is malicious and argumentative - even my solicitors had enough of him.

Is there any solution to this? Usually they go to his in normal uniform, and come back in his PE kit. I return his weekly. Once a month he gets two sets from both due to extra curricular activities I have them in. Or like today, it's an event day.

I even handmade a Snail outfit for our youngest, I sewed everything on and spent hours and he won't give it back. My youngest is heartbroken as he's asked me for it and I've had to tell him it's at his dad's, I can't buy or make a new one, and he will get upset because his dad said he can't take it to mum's.

I just don't know what to do anymore

Sadly it's not something courts are interested in, either. I just can't do it anymore and it hurts to see my kids upset - I had to cut my youngest trousers into shorts this week as their dad took all the brand new shorts.

He even does it with their pants - I have to send them in smaller pants or old pants as he takes the lot. It's not even like he takes 50%, he takes everything.

😔 any advice is appreciated.

OP posts:
sleepyscientist · 27/06/2024 07:22

Either send a large male family member round to get it back or ring the police as it's theft and you want their help to get it back to prevent a breech of the peace

Cantgetausername87 · 27/06/2024 07:24

Oh this sounds awful. I'd play him at his own game and take photos of the children before they go and message explicitly saying uf these items don't get returned with the boys it's theft - metadata will prove when and where the image was taken.
I would also speak to the school again and urge them to support.
Is there any reason the boys need to see him? This post made me feel sick. The maliciousness is really un nerving x

GinForBreakfast · 27/06/2024 07:25

Can you meet them at school on the days that he is supposed to pick them up and change them out of their uniforms before handing over?

Can the school at least help and change the app so he can't see what you are buying?

I'm so sorry, it sounds awful.

How old are the children? It's no help now but they will remember this and in the long term understand how horrible their father has been.

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Needanewname42 · 27/06/2024 07:25

Why are you returning his stuff to him?
Can kids not put their dirty clothes in their bags to bring home?

andyourpointiswhat · 27/06/2024 07:28

That sounds like an absolute nightmare. Schools won’t get involved in disputes between separated parents but this must clearly be affecting the boys so I would try one last time to get them on board with letting the boys change at school as this would clearly be in their best interests. Is there anyone at the school with a pastoral care role you could speak to? I know both the schools my kids attended would not have condoned children being weaponised in this way. Good luck.

Qwertylkjhg · 27/06/2024 07:33

Cantgetausername87 · 27/06/2024 07:24

Oh this sounds awful. I'd play him at his own game and take photos of the children before they go and message explicitly saying uf these items don't get returned with the boys it's theft - metadata will prove when and where the image was taken.
I would also speak to the school again and urge them to support.
Is there any reason the boys need to see him? This post made me feel sick. The maliciousness is really un nerving x

Police won't deal with it, it's a civil matter. He's constantly threatening me with police (claiming I had his clothes, when I used to ask for mine back) and police told me to ignore him. My solicitor addressed the threats in our court application, as he would spam me with messages demanding I drop items at 8 at night (that I don't have, or he should have his own) or spam me claiming I had his items. I think I got something like 7/8 messages in 2 minutes at one point. She's trying to reduce his access to me but coming up with a solution for uniform is especially hard, as courts encourage both parents to have school participation, too.

You can't cut contact etc over something like this sadly, either.

OP posts:
Qwertylkjhg · 27/06/2024 07:35

GinForBreakfast · 27/06/2024 07:25

Can you meet them at school on the days that he is supposed to pick them up and change them out of their uniforms before handing over?

Can the school at least help and change the app so he can't see what you are buying?

I'm so sorry, it sounds awful.

How old are the children? It's no help now but they will remember this and in the long term understand how horrible their father has been.

So as it was also DA, to reduce contact we do exchanges at school. The school post the photos for everyone, as all homework is also done on the app. It means grandparents etc also have access to the app if someone provides the QR code. I don't think I can pull consent for photos of the kids, anymore.

😬 My eldest is 8, he already tells his teacher his dad has his clothes. I'm just hoping that doesn't come back down on us, as he will claim it's me talking bad about him - but I feel like if my son's clocked it himself, and the fact it is true and it's not a lie, it should be okay?

OP posts:
MikeRafone · 27/06/2024 07:35

Stop collection through school

the school don’t want to get involved - yet the school involve themselves as you e been accused of being unorganised?

if your ex keeps withholding the childrens belings this is abuse. The boys will stop wanting to go somewhere they are being abused.

in the mean time ask the school to get the boys changed or report to social services, they have a duty of care and they are involved as the boys school.

im really sorry you’re going through this

mid also send a message each time your boys are upset about missing items. D.C. is upset his snail item hasn’t been returned, can you return this item to him asap

don’t follow up but keep the message.

Qwertylkjhg · 27/06/2024 07:36

andyourpointiswhat · 27/06/2024 07:28

That sounds like an absolute nightmare. Schools won’t get involved in disputes between separated parents but this must clearly be affecting the boys so I would try one last time to get them on board with letting the boys change at school as this would clearly be in their best interests. Is there anyone at the school with a pastoral care role you could speak to? I know both the schools my kids attended would not have condoned children being weaponised in this way. Good luck.

What's pastoral role, please? I'll email them again today and see if that helps. We have a family support worker who came in with me to explain the situation, she has said otherwise she doesn't really need to be with us. But she's willing to stay on until we have some sort of solution for the kids.

OP posts:
Cantgetausername87 · 27/06/2024 07:41

Qwertylkjhg · 27/06/2024 07:33

Police won't deal with it, it's a civil matter. He's constantly threatening me with police (claiming I had his clothes, when I used to ask for mine back) and police told me to ignore him. My solicitor addressed the threats in our court application, as he would spam me with messages demanding I drop items at 8 at night (that I don't have, or he should have his own) or spam me claiming I had his items. I think I got something like 7/8 messages in 2 minutes at one point. She's trying to reduce his access to me but coming up with a solution for uniform is especially hard, as courts encourage both parents to have school participation, too.

You can't cut contact etc over something like this sadly, either.

You absolutely can if he's sending them in incorrect clothing - which I assume you and your solicitor have logged (why I suggested the photos!)
TBH it sounds like he's not looking after them the boys don't like him (he takes their things and doesn't give it back) if it's that bad- let him apply for a court order to see them and be done with it for a few weeks!

Sunflowers2020 · 27/06/2024 07:42

If this was a child in my class, I would get them to change at the end of the day. I have had a pupil before who was in a similar situation and it is in the child’s best interests. Approach the school again.

sleepyscientist · 27/06/2024 07:43

Have you tried shaming him? Post on a local selling page asking if anyone has any cheap uniform as ex husband keep not returning. Where I am from this would have my inbox filled in minutes of offer of uniform plus offer to retrieve it

StormingNorman · 27/06/2024 07:45

I had a dad like this even down to the “I’ll bankrupt you” and he 100% did not care about his kids being the collateral damage. The judge actually called him the most vile man he’d ever had in his courtroom. Great 🤣

I’ll be honest. There is nothing you can do to make this better.

Either the kids bear the brunt of it as they are now or you do by doing the handovers in person so you can change them and keep their school clothes and treasured things at home.

Obviously the latter protects your kids more but it gives him the outlet he’s looking for to continue abusing you. Those are your only choices.

RandomMess · 27/06/2024 07:49

If you aren't at work go to school on his days and assist them getting changed before they are released to Dad and send them back in "his" clothing that is fit for the bin.

If that isn't feasible then the 8 year old is certainly old enough to change himself and leave his uniform on his peg/with reception.

You need to contact the school again - pastoral support & home school liaison and the Head and put in writing that they need to stop letting your ex financially and emotionally abuse you and your DC through his behaviour and there are simple things they can do to help. Let the boys change after school and keep their school uniform safe from him.

Crumpetsssss · 27/06/2024 07:49

I empathise. My ex does this. Not out of spite like yours though, just pure disorganisation and lack of thought. Mine are a bit older now though so they bring it back themselves.

Could you change contact day to an evening when they need the same uniform the next day? At my children’s school, for example, it’s PE kit Monday and Tuesday and uniform Wed - Fri. If he had them on Wednesdays they’d be going back in the same stuff (if that makes sense)

Mouswife · 27/06/2024 07:49

Approach school again and say if they do not help you will conplain to the board of governors. You are asking for help to stop the abuse, nothing more . School should help.
I would also go to small claims court and sue him for the clothing he refuses to return.
then I would go back to family court with the photos and let the children’s guardian write a report with the boys. It’s likely they will make contact only on the weekend to prevent this happening.

LaurieFairyCake · 27/06/2024 07:52

Does he actually have access agreed by court?

If not I would withhold contact until he goes to court

Then I would only allow pickup from a third party - children in cheapest clothes possible with plimsolls on weekends only

BloodyAdultDC · 27/06/2024 07:53

Please speak to the safeguarding lead at school.

Kids not having the right uniform is a red flag by itself, never mind the fact they're aware there is an acrimonious relationship between the parents. School might argue that their duty of care ends at the end of the school day, but really they could - and should - be working in the kids' best interests to ensure they are properly clothed. They should be able to evidence when the kids are inappropriately arriving without uniform, and should be recording any discussions you are having regarding ongoing abuse from him - which is directly affecting the kids.

Shocking lack of interest by the school.

BuggeryBumFlaps · 27/06/2024 07:56

Start cataloging the clothes he keeps, photos etc, make a list. then text him that you'll be round to collect x y and z on a particular day, tell him you have photos of the items you need.

Then call the police, explain you need someone to come with you to collect the items. As dv has been registered you can say that you need to do this because of what's been happening but you are concerned for your safety so you need someone to attend with you. They will then make an officer available to attend.

MyNewNewlife · 27/06/2024 08:03

Men like your ex do not co-parent, they counter parent. He is abusing your children to abuse you. He is disgusting.

Your words read like you are still afraid and thatcyou believe he is still all powerful. Trust me i know, i have been there and at times still am. Its exhausting.

But listen, you have to dig deep here. You have power and agency over your life. Get some personal support, proffessional and friends family..

You or an advocate (solicitor, friend or family member) tell him.. I have evidence to show you are stealing from me and our children. Theft is a crime. Each time you steal the childrens items i will be logging it with the police. The value of items you have stolen so far is.... give me my items back immediately.

Do go back to school. Maybe see head of pastoral or head of year and tell them what he does and ask for support.

He will always do this or find another way to cause you misery. He will use the children. It is domestic abuse and he needs to know you and others know he is an abusive man.

You were a victim but you survived him, now you are a strong capable intelligent woman who can take control of your life and make decisions based on your own needs. He does not have to win all the time anymore and you do not have to concede. He is a prick. Fight back.

Needanewname42 · 27/06/2024 08:30

Op just a thought is it only.school clothes he keeps?

What happens if you stop sending a chance of clothes?

Meadowfinch · 27/06/2024 08:48

Refuse to send your children to him until all items are returned.

Then moving forwards, when you drop DCs off, leave them in the car until all items have been handed over.

The only way to deal with a man like that is to not give an inch.

Once the clothes are handed to you, go back to being super-cooperative.

somethingwickedlivesnextdoor · 27/06/2024 09:25

Bloody hell, he's a complete thundercunt. What a sad little man he must be, to weaponise his own kids in this way. I feel for them, and for you.

I have no solutions, but sympathy.

I alsob like the suggestion to go round to his house with a big male friend, scare him into giving back the kids' things. Give him a taste of his own medicine.

You are a strong woman and a hero. Keep going. 💐

somethingwickedlivesnextdoor · 27/06/2024 09:25

MyNewNewlife · 27/06/2024 08:03

Men like your ex do not co-parent, they counter parent. He is abusing your children to abuse you. He is disgusting.

Your words read like you are still afraid and thatcyou believe he is still all powerful. Trust me i know, i have been there and at times still am. Its exhausting.

But listen, you have to dig deep here. You have power and agency over your life. Get some personal support, proffessional and friends family..

You or an advocate (solicitor, friend or family member) tell him.. I have evidence to show you are stealing from me and our children. Theft is a crime. Each time you steal the childrens items i will be logging it with the police. The value of items you have stolen so far is.... give me my items back immediately.

Do go back to school. Maybe see head of pastoral or head of year and tell them what he does and ask for support.

He will always do this or find another way to cause you misery. He will use the children. It is domestic abuse and he needs to know you and others know he is an abusive man.

You were a victim but you survived him, now you are a strong capable intelligent woman who can take control of your life and make decisions based on your own needs. He does not have to win all the time anymore and you do not have to concede. He is a prick. Fight back.

This ⬆️

OneRealRosePlayer · 27/06/2024 11:24

My dad did this to me. Very annoying. Whatever they were sent in, send them back in. Dont send the kids with any clothes from your house. Get the kids to hide their clothes from your house in their bags. Encourage them to develop ways of bringing clothes home. They will be just as annoyed. Make sure they know they can go behind their dad's back with this. See if you can get the kids to leave their pe kit at school or get them to change into different clothes at school. Or do the exchange at your house.

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