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I can’t trust my partner to look after our baby on his own and it’s draining.

388 replies

gg158 · 11/08/2024 10:36

Our baby girl is 4.5 months old.
I am trying to give him more responsibility to learn over the past few months as this is our first baby, and the first few months I know everyone makes mistakes but I can’t explain just how careless and irresponsible he is and it’s exhausting for me. I genuinely fear for her safety especially as she is becoming older going to start crawling ect and eating.

Work is different story and personal life I won’t go into that too much but he is irresponsible in those aspects of his personal phone and work phone work documents and also house keys constantly loosing or doesn’t know where put them. His mums excuse is he’s just always been like that that’s him he’s forgetful. Lol

The list of issues -
⁃ Makes bottles wrong
⁃ Forgets to fasten her in car seat
⁃ Forgets to lock his car so phone got stolen
⁃ Forgets to lock house door
⁃ Forgets to change nappy so leaks all over ( several times a week)
⁃ Forgets to put break on the pram so rolls had to catch it from going in road
⁃ I have to tell him to play with her or say bye when going to work. Or even hello when coming in from work
⁃ Forgets to remove Bib when putting her to bed or remove any loose blankets
⁃ Puts her on sofa in her pod but unsafely
⁃ Doesn’t watch her properly cause constantly on his phone
⁃ Doesn’t seem to miss her at all will happily go work 9-5 go golf or football after or meet a friend ( when he comes back home she’s already asleep) does that sometimes 2 nights in a row so won’t see her properly for 2 days and doesn’t say anything about missing her or can’t wait to see her.
⁃ Picks her up for 10 minutes then if she crys says oh do you want mummy
⁃ Just doesn’t check on her when out and about, was out at a function (outside) I went to toilet so said watch her please in her pram. I saw someone I knew inside so stopped and chatted for 5 mins, came outside he was not near her pram and she was just screaming crying ( obviously couldn’t hear was too busy talking to someone) and just left her pram instead of taking it.
⁃ If we are out with friends never helps just socialises and drinks while I do everything

Most people after being told the dangers learn from mistakes but it’s just constantly repeat of me nagging and telling him. He still makes bottles wrong today, did one yesterday and still does most of the above points.
He has made a bottle twice with prep machine and not completed the full process just done the hot shot method - then brought the bottle ( which is boiling hot )!!!! Will literally scold her! But luckily I noticed.
He just doesn’t seem to understand the severity of it says all I do is have a go at him or I can’t do anything right or him and his mum say that’s just the way he is! He’s always been not organised and struggled.
He’s stressed with work he’s got a lot on.
No your mum has just done everything for you!
He just doesn’t think like in her pod she was so high up with cushions underneath if she rolled she be straight off sofa on the floor.

In his mums eyes he cannot do no wrong ever!!! He could probably break her leg and she would have an excuse. She was crying her heart out I asked why he said oh I wasn’t supporting her neck when she was and her neck flopped back I think I’ve hurt it so I said be careful her neck is so fragile! His mum responded - At least you’re honest!

I understand everyone makes mistakes and has to learn but he’s just not learning and it’s hard cause I’m just fed up of constantly asking for help and not feeling like he wants to help, but then also when I ask him to help cause he’s so careless he just can’t do things right or puts her in danger. I genuinely feel like I can’t leave her with him for more than a few hours. He's just way too laid back about everything.
My mum helps me so I do get a break we are so close and she has plenty of grandchildren so knows what she is doing.
But even my family see and worry for me and her.

What do I do??? It’s making arguments every week and ruining our relationship as I’m fearful but also getting frustrated. Xxx

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Newsenmum · 11/08/2024 14:59

I agree he’s textbook adhd but that doesn’t really help your situation. Have you sat down with him and had a serious conversation about this? Does he feel upset when he makes these mistakes and does he realise, genuinely, what the consequences are? If so, then maybe he needs step by step guides of how to look after her for different parts of the day - voice notes so he can listen if he finds it hard to read writing/goes over his head? It’s very hard on you but may be your best best.

The main concern is if he doesn’t take any of it seriously. If so, then that’s on him and very wrong.

Nanny0gg · 11/08/2024 15:03

itscomplicatedagain · 11/08/2024 11:34

I'm sorry to say but this sounds similar to my ex husband. He's diagnosed now with adhd and autism but he also has a very selfish personality.

He would:
regularly spit on things to clean them for our newborn who was born prematurely.

Forget to strap him in pushchair, high chair or car seat. Forget the car seat and think it was ok to carry him in the back or front of the car. 🤬

Not watch him properly so constant accidents when I wasn't around.

He smoked and drank heavily and thought that was ok around a newborn.

We split and I'm so much happier.

Only major difficulty for me was worrying about him having contact when I wasn't there so I ended up staying with him longer than I should have done.

I wish you luck and I understand how hard and exhausting it it.

So what did happen with contact when you left?

How old is your DC now?

PermanentTemporary · 11/08/2024 15:05

The number of parents who are staying married to prevent their children having unsupervised time with an unsafe partner is much higher than is recognised, I think.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

gardenmusic · 11/08/2024 15:08

I don't think you can guide this man.
With the experiences OP has detailed, I certainly would not want to be giving another chance. They were such obvious things. Such dangerous things.
OP can talk to him til she's blue in the face, set alarms, leave notes, but would you want to test this out? See if he has grasped it?
I wouldn't.
I could not experiment with my child's well being and possibly her life.

Differentstarts · 11/08/2024 15:08

Show him this post so he actually sees the list of what he is doing wrong. It might be a wake up call because this is a ridiculous way for an adult to behave

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 11/08/2024 15:10

I think you need to trust your gut instinct that you can't trust him with your baby and go from there. Lower your expectations rather than count on training him to be a better father. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like he will get there.

TinkerTiger · 11/08/2024 15:12

Changingplace · 11/08/2024 10:57

He sounds awful, selfish and lazy, what’s the point of him?

This. I was thinking ok fair it's the first child so she can't have known. But he was like this BEFORE. never understand it.

blueblueskiesandacloud · 11/08/2024 15:14

He must have severe learning difficulties.

Forgets to remove Bib when putting her to bed

blueblueskiesandacloud · 11/08/2024 15:14

Why did you pick him as a father. Your poor child.

Snacksgalore · 11/08/2024 15:15

MtClair · 11/08/2024 11:18

And if there is something medical to explain his behaviour, then what?

Is the OP supposed to accept it it’s just the way it is?
Or is she supposed to compensate for his struggles?

Knowing there is an expla nation is just that. It’s gives a cause, a reason. It doesn’t make any of those behaviours acceptable.

Regardless of the cause (medical, laziness, sexist, whatever), the consequence is still the same.

Edited

If they’re a medical explaination there maybe treatment.

Ansjovis · 11/08/2024 15:15

gg158 · 11/08/2024 11:49

He wouldn't want to get rid of the commitment as he does really love her despite obviously the things he does. When he plays with her and talks to her they have a good bond it's just the safety issue. The would most definitely not be ok with not seeing her. Xx

If he loved her he would not be minimising his actions when called up on them. He'd be absolutely horrified and doing everything that he could to prevent his forgetful nature from putting his daughter's life in danger.

That said, I do see the predicament you are in. The threshold for the family courts to refuse unsupervised access to a child is incredibly high and it is a big risk that if you split your daughter's life will be in great danger. The only thing I can say is is there anyone who he will listen to, anyone who is likely to see the true picture here and be able to support him in improving so he can safeguard his daughter?

JohnofWessex · 11/08/2024 15:15

gg158 · 11/08/2024 11:49

He wouldn't want to get rid of the commitment as he does really love her despite obviously the things he does. When he plays with her and talks to her they have a good bond it's just the safety issue. The would most definitely not be ok with not seeing her. Xx

He could see her at his mothers/other suitable adult

Combattingthemoaners · 11/08/2024 15:17

Weaponised incompetence. Has grown up with his mother doing absolutely everything for him and wants this to continue. He puts himself before the needs of his daughter and wife. You need to have very very strong words with him and put clear boundaries in place. If he continues I’d be thinking about whether this is the type of person I want as a partner. I hope it gets better for you x

AlwaysGinPlease · 11/08/2024 15:20

He's a dickhead. Leave him or kick him out. Poor baby with all that shit from her " father" you need to get rid of him before she comes to harm.

Lavenderflower · 11/08/2024 15:26

I have not read all the comment but does he have ADHD?

BettyBardMacDonald · 11/08/2024 15:29

Relaxandunwind · 11/08/2024 11:08

His mum says he’s always been like this.

Was he? How long were you with him before having a child with him ?

In your current situation baby comes first and as he’s acting like a child I’d tell him it’s over and manage on your own with help from your mum.
If he’s always been like this he won’t change will he ?

Edited

He won't change and he'll drag OP down.

Get rid of. Give up the happy family fantasy because clearly he doesn't give a shit about either of you.

BettyBardMacDonald · 11/08/2024 15:32

Unsupervised... and if I say you can't see her alone I will look like a terrible person who's stopping someone see their daughter from everyone else's point of view I would look controlling.

What you "look like" to ill informed people should be the least of your concern.

The chil's safety is at risk. Consult with a solicitor ASAP.

Roundandback · 11/08/2024 16:09

Whether he has ADHD, learning disability or is just a selfish cunt is irrelevant. He is putting your baby in danger. She is 4.5 months old and she needs you to protect her.

He reminds me of the father who left his daughter to die in a hot car because he got distracted playing video games.

And just on the ADHD front - if you seriously think it is a disability that is to blame then either he immediately addresses that and fixes the issue or you acknowledge he is simply not capable of looking after your baby.

And make sure you have a dated log if every incident and see a solicitor.

Roundandback · 11/08/2024 16:14

And just to add I have ADHD which has had a massively negative impact on my life.

However, I have never forgotten about a baby or put them in danger - because when they are in my care they are my focus.

BingoBangow · 11/08/2024 16:20

There many people with ADHD who are fantastic parents so I don’t believe that’s the issue.

He sounds like an indulged mummy’s boy who has never had to step up.

FictionalCharacter · 11/08/2024 16:43

SauviGone · 11/08/2024 11:08

The only useful contribution this waste of skin will ever make is financial, so take him for as much money as you can, as everything else is going to fall on you.

Send him back to his mother and make a claim for maintenance through the CMS as soon as possible.

Edited

I agree.
OP this is really serious. He isn't just a bit hopeless, he's constantly putting her in danger. And there's something really wrong with someone who just says "oh I think I've hurt her" without being absolutely distraught. A normal father who loves his child would be upset and full of guilt.

He doesn't seem to even see her as a living being and doesn't have normal feelings when she's hurt, or a parent's instinct to protect his child. My DH has more protective instincts towards other people's children than yours does towards his own baby.

He can't be trusted with her, ever, and his attitude is extremely disturbing.

XlemonX · 11/08/2024 17:04

My DH was a bit like this when our first arrived but he never stop trying to get better so I guess thats the difference. He is now much better after our second born as he has more experience from first time. Perhaps dont critises if you do; instead be more constructive with your feedback to encourage him to retry again. And his mother needs to stop protecting him!

Your DH is a typical man-child - one that still have their dummy in from their protective mothers!!! He needs to grow up and stop being so ignorant. Its not an excuse. Not to be rude, but even primates will biologically protect their off-springs…

NDandMe · 11/08/2024 17:29

Not to be rude, but even primates will biologically protect their off-springs…

This isn't rude; it's an excellent point.

Deadbeatex · 11/08/2024 18:11

It sounds like weaponsied incompetence to me. I expected to be telling you gently that you were overreacting as it's your PFB but then I read your examples and nope sorry that's not overreacting! I don't care if he's always been like this or if he's undiagnosed ADHD or whatever, this is his child and her safety and wellbeing should be his priority and he should be learning basic things to keep his DD safe, not making the same mistakes over and over again.
If this was a DF writing these concerns about DM then there would be uproar about keeping the child well away from them and it's no different just because he has a penis (in fairness I've not RTFT so there will hopefully be this uproar)
He either needs to get his shit together or get his shit packed and out of her life with all contact supervised in future until he can prove he can parent safely

Orangeandpinknails · 11/08/2024 18:17

Bless you, I can understand your frustration.. it must be sooo hard for you. Honestly, I think it would be easier for you to raise her alone. I can't suggest anything other than has he had a diagnosis for AdHD or something? Not like that would help you really but sounds like could be this.. mixed with laziness too!

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