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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

how can i get DH to treat DC and me with respect and love?

559 replies

frustratedwineaholic · 08/01/2019 13:10

Hi, I am felling really stuck in my relationship. I want to end out marriage but I can't. He will not leave our house and I have been advised by a solicitor not to leave as then I will be unlikely to ever get back into our home or receive any equity from it. This is why I am asking for advice on how to change my husband. I know you can't really change people, they themselves have to want to change but I'm so desperate.

we have 4 dc, only the younger 2 are dh's. they are 12, 10, 6 and 4. DH is usually grumpy and always finds a way to suck the fun out of everything involving the dc. when we have a rare night off he is different, but mostly only if we are with friends. He hates being wrong and can never apologise. he tells the dc not to shout but then shouts at them, he never listens to them, just jumps to conclusions and unfairly punishes them by sending them to bed early, when when i attempt to calmly explain why they did whatever it was and he knows he has over reacted he will not back down, he just becomes angry and starts shouting at me. a few recent examples,
DS2 is like Jeckyl and Hyde, one minute he is the ost loving, cuddly little 6 yr old and he next he just seems to get this look in his eye and he is horrible, he spits, throws things, kicks and hits me and dc, tries to run away all because of the slightest thing like time to close he pet cage. This morning he got up early, he shares a room with DS1, DS1 is in the top bunk and DS2 the bottom, he took his pull up off (diagnosed over active bladder) and threw it at DS1 face then spat at him for no reason. I had an operation yesterday so still under affects of general anaesthetic and was call DS2 to stop, DS1 was shouting Mummy help, I got out of bed, held onto the wall for dizzyness and held DS2 hand puling him away, DH came out o the kitchen and sent both DS to time out, I got cross as DH is always picking on DS1 in my eyes and told him DS1 is not going to time out and DH shouted at me that he was shouting so people down the road could hear, I said he was calling for help as DS2 was throwing a wet nappy at him and spitting at him and DH starting shouting at me for having a go at him and threatened to go to work and leave me to it, it was 6am and DH was going to work late to enable him to do the school run following my operation. I just backed down as I know him well enough to know he would go off and leave me. I had aa major operation 2 years ago and couldn't walk easily or lift anything, he stormed off the following day after an argument and left me unable to eve have a cup of tea. Anyway, he as then in an awful mood, storming about, telling everyone off for the slightest thing, made my DD1 cry as he refused to get her a toilet roll from the cupboard as she should have go it herself before sitting down. in the middle of all this chaos DS2 is still being a total nightmare, he poured salt into the last of the milk so my DS1 lost his temper with DS2 and picked him up from the breakfast bar stool and roughly put him on the floor, DH went mad and DS1 bravely told him he has had enough of being blamed for everything, he said he wont be here later, DH told him he is going to bed early for his mouth.

I can't take anymore, I called a local counselling service to enquire about family counselling but I can't afford it.

Any advice gratefully received.

OP posts:
Zwischenwasser · 05/02/2019 23:36

Cmon OP.

it’s a tactic straight out of abuse the Mrs 101.

Here’s the test.If he’s genuine he’ll give you space, tell him you’ll get back together as long as he goes to counselling , and agrees to spend the next year apart whilst he on himself. Once he is on an even keel spend a few years taking it steady and not living together.

Will he do that?

Bet you he’ll just cycle back to abusive wanker. He’ll get angry, break things , threaten suicide and/or develop a serious illness, probably cancer or heart problems.

AcrossthePond55 · 05/02/2019 23:37

You haven't 'given up', you've let go! You've let go of a life with an abusive man who even now doesn't acknowledge what he's done! There is not one single word in that message that speaks to his having accepted his responsibility in this or his acknowledgment that he has been abusive. Not. One. Word.

Right now, yes, there may be a feeling of emptiness. But that emptiness is being created by the absence of the mental work you've had to do to keep him happy, to keep the peace. You had a lot of emotional weight on you because of him. So now, that weight, that effort is gone and, funny as it is, you 'miss' it. Because it was familiar. But soon that emptiness will be filled with the busy-ness of a new routine, time spent doing the things you want to to, when and how you want to do them.

You are sad because of the loss of the dream. But the dream was not the reality. And over the next weeks there will be the new reality set in. The reality of the peace and calm of your new home. The lack of anxiety in you and in your children.

You've been running on adrenaline and nerves for the last 18 days. Now there's going to be a drop in that adrenaline. So be sure you take care of yourself. Try to eat well and get enough sleep. Relax the rules a bit and spend time just sitting with your children, snuggled up and watching TV. It's not going to hurt anyone!

And remember, too, that Mr Nice will probably disappear in a puff of smoke as soon as he realizes that you meant what you said about leaving. I think it may be worth it to take another little perusal of your posts.

JassyRadlett · 05/02/2019 23:43

OP, I have been following but haven’t commented before. But I wanted you to know that a stranger on the internet thinks you’re a total superstar, and incredibly brave, and a hero for your children.

Nunya · 06/02/2019 02:28

You have NOT given up on life, OP! You’re finally giving yourself and your 4 innocent children a chance to have a life! A life free from the stress, frustration, fear, worry and anger that comes with living with an abusive spouse and parent. His last message is still showing how much he does not get it. He hasn’t felt badly for you and your children in this situation and he still does not, he only feels for himself. As for him saying that he doesn’t want to give up on 9 years and he doesn’t think it’s in the best interest of the kids....maybe he should have thought about that a lot sooner than now and none of his behavior that you’ve described in your posts was ever in the best interest of the children and he didn’t care about that in the past when it was pointed out to him. He’s feeling sorry for himself now that he sees that you mean business. It is far too little, way too late. How can it be “down to you” when it is his attitude, actions and nasty behavior that is the cause of these issues. Does he mean that it’s down to you to come back and tolerate it like you’ve done in the past?
Yes you are scared of the unknown and it is intimidating, especially when it’s not what you ever wanted in the first place. This is one of the hardest things that you may ever have to do but it is so worth it, OP! Stay strong, take care of yourself and give your children the safe, secure, calm environment that they deserve to live in. You have gotten some great advice and insight on here. You CAN do this!! It will get better.

Nunya · 06/02/2019 02:32

Acrossthepond55 is right on!

Buggeritimgettingup · 06/02/2019 06:30

I hope your first night wasn't too sleepless, you're AMAZING! You've taken your life back and giving yoir children the best example of a strong womam who does absolutely the right thing. You're a warrior. I know what it's like, be prepared for him twisting it and turning it and promising tje earth. Stay strong, you've got this xxx

another20 · 06/02/2019 06:54

I understand that the best that this can be is bittersweet - this is not where you wanted your lives to be. But the reality is that you have done the very best thing for your children. You didn’t have any other option if they wanted to have any chance of salvaging the last bit of their childhoods.

As others have said he is who he is.
Re-read the thread if you ever wobble.

You are a hero - this will all be brilliant - just focus on your DCs - especially the older two.

Aussiebean · 06/02/2019 07:40

Whenever you think about that text, read this...

‘DC are good. I told DC 3&4 at my parents house this evening. DD2 didn’t get it but DS2 was so excited! As soon as I told him he had a new bed he threw himself on me and just kept thanking me. They haven’t even asked for daddy’

THEY HAVENT EVEN ASKED FOR DADDY!!!

frustratedwineaholic · 06/02/2019 15:11

Thank you all again.

I have been busy unpacking today, had a new sofa delivered and done the food shopping. I’ve not heard anything from H.

Giving DC swimming lessons a miss tonight. I have so much to do and really just want to chill. Older DC gonto their DF tonight so going to run a bath (we only had shower at old house), drink wine whilst watching what I want on tv in my new sofa Grin

OP posts:
frustratedwineaholic · 06/02/2019 15:12

Those of you who pointed out that he hasn’t even acknowledged his behaviour really hit home for me. He totally hasn’t and hasn’t apologised.

He’s either feeling sorry for himself or planning to see solicitor etc. I’m just waiting to see.

OP posts:
hellsbellsmelons · 06/02/2019 15:17

And of course you can also eat chocolate or pizza or curry or a pot noodle if it takes your fancy - on the couch - with complete control over the remote!
I hope you have a peaceful night OP.
Get the unpacking done then the really homely touches can be added as and when you find them.
I hope the DC are still happy without the atmosphere!

ree348 · 06/02/2019 15:28

I'm so pleased for you!

Fairenuff · 06/02/2019 15:32

Just in case you need a reminder to not feel sorry for him or get back with him, this is what you wrote earlier on this thread:

He moved out of our previous house which was a rental a couple of years ago, I’m still kicking myself that I let him back in, now I have to go through all that stress, anger and sadness again, I promised myself I wouldn’t ever be here again.

And also this. If anything, this should be all you need to stay away from him:

Later i spoke to DD1, she was crying and saying she hates it here and wants to kill herself, I am trying to reassure her that it will all be ok but she doesn't believe me because I have made him leave before then taken him back. I need to show her i mean it. She first said she doesn't wan to leave our home, we have all been through so much to get a home of our own, but she then said she just wants to get away from DH so she will move with me.

You hear that? Your DD wanted to kill herself because of him.

There is no going back. There cannot be. You cannot choose him over her.

AcrossthePond55 · 06/02/2019 16:36

He’s either feeling sorry for himself or planning to see solicitor etc.

Probably both. And a great deal of shock that you had the audacity to carry through with your promise to leave. But what he is NOT doing is examining his role in this and contemplating how he can change, really change.

Take a few minutes today to sit quietly on your new sofa and just listen to the nothing. No tension, no angry words, no feelings of fear, worry, or impending doom. Feel the peace of it. Sometimes it takes a bit to realize that it is peace you are feeling, not 'emptiness' or 'loneliness'. Peace.

Ahardma88 · 06/02/2019 16:49

Well done op, you have to be strong for your kids. Keep going!

Weezol · 06/02/2019 20:29

One of the things I really noticed was when I did something that had been previously banned was that I kept having little shocks as I realised just how controlling he was. I'd then get a wave of euphoria when I realised I was doing what I wanted without fear.

It's over 20 years ago,but this more recent
song is how I felt.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=TDVMnQGqIXU

frustratedwineaholic · 06/02/2019 22:10

Great song weezol

Feeling better tonight. My parents came over and dad built DS1 bed.

DH text asking “how’s the kids” I replied “they are good. How are you?” He replied “how do you think”.
My mum said I should call him so DC could say goodnight. I text him offering a phone call. He asked what I had told them, I said moving due to arguments etc. He then called, DS2 said to FaceTime, so we hung up and FaceTimed DH. He asked about DC new bedroom, DS said well DD1 and DS1 have their own rooms but I have to share with DD2, I said no DS2, you chose to share, DH said that’s not fair that everyone gets their own rooms but you have to share! I just said that’s not helpful. I then said whilst still on FaceTime, daddy you can come over and see their rooms whenever you like, told him roughly where we were as only 3 roads away. He didn’t say anything though. Haven’t heard from him since.

Yet again, it’s all about him and not DC.

I’m slightly in love with my new sofa though Smile

OP posts:
category12 · 06/02/2019 22:14

Really, I wouldn't have him in your house at this stage, OP.

Please note - you're the one doing the legwork. As always. He could be asking for contact with the dc etc - but no. You're the one initiating it. All he did was agree and then stir. Don't bring him to your house to recreate the atmosphere you've just escaped.

another20 · 06/02/2019 22:19

I agree - do not let him pollute your new home. You have worked very hard for this. Your oldest 2 DC need never see him again - they have been traumatised enough - they need him not to come there. Drop his kids to him on a formal arrangement. Do not let him on your drive or over your threshold - he will sabotage and ruin it.

another20 · 06/02/2019 22:25

Your oldest two have suffered two family breakdowns and have absorbed domestic abuse for years now. Give them a sanctuary - prioritise them and the few years of their childhood / teenage years to repair emotional damage.....not soothing some abusive man.

Fairenuff · 06/02/2019 22:28

Don't let him step foot in your house. Do handovers at the door. In fact, get a chain.

frustratedwineaholic · 06/02/2019 22:35

I just want to do what’s best for younger DC. I want to be friends with DH.

I have a terrible relationship with exDh and done want the same again with DH

OP posts:
another20 · 06/02/2019 22:52

Abusive men will never be your friend.

He will be malicious now and punish you and the children more than ever.

He might burn this house down like he threatened to do with the other one.

The best thing for your younger DCs is you separated from their DF with very clear distance and strong boundaries. They don’t need you all back to square one with the abuse just happening under this roof.

They don’t need you emotionally battered, drained and preoccupied with him.

They need YOU strong and calm and focusing your finite emotional energy on them - not giving it to him.

Jux · 06/02/2019 22:56

Keep him out as far away as possible, don't have him in the house, he'll use it against you somehow and contiue controllng you.

So, tell me about your lovely new sofa?

Rtmhwales · 06/02/2019 22:56

Agree, please don't invite him over. Maybe in a year or six months if he's behaving himself. Plus having him in the new house would just blur the lines for the younger DC about what's happening. Has he asked when he's going to get the kids and what kind of custody/access situation you two are working out? That would be my first question if my partner had left with my kids - not telling DS2 that it's unfair he has to share Hmm

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