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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 do I handle this? Support please

5 replies

naughty40me · 16/08/2020 20:53

I will try to break this down so it's easy to read.

Divorced from ExH 8 years ago
He met new DP not long after and they have 2DC together.
I have zero feelings for him. I left him.
He normally has our 2DC EOW.
Lately things have been fraught.
They had a big argument in front of DD and so for the last 6 visits she has not been. She has been in tears even though I have tried to push her to go.
This weekend was his time. But then my DS told me that he can't go because his dad has gone abroad.
I was like ????

Turns out he and new family have gone away for two weeks.
Big fancy complex and on top of that his DP is having cosmetic surgery while she is there.
Now I'm not interested in what they are doing but I am really pissed off that he didn't tell me.
It was HIS responsibility to let me know he wouldn't be having them (well just DS as DD been staying home like I said)
But he left it to my DS to tell me last minute.
It's also quite cruel because they feel rejected.
When they are at his they don't so much as go to the park. They stay at his and DS goes on Xbox.
DD is usually bored stiff.

I've been asking for months and months for him to please do something with them.
I am single and I don't drive so the kids haven't been far this summer.
Usually I would get the train to the seaside but services have been reduced and there's the whole issue of mask wearing which is a bit much for 2/3 hours.

Anyway, my DC are upset.
I'm angry but doing my best to reassure them that he loves them.

It's so hard!!
I feel so sad for them.
He hasn't offered an alternative to them and literally does not seem to care.
Out of sight out of mind.

He will happily go the full 2 weeks between visits with no contact. No texts or phone calls.
Then when he sees them doesn't interact, just gets on with housework etc.

Last few years he hasn't seen them on Christmas Day either. All because he prefers to drink all day and not have to drive.

I've even suggested he come for a half hour in the morning just to see them with their gifts etc. And then go on his way. But he refuses.

I feel like I've spent so long trying to get him to see that the DC still love him and still need him but he just blames me for everything.

He will always say that I chose this life for them. I chose to be a single mum.
I chose for them not to have him around.

I'm just so angry and upset.

I'm not sure what I can do other than just let it go.

If I stop contact or anything it will be my fault won't it.
I just don't get why he can't see what he's doing the DC Sad

OP posts:
Tiffbiff · 16/08/2020 21:33

It was completely unfair, selfish and damn right cruel to do that without talking to you about it. You have every right to the feel the way you do. Definitely something you need to bring up with him. I’m sure your kids would have loved a holiday abroad also and for him to take his other kids is just cruel.

LouiseTrees · 16/08/2020 21:39

You didn’t choose for him to be a dick so you are not in the wrong. Just send them back when he’s back but tell them it’s fine for them to tell him how they feel, like they tell you.

Thelnebriati · 16/08/2020 21:56

Have you been to court, and do you have a child arrangement in place?

Also I know not everyone will agree but imo, stop trying to reassure the kids that their Dad loves them. They can see his behaviour and this is not what love looks like.

naughty40me · 16/08/2020 22:14

No we ever went to court other than to sign for the divorce.

Child arrangements and maintenance has just been agreed between us.

I did look into it at the start but was told that I can't make him have them anymore than he wants to.

If I stop contact then he can take me to court if he chooses but he doesn't have to. I've a feeling he would just walk away if it came to that.

I understand what you're saying about reassuring them. It's just hard to see the upset...but I agree, it's like I'm covering for him and I shouldn't have to do that should I.

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 16/08/2020 22:23

We went through the same thing, I remember poor DS sat there with his coat on waiting for his Dad to show up every weekend, and dealing with the fallout. I honestly think its better to have a clean break than to subject the kids to a man who clearly doesn't want to spend time with them. They feel so rejected.

He'll have the option to contact them again when they are older, and try to repair his relationship with them himself.

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