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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

Is how I'm feeling normal or is my marriage done for?

31 replies

user1471459444 · 24/12/2020 20:22

Been married 6 years to someone I thought was my soul mate. He had a reputation for being a bit grumpy and anti social but was always lovely to me. Since having my two year old, everything has changed. I had to go back to work full time when my baby was 4 months old and he became a stay at home parent. Since then he's been so grumpy and doesn't want to do anything but sit on the sofa and play games on his phone. I work long hours and have been working from home since the start of the pandemic, so maybe the problem is that I'm home in the next room to hear what's going on all day!

He barely speaks to or plays with our little one, instead he sits on the sofa, playing on his phone or reading while the 2 year old watches TV or plays with toys. Two or three times a week I force him to go out for a walk with him for an hour, and once a week they go to a toddler class that I book. They only go for walks locally where we live, unless I convince him to take him to the park. He doesn't like going to the park because "it's full of children". All I hear all day is, "stop that" "put it down" "be quiet" etc. This month it's a continual "for gods sake, get away from the christmas tree" because he's touched a bauble.

I had a fairly traumatic birth (as most are I guess!) Ending in an emergency section under general anesthetic, followed by post natal anxiety (I think ,- it was undiagnosed). He just couldn't understand how I was feeling, and as soon as I walked in the door for a long commute and long shift the baby was handed over to me, I had to cook dinner, bath etc on my own so he could rest. It's still the same two years later - sometimes I ask him to cook dinner and he does it, but it's still always expected that I'll do everything from 5pm onwards. I start work at 7 while they are both still asleep. They lay around in bed till 9 and then get up. Half the time I prepare lunch for the toddler and supervise him while he eats it. Most days I try and do an activity for my toddler (sand, painting etc) at lunchtime before getting back to work.

So I'm exhausted, and feel so disheartened hearing all the constant whinging at a happy, funny bright little toddler who is honestly joyous to be around. My husband has stopped showering ( now only showering once a week) doesn't get dressed most days and now we have sex probably once every 3 months. I've asked him if he might be struggling mentally since stopping work, and he has told me outright that he's fine and just lazy.

I'm now having panic attacks multiple times a day, but I can't even talk to him about it because he just shuts down and tells me to stop going on at him.

Sorry for the really long post, I'm just so tired and so sad. I feel like I should be happy with my lovely little one but the pressure of being the only breadwinner and trying to give some fun to my little ones day instead of entertaining himself is really getting to me. Is this normal life with a toddler in lockdown or is my marriage ending?

OP posts:
N4ish · 24/12/2020 22:40

Good news on the 2 days in nursery op. That could be the catalyst for change that you all need.

user1471459444 · 24/12/2020 23:03

Thank you all again for your replies. We've actually had a talk tonight and he's going to do what he can to get back to work, even if only part time in January once our son starts nursery. He apologised for how things have been, and acknowledges that he's become a lazy parent and husband and that I've been picking up the pieces. He loves being with our little boy and is sad at the thought of not spending all day with him but agreed with me that we have to put his development first. We do love each other so I hope we can sort it out.

I will look into help for my own panic attacks, it's been years since I've had them but with everything going on and all the usual work pressure etc they've come back with a vengeance. I just kind of assumed that everyone was struggling right now and brushed it aside.

I'm grateful for all of your advice, thank you for spurring me on to open a conversation at least.

OP posts:
Dery · 24/12/2020 23:32

Sounds like a very useful and productive talk, OP. Good to have a plan and a direction. Onwards and upwards.

Nancydrawn · 24/12/2020 23:39

I'm glad you had this talk, OP. Honestly, even if it has a negative effect on the family budget, I think work sounds good for him if at all possible. He seems to be saying the right things, and I hope he follows through.

Sundance2741 · 24/12/2020 23:42

Good to hear you have had a talk and have plans to change things. Social services wouldn't be interested in the degree of "neglect" you mention, don't worry. It would be considered "good enough" parenting as long as your son is safe, which he sounds like he is. (Of course, ideally you want better for him though.)

MixMatch · 25/12/2020 00:29

OP he sounds like he has depression. Sad The irritability, lack of self care, not having a shower etc. I would push him to seeking mental health support via his GP. Hope things improve Flowers

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