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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

He's left me after creating drama in front of the children

60 replies

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:10

Husband has struggled with being a parent since the day the DC were born- his mental health has deteriorated and he's been diagnosed with depression (lots of childhood trauma- cold, toxic parents who have ostracised him).

I've had severe PND and have tried my best to keep my shit together for the sake of the children and lift myself out of the PND cloud that has plagued me since I had my first. There were days not too long ago when I wanted to jump in front of an oncoming train or take an overdose and not wake up. I didn't follow through with anything because I knew if I died, there would be no one to take care of the children. Husband resents me for taking a tough survival stance and getting through each day. I resent him for leaving me to rot on my worst days and walking out for a breath of fresh air whilst I had two under two climbing all over me and me not having anything to give them (emotionally). There has been DV in the past where he's lashed out me and then reported me to the police for hurting him. We've had SS involvement twice.

We had a lot of couples counselling but nothing worked. Today he had a big meltdown in front of the toddlers over something trivial. He made them cry because of his screaming and shouting. I calmed the DC down. Took them to bed and came out to find him packing his things. He's told me I've ruined his life and he wishes the worst things for me- a prolonged and painful illness so I die a terrible death and other hurtful things. I don't know what to do. I knew our marriage was over and was going to raise the topic of divorce at some point but I wanted it to have as little impact on the DC as possible. I feel the circumstance under which he's leaving is going to leave them traumatised more than if we'd sat down with them and talked them through things calmly. What do I do?

The DC attend nursery a short car journey away- I don't drive. How will I get them there? I've recently returned to work after a few years out. How do I work at the opposite ends of the city and manage nursery drop offs and pick ups?! What am I going to do?! I'm petrified. To make matters worse, we were meant to be moving soon since our current property is too small for the DC. What will happen next? I have no idea how I'll manage the DCs clubs and groups- he did a lot with my older one- swimming, etc. I'll have to put a stop to their activities as I can't get there.

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whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:15

He's told me he has recordings of me being abusive (verbally) so will show that to a judge to have the children taken off me. These were arguments he'd start and then unbeknownst to me, he'd record my reactions.

I'm tired and feel numb. I have no energy left to do anything. Everyone I know thinks we have the perfect family. I can't talk to anyone IRL. Should I say something to my manager? She's already been so flexible. I don't want her to regret her decision of hiring me.

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gamerchick · 24/03/2022 22:15

You take a breath and ring your boss in the morning and take tomorrow off while you figure things out. He's an arse for just leaving you in the lurch like that.

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:16

I don't want to give up work because I need the money now more than ever. I have no savings to rely on and no family locally (they live over 400 miles away) to ask for help. We have a family wedding coming up which my husband was meant to drive us to. I won't be able to go now.

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gamerchick · 24/03/2022 22:18

You don't need to give up work. Forget about all the emotional stuff atm. Focus on the practicals.

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:19

@gamerchick

You take a breath and ring your boss in the morning and take tomorrow off while you figure things out. He's an arse for just leaving you in the lurch like that.

I've never shared any of my personal matters with anyone (lots of reasons). I feel deeply ashamed at the thought of sharing what's happened to me. What do I say to her?!

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RandomMess · 24/03/2022 22:22

Tell he is abusive (he is) and he's left and you need to sort practicalities.

Thanks
gamerchick · 24/03/2022 22:23

I understand. But I personally would tall the truth. That husband has left and you need to figure out the logistics for the kids.

You don't have anything to be ashamed of.

If nursery is a short drive, maybe taxis in the short term?

Easterbunnyiswindowshopping · 24/03/2022 22:25

Any reason you can't do an intensive driving course?
Really op you don't need him.

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:27

@gamerchick

You don't need to give up work. Forget about all the emotional stuff atm. Focus on the practicals.

I am. I knew the writing was on the wall and our marriage was over. He's miserable and always has been. The diagnosis of depression is a red herring because he'd told me how he resented the amount of help ( emotional support) available for new mothers and how no one helped the dads. The next couple of months entailed lots of doctors visits on his part and lo and behold he suddenly had depression. He'd talked previously of a colleague who had mental health issues and how he'd got away with so much because he was legally untouchable. I feel like he was trying to become like that too- all angles covered in case shit hit the fan. My biggest priority is the DC. And I want to be happy too. How do I coparent with such a manipulative and controlling bastard?! How do I tell the kids that after scaring them shitless last night, daddy won't be here for breakfast and won't living in the house anymore. My eldest is showing signs of autism and needs handling with kid gloves as it is. I don't know how the Dc are going to cope. Or how I am- I will I manage being a. Single parents- financially or physically?

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AuditAngel · 24/03/2022 22:28

Talk to your boss, I’m sure she will be sympathetic. Remember you haven’t done this, he has, you don’t need to cover for him.

Tell her you are embarrassed, and finding it hard to talk to her.

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:29

@Easterbunnyiswindowshopping

Any reason you can't do an intensive driving course? Really op you don't need him.
I feel this will the answer to all my problems. I really do. I don't need the fucker other than taking the kids where they need to be. I'm sad my marriage is officially over but he's checked out a long time ago- it was so obvious. He's felt tied down because of familial responsibilities. Him walking away is the best thing that's ever happened to him- it means he's free.
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whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:31

I'm currently having driving lessons- I'll ask my instructor for support in helping me pass- I fucking need to. I don't want to rely on this useless piece of shit anymore. Apologies for the swearing- I'm really fucking angry.

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Easterbunnyiswindowshopping · 24/03/2022 22:32

Using recorded stuff in court will see him trying to blacken your reputation and won't be well received.. My exh printed off a pack pack full of quite awful texts I had sent him - well bloody deserved imo - and judge told him to bin them.
Get a residence application in asasp.

RedWhiteOrBlue · 24/03/2022 22:41

He is calling your bluff. Can you see him being capable of looking after all the children 24hrs a day/7 days a week?

He just wants to control you, to make you stay.

Honeyroar · 24/03/2022 22:45

You’re going to be fine. You’re reeling now, naturally, but this will be one of the best things that has ever happened to you. He’s neither use nor ornament. Focus on yourself. Get that driving test under your belt. Speak to your boss. You’ll be in a better situation once you’ve got your head around things.

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:47

@RedWhiteOrBlue

He is calling your bluff. Can you see him being capable of looking after all the children 24hrs a day/7 days a week?

He just wants to control you, to make you stay.

He doesn't want me to stay. He's hated me for too long because my getting things done shows up his incompetency. Today he kicked off because the eldest wouldn't eat his tea- I told him to leave DC alone (he has sensory issues) and that was it. It's now my fault he's left because I pushed him to it. He doesn't want the kids but will fight for them because not doing so will show him up and tarnish his 'caring, family man' image.
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tkwal · 24/03/2022 22:49

Anything that has been recorded without your consent in your home and under the circumstances you described can't be used in court

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:49

@Honeyroar

You’re going to be fine. You’re reeling now, naturally, but this will be one of the best things that has ever happened to you. He’s neither use nor ornament. Focus on yourself. Get that driving test under your belt. Speak to your boss. You’ll be in a better situation once you’ve got your head around things.

I honestly feel like I will be fine- having him around has felt like having a gangrened limb. I just didn't know how we'd part ways for real. The fact that he's created such a drama and terrified the toddlers is what's making me scared, upset for them and seethe at the same time. How do I support the children through this? What do I tell them about what's happened and how he won't be coming back???

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Theredjellybean · 24/03/2022 22:50

Take it step by step...
Priority now is passing test and getting yourself a car.
In meantime I'd be asking dp how "he" intends to get the children to and from nursery, clubs etc.
If necessary stop clubs etc for few weeks. Your dc will survive... If you have access to money, joint account etc, use it to book extra lessons and taxi for nursery work runs.
If you can really push it you could be passed in a few weeks and then you can get on with a much happier life..
You don't have to. Move now, just you and dcs might be happy in smaller more affordable house anyway.
But step one... Book and pay out of joint money for as many lessons as you can do.
Good luck

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:51

@tkwal and @Easterbunnyiswindowshopping - that is reassuring. He's a master manipulator in that he'll orchestrate scenarios and arguments and then become silent and will let me shout and then tell me he's got me on camera to 'protect himself just in case'.

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RoyKentsChestHair · 24/03/2022 22:51

@Easterbunnyiswindowshopping

Using recorded stuff in court will see him trying to blacken your reputation and won't be well received.. My exh printed off a pack pack full of quite awful texts I had sent him - well bloody deserved imo - and judge told him to bin them. Get a residence application in asasp.
Yeah a recording of you when you weren’t aware of it won’t go down well. And if he’s trying to show you’re unfit, his “depression” can be used against him in the same way.

I would suggest you try and book some time off work this week to take the pressure off. Don’t look too far ahead at the moment. Longer term it would make sense for your home, nursery/school and work to all be fairly close if possible, whether or not you’ve got a car, so you can look at moving those around in due course. For now, just concentrate on taking care of you and the DCs and getting him out. They don’t need to see a repeat of that, and he needs to give you space to think too.

Tomorrow spend a bit of time working out the finances using entitledto.Co.uk so that you can get a rough idea of the help available to you. You’ll be fine. Plenty of people manage alone, and even thrive. Once you heal from the shock and grief of the end of your relationship but it sounds like it wasn’t a total shock so you’re probably half way there Flowers

OhSOconfused123 · 24/03/2022 22:53

Will he be able to look after them every day and take them to school etc?
Doubt it
It’s empty threats
Forget him

RedWhiteOrBlue · 24/03/2022 22:54

@whatdoidonoww sorry if I was clumsy. He has left. He is threatening to take the children off of you. He stands no chance that is what I meant to convey.

Those who know you will know that he left, not because of you at all.

And who exactly is at home dealing with, caring for the children?

He is a tosser. Sorry but it had to be said.

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:55

My work has been so supportive already. My childcare for 2 days a week fell through (husband refused to WFH or ask for flexible working) and my manager said she didn't mind me not being on call during the day when I had the kids around so long as I got the work done in my own time- evenings and weekends. I feel like I'm indebted to her so much already. I feel so embarrassed going to her and putting something else on her to sort out/manage.

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whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:57

What do I tell my children in the morning. The youngest clung to me for dear life and the eldest cried and cried, saying daddy stop.

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