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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

STBXH won't see our DCS at Xmas cause he is going to GFs instead

87 replies

PinkSimba · 30/10/2024 21:09

There is of course a load of backstory to this but I will try and keep it short.

In the summer, H left me with no warning. Since then, he seems to have had a personality transplant. Overnight, he went from being a man who wanted to spend as much time as he could with family to only seeing the DCS on Saturday mornings and one evening a week. He also introduced his new GF at the worst time and was surprised they didn't welcome her with open arms (but that story could be a whole other thread). He wants to give me anything I want money-wise but seems desperate for the divorce to go through and keeps offering more and more things to me but then gets annoyed that I want them in writing because he "just wants everything done".

Before we even had the DCS, we have always spent Xmas morning opening presents at home and then go to ILs for dinner with his family.

During half term, the DCs normally make their Christmas lists, and then we choose some things off the list for family and friends to buy, some things for me and H to buy, and some things from Santa. We have done this for the last 5 years when the eldest was old enough to understand Xmas.

So H messaged me at the beginning of half term saying that I should message him one thing the DCs want that he can buy, and then he will send me money for Santa presents. I agreed and then asked him what his plan was for Xmas. He didn't reply.

So the other day, I picked up the DCS from PILS (H is kind of living there), and he met me at the door, which was already suspicious cause normally he just lets the DCs out, and I don't see him.

He had me sit next to PILS, and he explained to us all that this Xmas, he would happily see the DCS during the day on Xmas Eve, but he would then be travelling to spend the rest of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at GF's parent's house. He won't be returning till late December.

I asked him what about our DCS and he said they'd be fine. He will take them on Christmas Eve for a few hours "extra" to let me get some things done. He then launched into an I shouldn't expect everything to be the same lecture.
I pointed out that I didn't expect it to be the same, but I was expecting him to see his DCS.
I assumed that I'd have them in the morning, and he would take them to PILs for dinner, and they'd come back when they were ready.

He then started to get arsey saying that any other parent would be thrilled to have all of Xmas, and I need to see that he has two families now and it would be unfair for him not to see GF and her DCS, and he has already promised them he will be there.

PILs then got upset, asking him why he was acting like his family didn't exist. He blamed their upset on me. I just said goodbye, got the DCs, and went home.

Since then, he has messaged me to say that this is the plan and he won't be changing it, so we all need to accept it and move on.

I am so annoyed at him; it's like he has become a completely different man in the last 4 months. How can he want to spend Christmas without his kids? Normally, he loves Xmas and watching the kids’ open presents, going to ILs for his mum's roast, and seeing his siblings and their families. I keep thinking how upset the DCs are going to be when they don't get to see him, and that's before they find out he is spending it with the GF family. I keep trying to think of ways I can get him to see them, but I doubt they will work because he has made up his mind, and these days, he doesn't seem to care what anyone else says. He's just convinced that everything he says/does is right.

OP posts:
PassingStranger · 31/10/2024 20:34

I don't see the problem, he hardly sounds like a crap dad.
He sees them twice a week and pays mainentance.
He's seeing them Xmas eve, which is Christmas.
Ask a parent where the father has walked away completely what they think.
No money, no contact ever.
Things do change when you split up.
They don't stay the same.

BruFord · 31/10/2024 20:53

I’m glad that your PIL were upset, it shows that they care about your children.

As others have said, enjoy your Christmas with your children and don’t give him a second thought, he’s not worth it.

Wolframandhart · 31/10/2024 21:32

PassingStranger · 31/10/2024 20:34

I don't see the problem, he hardly sounds like a crap dad.
He sees them twice a week and pays mainentance.
He's seeing them Xmas eve, which is Christmas.
Ask a parent where the father has walked away completely what they think.
No money, no contact ever.
Things do change when you split up.
They don't stay the same.

I don't see the problem, she hardly sounds like a crap mum.
she sees them twice a week and pays mainentance.
She is seeing them Xmas eve, which is
Advent but very nearly Christmas.

😏

Itstimetoquit · 31/10/2024 22:24

Fuck him he's a dick! I wouldn't mention it to him again. You and kids have a lovely Xmas at home and let him explain to the kids why he's not there. Men piss me off they find a bit of skirt then act like they ain't got kids. My ex hasn't seen his son for 3 years ! he hasn't bought him a Xmas or birthday present for 3 years! But the way I see it is it's his loss! In my opinion it's hard in the beginning but it does get easier,he's just a selfish twat! You concentrate on yourself and your kids xxx

PinkSimba · 05/11/2024 20:00

Thank you all for your advice. You are right. I keep thinking that he will turn around one day and be back to the H I loved for 11 years, who adored his DCs and always wanted to be involved with everything we did.
Obviously, I need to accept that he isn't that man anymore and focus on the DCs and making their lives special. You are also right; I should just enjoy having them all to myself for Christmas. Some of the threads on here where parents are arguing / don't get to see their kids this year do help show me how lucky I am.

It's just sad. I understand he does more than some parents who leave, but that doesn't make it right or easier for the DCs to deal with. Normally, for bonfire night, he takes the middle DC to see fireworks, and I stay at home with the others. Tonight, he didn't mention bonfire, and middle DC is upset even though I took him to a display at the weekend cause he thought daddy would take him like he normally does and I feel awful that he's so upset and there's nothing I can do.

OP posts:
Whyherewego · 05/11/2024 20:22

It is awful to see your DC upset but all you can do is be rhe best person you can be and let ex make his own choices.
He will let them down again and again and unfortunately you can't do much about it but be there for the DC. Sorry

fashionqueen0123 · 05/11/2024 21:28

PinkSimba · 05/11/2024 20:00

Thank you all for your advice. You are right. I keep thinking that he will turn around one day and be back to the H I loved for 11 years, who adored his DCs and always wanted to be involved with everything we did.
Obviously, I need to accept that he isn't that man anymore and focus on the DCs and making their lives special. You are also right; I should just enjoy having them all to myself for Christmas. Some of the threads on here where parents are arguing / don't get to see their kids this year do help show me how lucky I am.

It's just sad. I understand he does more than some parents who leave, but that doesn't make it right or easier for the DCs to deal with. Normally, for bonfire night, he takes the middle DC to see fireworks, and I stay at home with the others. Tonight, he didn't mention bonfire, and middle DC is upset even though I took him to a display at the weekend cause he thought daddy would take him like he normally does and I feel awful that he's so upset and there's nothing I can do.

That’s terrible I would remind him about the fireworks.

But yes, enjoy having the kids at Xmas and much better than than have an ex take them off you.

Coldfinch · 05/11/2024 21:51

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 30/10/2024 22:46

THIS
Otherwise he'll be taking them to her house next year

This! Divorce while his guilt is at a premium and then make the best memories with your kids. Why make excuses for the scumbag and play happy families. Your kids have you and the DGP, leave him to it.

Mmmbop23 · 05/11/2024 21:52

I'm in the exact same boat too. The harsh reality is he's now going to put her above his children same as my ex h. It really is his loss OP.

Mrssmith3 · 05/11/2024 21:58

I’ve been in a similar situation. Having realised my conversation isn’t going in I would say leave him to it. The kids will learn for themselves unfortunately.

mitogoshigg · 05/11/2024 22:06

Just make the best of it and perhaps try to involve his parents too as they are hurting as well.

PiggyPigalle · 06/11/2024 00:02

As he's being generous with money, have you thought maybe of booking a snowy holiday? Sweden or Lapland?

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