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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 it mean to not cook for Stepson after Relationship breakdown?

182 replies

JennaSays84 · 27/01/2025 17:50

Hi all,

This is my first post here but posting because I’m in a difficult situation and not sure if what I’m planning on doing is mean, but I’ve reached my limits.

I’ve been in my relationship for 6 years now which has been verbally and emotionally abusive from about 2 years in. Some physical in the beginning too. He has tried to change but I’m finding it hard to stay in the relationship because he says sorry but carries on. I get called names, nothing as bad as it used to be but I still get snapped at and punished for pulling him up on it. He likes to bang his fists about a lot and shout and swear too.

Last week for example I told him I really wasn’t happy with the way he’s just spoken to me again, can’t remember exactly what it was but think he called me a retard. He went and slept on the floor in the living room, I tried to speak to him but he told me to shut up and get out. Then text me each day from work saying he loves me and wants things to work etc. I’ve made with clear he only means it if he stops but it happens most days and the way things are I can’t see things getting back to good again. So now this has gone on for a week and a half, him sleeping away from me, I think he’s trying to punish me because he says it’s all my fault things are like this.

Lastnight he shouted at me because he’d had a drink, I picked him up from the pub like he asked and I was sat outside waiting for 10 mins when I told him I needed to back quickly. So he ranted at me, slammed my car door really loud and told me leave his dinner (I’d been hanging on for him to get home so I could finish cooking). He told me to leave his uncooked dinner on the side because he doesn’t want me to do anything for him. I knew he was ‘starving’ because he’d told me, normally I’d still cook for him as I always do, still caring and cooking for him and his son no matter how he speaks to me. But lastnight, I thought why should I. He’d already locked himself away in his man cave ignoring me, so I did mine and the children’s, left his on the side. Petty I know, but I’d reached my limit after he’d spoken to me like dirt in front of his son. Well he’s not spoken a word to me since, not looked at me, nothing.

I’ve started looking for my own place for me and my kids.

I do most things in the house as well as working full time, cooking, cleaning washing. I cook separately for his son as he has hobbies late til gone 7pm. I get up early to make sure he’s ready for school, iron uniform and do his packed lunches. I feel really taken advantage of, even though he says I used him ( he was in a much better paying job than me in the beginning) but isn’t now, he’s using this as the reason I’m leaving, which isn’t true, it’s because I’ve had enough of the emotional abuse.

But I’ve decided I won’t be cooking dinner for us together regardless like I usually do, I’ll make myself a sandwich or something. But he will call me all kinds if I don’t make his sons, but make my own kids dinner. I’d do them all together but my kids eat hours earlier due to him not being home too gone 7. I just feel like why can’t he do it? Is it mean if I stop cooking for his son, stop doing his packed lunch and ironing his uniform til I leave? I’ve no vendetta at all, it’s just I’m exhausted, feel so down and struggling through the sadness I feel and need him to know I will be leaving and it’s something he’s now going to have to take charge of from now on.

OP posts:
ForZanyAquaViewer · 27/01/2025 19:20

That wouldn’t be the chore I stopped doing. Make him what you make your kids and he can heat it up. If your partner thinks that isn’t suitable, then he can make him something else.

If you feel safe to do so, I’d stop doing anything for your partner - no cooking, cleaning or laundry. That’s what I’d stop.

Regardless, I think you URGENTLY need to move out and end this relationship.

Hopelesscase32 · 27/01/2025 19:23

JennaSays84 · 27/01/2025 19:00

I have a viewing tomorrow thankfully, I know I need to leave.

He’s 10. Im really not sure why, it’s expected of me. Maybe because I’ve done so much for so long.

I hope the viewing goes well as you really need out of there his behaviour is disgusting.
Don't punish the child though. Make him what you make the kids and it can go in the microwave. If they don't like it the dad can sort it himself

Threecakes · 27/01/2025 19:24

I’d continue doing what you’re doing for SS as long as you’re living there. 10 is still young and you’re a nice person.

Hope the viewing goes well and you get away soon!!

valentinka31 · 27/01/2025 19:25

Don't change the status quo and routine for the kids. If the kid comes home and has no supper when you've always done it, that will upset him and make him feel rejected. He's done nothing wrong. If you care at all for this kid, don't do it to him.

Similarly with his packed lunches etc.

If you are going soon anyhow, it doesn't matter. Just do what you've always done while you're there. The poor lad will feel it soon enough when you've gone 😔 and the lack of you and his siblings

Limonsuz · 27/01/2025 19:25

The man is a dick and needs to be left pronto but not cooking for a child and projecting your anger to an innocent is indeed mean and won't resolve anything but make you (probably) , and the kid miserable. Be the bigger person. And then of course run for the hills.

Busywithsomething · 27/01/2025 19:25

Just wondering who will be caring for the boy after you've left? Obviously you do need to leave. Then who will be feeding him?

MrsJ92 · 27/01/2025 19:27

I'm glad you're leaving. The only thing I can say is secure the accommodation and move out whilst he is at work because he will most likely go physical. If you do tell him you're moving out let it be on moving day with 1-2 witnesses ideally another guy in your family who will be present. When you leave please walk your children through some healing because this has likely affected them. As for the child,let him eat what is available to all. Not sure his age but you can start showing him how to do basic things even if its sticking it in the oven, or tuna pasta etc.

arcticpandas · 27/01/2025 19:27

Just leave some for his son to heat up. You can't cook twice in an evening. Breathe and start planning how to get out of this relationship. He's being abusive and this is horrible for you but also for all the kids witnessing this. Please leave. I feel sorry for his son having to stay with him so please be kind to him, not his fault his dad's an abusive twat.

Ger1atricMillennial · 27/01/2025 19:28

You would do the same for your kid if they were at a club. Leftovers, microwave meals, if you have a slow cooker meal that they can serve themselves, even beans on toast would be great which the child could actually manage themselves if they are old enough. It sounds like they are going to need to do alot for themselves anyway.

OP, this is very small issue in comparison to what you are dealing with. Your partner is going to find any excuse to call you names in an effort to feel like they are in control. This is nothing to do with you this is all coming from your partner. ANYTHING you do is going to be a problem.

Please get help.

CaptainMyCaptain · 27/01/2025 19:29

Mrsttcno1 · 27/01/2025 17:53

I wouldn’t punish the child for the behaviour of his dad.

This. None of this is the child's fault. In answer to your question - yes it would be mean.

Bearbookagainandagain · 27/01/2025 19:29

As others have said, make 1 meal and everyone can warm their plate up when they are home. Cooking 3 different meals at 3 different times is ridiculous, whether or not you are in good terms with their dad.

It doesn't matter if they prefer it "freshly cooked". Plenty of food taste exactly the same warmed up.

RockOrAHardplace · 27/01/2025 19:30

So let me get this right, your kids eat earlier and then him his son eats after 7. When does your partner eat?

If your partner is already aware that you are leaving, tell him that his son is welcome to eat with you and your kids at their mealtime, but that you will not be cooking a 2nd meal at 7 and he needs to do this as he will be doing this going forward.. Tell him you will also prepare the sons pack up but everything else is his remit, including his and his sons, washing, cleaning, ironing etc.

You can't take the issues out on the child, its not his fault but neither should you allow your partner to use his son as a pawn, with only consideration for his own wellbeing and not that of his child.

TinyMouseTheatre · 27/01/2025 19:30

I'm glad that you're going to continue to look after him whilst you're still there. I feel incredibly sorry for him, he's got an absolute dick for a Father, an abusive one DF too and it doesn't seem like he's got anybody really looking out for him.

You still need to prioritise you and your DC though. Have you got in touch with any of the local DV charities to see if you can get some support with moving out?

EdithBond · 27/01/2025 19:31

Of course you should leave this abusive man. Seek advice from domestic abuse charities on how to leave safety and with the least disruption for all the kids, including your stepson.

If the lad’s 10, you’ve been his stepmum as long as he can remember (4 years?). Does he spend any time with his mum? How does he get on with your kids? Will he be left living alone with his abusive dad?

You clearly care for him. When you leave, reassure him that you’re always there for him. Give him a little card with your number written on it. If he gets on with your kids, he’ll be losing step-siblings as well as you. But, within a couple of years he can keep in touch with you all independently.

endingintiers · 27/01/2025 19:32

Just read update, well done on taking on board feedback and I hope you get out safely soon.

NotbloodyGivingupYet · 27/01/2025 19:36

Busywithsomething · 27/01/2025 19:25

Just wondering who will be caring for the boy after you've left? Obviously you do need to leave. Then who will be feeding him?

The OP has enough to worry about without this. The stepson has two parents.

tachetastic · 27/01/2025 19:36

JennaSays84 · 27/01/2025 18:01

I don’t think he will go hungry, his dad will have to make him something. It’s just the abuse I’ll get for it. I don’t know whether it is really out of order me doing this or not.

Edited

I would say two things, first, like others have said, punishing the child for the behaviour of his father is not acting like a grown-up (though I am confused if it is the boy or his father that complained about him being served a heated up meal - if it's the boy then he can get over it).

Second, you really do need to be getting everything in a row for you and your children to leave this man and his son as quickly as possible and forever. For the sake of a few more weeks of throwing pasta in a pan, I would suck it up to avoid the argument, and potentially giving your husband an idea that you have plans that don't include him in them, and think about how much better life will be without them in it.

Pebbles16 · 27/01/2025 19:37

Mrsttcno1 · 27/01/2025 17:53

I wouldn’t punish the child for the behaviour of his dad.

Exactly this

Polkadotbabushka · 27/01/2025 19:38

If the son will suffer then no but if it means he will have to cook for him then yes definitely. He sounds so awful.

Enough4me · 27/01/2025 19:38

I agree with posters saying continue with the basics to reduce conflict and get out ASAP. Once out let social services know that you did all the care for SS. Don't rush to partner up with anyone in the future as your DC really need stability now.

rightoguvnor · 27/01/2025 19:38

I think concentrate on getting out of there without further abuse. Often the most dangerous time for a woman leaving an abusive relationship is when he knows she's gonna leave.
Just quietly and steadfastly make your plans and then whoosh, gone.

NotbloodyGivingupYet · 27/01/2025 19:40

OP in answer to your question, no, you shouldn't have to do it all - but your partner is abusive.
The most dangerous time for you is when you are leaving, so do nothing to arouse his suspicions that you've had enough and are planning to leave.
It's safer for everyone, but I'm really hoping you can get out soon. He sounds like a very angry man.
In your shoes I think I'd plan to move when he was at work, so he could not physically stop me, and didn't know my new address.

ThatRareUmberJoker · 27/01/2025 19:42

JennaSays84 · 27/01/2025 17:59

Yeah I did this before but I got told it’s not really suitable, it’s not the same after being warmed up! I’ve bought some microwave meals in the fridge, he can easy heat one of those up for him even though he won’t be happy.

Oh well not your problem and you ain't his maid. He eats what he's given cf.

ThatRareUmberJoker · 27/01/2025 19:45

JennaSays84 · 27/01/2025 18:01

I don’t think he will go hungry, his dad will have to make him something. It’s just the abuse I’ll get for it. I don’t know whether it is really out of order me doing this or not.

Edited

Cook one meal and cover his up for when he gets home and then put it in the microwave. Your cf partner can't do nothing to you and if he does call the police.

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