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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

Split of child stuff/chores in long marriage

111 replies

Questions223 · 29/05/2025 16:13

I need some thoughts on the split of task in our house if that's ok? I am feeling resentful and taken for granted but he very much does not see my point of view and thinks I have it easy. This is obviously my take on things. He might say differently but this is how it looks to me.

I am solely responsible for all bills, having them in my name, paying them, knowing how much they are, when they come out, what we owe etc. he gives me money when he has it which is not often. if things are tight I sell stuff or borrow and deal with it.
He cooks most meals for the kids as I have issues around food. But I am not included in most of the meal plans. He would say I don't want to be. Unless I pressure they only get fed when he is hungry, so if he has a big lunch out no one would get dinner without me mentioning it.
I do all life admin, all kids school stuff, all parents eves, all parties, all presents etc.
I work long full time hours and my job funds our lifestyle. He is self employed and often finishes at 3 (while we are all out) comes home and plays computer games. But if I ask him to have a day off as a child is unwell I am putting pressure on him with work being unfair, if he doesn't work he doesn't get paid etc.
he has multiple solo holidays a year, as well as weekends out and time to himself. I have not had child and him free time since they were born.
he does do a lot of work in the garden. Mows lawns etc.
washing and tidying and cleaning is on me.
he does discipline kids but is quite lazy with it. As an eg Child (9) was kicking off about not wanting sun cream on while on holiday (30+ degrees) and after arguing simply said fine if you don't want it your mother can deal with you. Similarly makes lots of unsustainable threats - no screen time at all for extended periods, no dinner and then doesn't follow through. Shouts to get his point across.
they have way too much screen time when he is in charge. Can be 5+ hours playing on iPads. I suggest going out somewhere every day but he is not keen at all and won't unless I really push it.
when 3 yr old wets puts him straight back into a nappy rather than persevering even though he is toilet trained and can do it just a bit lazy forgetful sometimes.
only does their teeth, brushes hair with me reminding.
does enjoy spending time with them. Will play with them, plant sunflowers - general dad stuff.

So does this sound reasonable? I am physically and mentally drained. We do have other stuff going on but wanted thoughts on this.

OP posts:
Questions223 · 30/05/2025 19:30

I know it is frustrating how naive and gullible and indecisive I am being.

people imagining themselves here and thinking why the f havent you just left already.

or if we can't convince you you need to go then what is the point.

I get that. I know I make it difficult to support me and I am sorry for that.

OP posts:
cinnamongirl123 · 30/05/2025 20:07

OP please dont go on this travelling campervan thing. Not with this guy. It’s a terrible idea.

CheerfulYank · 30/05/2025 20:21

Questions223 · 30/05/2025 18:13

I think it's a romanticised notion of leaving the western world and obsession with materialism behind and learning life skills and seeing the world.
I am struggling at the minute and finding executive function and decision making difficult.
he isn't great at thinking about the practical stuff and I am struggling to do so at the minute.
our kids are genuinely incredibly happy and amazing and love their lives. In the right circumstances I think it would be an amazing adventure for them

I’m sure it would be, but for a holiday or something. Not all the time.

stomachamelon · 30/05/2025 20:49

@Questions223i am not judging you. But before you pull your children out of school and take them on an ill thought out flight of fancy I would be asking/ compelling him to explain to you just how it’s all going to work.
You need stability back. At the very least put a big pin in plans and put them on hold. Now is not the time. I follow a couple of travelling homeschoolers on Instagram and they are very organised and well funded. This is not your reality.
You need to be ready for next steps and it’s obvious you are fragile. You do need to change little things though in order to achieve the big stuff. A change in routine and mental clarity over finances would be the minimum I would need.
Big hug.

AlertCat · 30/05/2025 20:55

Questions223 · 29/05/2025 17:23

That's easy to say but probably not true in practice.

he is still there dad.

HRTFT.
I can say from experience (ok I didn’t have five kids but) it is true in practice. It’s amazing how much relief you get from losing the dead weight of a man. Everything else seems a hundred times easier.

DonnyBurrito · 30/05/2025 21:08

That's the thing about people who don't actually care... They DO NOT CARE so asking why he can't see your point of view is like asking a paraplegic why they can't walk. He doesn't and simply CANNOT care at this point, it is not something he is capable of. You have to care about the other person if you are to put yourself in someone else's shoes.

I would demand absolute financial transparency if you are to continue with this. However, that would only work if he saw you as an equal partner. Which he doesn't.

You're all tangled up in this complex web of lies and gaslighting. You need to leave, otherwise you will never be able to have an objective look at this situation. You will be contributing to your own unhappiness if you stay, as it really looks like you're enabling him.

Tiswa · 30/05/2025 21:13

Ffs why are you taking your children out of school to go travelling with this man it is insanity you are putting their futures at risk and it isn’t the travel or homeschooling because done correctly it can be good but this isn’t

what is happening to your house, to the bills to your job?

he is a horrible abusive man

MissSandy · 31/05/2025 15:58

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

MotherOfRatios · 31/05/2025 16:13

OP this is quite a financial abusive relationship and based on some things you've said are you a poc? There's specialist women's organisation who can support you with that aspect if so.

You need to leave him

CornflowerDusk · 31/05/2025 16:22

I think he wants to take the children out of school, just like he has made sure you have no job, so he can take you all off grid, have total control over everything and everyone and completely remove you all from any community or support who could help you leave him. Similarly, away from authorities and social services. He wants to isolate you all completely. He is very dangerous.

Indicateyourintentions · 31/05/2025 16:49

Taking into account your last thread detailing the ways he abuses you, this plan to take you all away so he has complete control 24/7 is madness bordering on total neglect.
I get that you are having a hard time and cannot make a decision about anything, but you need to do one single thing that makes your children safe. Pick a thing from all the previous advice that resonates, and do that. But you must stop drifting. Making you and your children safer will be much, much better than where you are now.
Do stop thinking about his feelings, he’s not wasting a single second thinking about yours or the children’s.

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