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Step-parenting

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At my wits end with DSD mum

45 replies

NatureWalk · 13/04/2021 04:09

There's a whole load of back story etc about dh and his ex but I'll try and keep this brief.

Dsd mum (ill call her A) is causing all sorts of issues for dsd and neither she or her partner are even willing to listen to us. Im not even sure where to begin with this whole mess.

A has some pretty serious MH issues but refuses to see anyone, gp and MH professionals were involved but she's stopped her appointments with them. As a result she won't speak to DH or myself, everything about DSD goes through her partner (ill call him B). She claims DH was abusive and hurt her and DSD obviously I wasn't there but DH is the most loving and gental man I've ever met. I was in a nasty relationship before I met DH and he's never once given me cause for concern about how he treats me DSD or any of my 3 kids. He does however have photos etc of when she smashed a glass in his face and dislocated his elbow among other things.

Things have been escalating recently and I'm at my wits end about how to protect DSD. DSD is about to turn 4 and start school, her mum didn't want to potty train her as 'it's too hard with a newborn' so DH and I worked hard to potty train her which was made harder by the fact she went straight back into nappies when back at her mums. Eventually A&B got on side and DSD was potty trained, obviously there were accidents then DH and I started to notice DSDs bowel movements were odd so we contacted the gp who prescribed laxatives. For weeks the issues went on until one day I took her to the toilet and she had a but of an accident and she started screaming about being a bad girl and mummy would get cross etc. It took a long time to calm her down. I cleaned her up and sat her down to talk to her and she told me she doesn't want the poo to come out because if it comes out before she can get to the toilet then mummy shouts and says she's a dirty and bad girl. I spoke with DH and he rang B. B basically said yea A's MH is bad again and she's taking it out on the kids, then told DH about their toddler climbing on the coffee table and falling off and hurting himself and she yelled at him he was stupid etc. B willingly tells us stuff like this but when we say he needs to get A some help he defends her and says we are being dramatic. This is just the tip of the iceberg there's been so many other concerning things too (dsd only leaves the house to go to nursery when at her mums, other than that A won't leave the house and even then it's usually B who takes her unless he's working. DSD has said she gets scared when coming to us because mummy says she needs her there because it makes her feel better because mummy's always sad. I could go on and on). I honestly don't know how to fix things for DSD my heart breaks for her, she's such a wonderful little girl but she's got so many emotional problems and I just want to take the pain away and I cant.

OP posts:
Notcrackersyet · 13/04/2021 11:54

[quote RedMarauder]@babypinkelephant if the father calls social services it could be seen to be malicious so it is better that the OP does. Though in truth it would be even better if a neighbour, nursery worker or other childcare professional did as the OP isn't impartial.[/quote]
What is this statement based on?
My partner initiated a social services review got his daughter in similar circumstances. It was taken seriously and handled professionally.

babypinkelephant · 13/04/2021 13:06

[quote RedMarauder]@babypinkelephant if the father calls social services it could be seen to be malicious so it is better that the OP does. Though in truth it would be even better if a neighbour, nursery worker or other childcare professional did as the OP isn't impartial.[/quote]
But I would be wondering if the parent (dad) knew about this and what's going on, then why didn't he ring SS. It doesn't make him as bad he the mum by any means but he is still complying with it by not doing anything about it.

I meant it also in the terms of, what if you were not on the scene and this was going on and he still did nothing about it.

Well done for getting something sorted though

AnneLovesGilbert · 14/04/2021 14:24

Mediation isn’t suitable as it was a violent relationship.

Follow up everything with social services. What’s your relationship like with her nursery? They must have concerns. Are you in contact with her health visitor?

Your partner really needs to step the fuck up. It’s great you’re getting the interventions needed but he’s being pathetic to the point of neglect to let things get this bad.

Does he not want her for more days, is that what’s holding him back?

This little girl needs stability and it’s his job to provide that given her mother’s obvious and harmful issues.

The toddler isn’t your responsibility but needs mentioning too as her parents are both dangerously shit.

NatureWalk · 16/04/2021 10:42

I've submitted all the ss paperwork this week, dh has set up mediation but we are fully preparing to go to court. Weve stated to them all communication must be written (ie text/WhatsApp etc). Theyve been caught in a massive lie about dsd medication and we have written proof of that from gp. Hv is involved, we've got a good relationship with nursery. Nursery have said several times that they only ask us to.sprt things now as they know asking her mum doesn't get them anywhere.

@AnneLovesGilbert dh (and me) would have her full time in a heartbeat. After sitting dh down and basically asking him why he wasn't fighting harder for his daughter he said he was afraid if ss or court were involved he might lose his daughter altogether. After we talked it through properly he's realised there's no reason why she would be kept from us.

OP posts:
Sillysandy · 17/04/2021 16:44

OP I don't have any experience of this sort of thing. I just wanted to say this sounds awful and TG that little girl has you in her life.

Your husband is neglecting his duties, not through bad intention but poor judgement. I am happy you have phoned the authorities. I hope things start to improve now.

Rejoiningperson · 17/04/2021 21:07

I’m sorry I don’t get this. You said the girl has accused your DH, her father, of abusing her?

And she’s only 4?

Rejoiningperson · 17/04/2021 21:14

Sorry so you say the girls Mum says that your DH was abusive?

She claims DH was abusive and hurt her and DSD obviously I wasn't there but DH is the most loving and gental man I've ever met. I was in a nasty relationship before I met DH and he's never once given me cause for concern about how he treats me DSD or any of my 3 kids. He does however have photos etc of when she smashed a glass in his face and dislocated his elbow among other things.

This sounds pretty volatile on many levels. I do always worry a bit about an Ex saying that the DH abused her, and then you as the new wife saying that you are certain that he hasn’t and getting very involved in fighting to get the child off of the Mum. Even though there sounds like also clear worrying incidents from the Mum here. Also your DH not wanting SS involved at first. I would absolutely protect the child OP and contact SS every step of the way, but also be a bit wary of the situation and don’t totally believe your DH about everything. Not to say believe the Ex but just... you be a bit cautious about this when there has been some evidence of violence.

BlueDahlia69 · 17/04/2021 23:12

Good luck OP

You and DSD's Father are doing the right thing for her 🌸

I wish there were more people like you in the world.

MyOtherProfile · 18/04/2021 04:17

@Rejoiningperson the evidence of violence was photos of injuries caused by the mum to OPs DH. And the accusations of abuse were made by the mum, not the 4 year old.

GrumpyHoonMain · 18/04/2021 04:30

@Rejoiningperson

Sorry so you say the girls Mum says that your DH was abusive?

She claims DH was abusive and hurt her and DSD obviously I wasn't there but DH is the most loving and gental man I've ever met. I was in a nasty relationship before I met DH and he's never once given me cause for concern about how he treats me DSD or any of my 3 kids. He does however have photos etc of when she smashed a glass in his face and dislocated his elbow among other things.

This sounds pretty volatile on many levels. I do always worry a bit about an Ex saying that the DH abused her, and then you as the new wife saying that you are certain that he hasn’t and getting very involved in fighting to get the child off of the Mum. Even though there sounds like also clear worrying incidents from the Mum here. Also your DH not wanting SS involved at first. I would absolutely protect the child OP and contact SS every step of the way, but also be a bit wary of the situation and don’t totally believe your DH about everything. Not to say believe the Ex but just... you be a bit cautious about this when there has been some evidence of violence.

Yes, exactly this. Many victims of domestic violence or severe abuse experience ptsd which can make existing MH conditions worse. I would be very wary especially considering he took photos of two incidents where she hurt him - why did he only do that twice if she was hurting him continually and he knew taking photos as evidence was a good idea? Was he hurting her worse? Does she have proof of abuse?
Willyoujustbequiet · 18/04/2021 20:27

I don't mean to offend OP but having had professional experience of domestic violence this is raising red flags to me.

Your experience with DP is not her experience. Simply because you have never known him to be abusive does not mean he never has been. Every relationship is different. Abuse victims are known to experience PTSD and mental health issues. Him taking photos of injuries on the occasion she has hurt him and to have shown you strikes me as odd and more in keeping with the actions of a perpetrator not a victim.

Stalling on court action in such a situation is telling - could it be possible that his reluctance to progress it is due to the fact that if residency is challenged a lot of history and background information will surface that he doesn't want you to hear?

I'm not trying to be argumentative. I understand you are in a very difficult position.

Rejoiningperson · 18/04/2021 21:34

Yes please do read these OP, with an open mind if you can, just be cautious.
@Willyoujustbequiet and @GrumpyHoonMain put it much better than me.
The putting you centre stage here, but being reticent of social services/courts is a little mmmm please do protect the child but don’t be used as a tool to fight the Mum.

NatureWalk · 20/04/2021 12:43

Thanks for your comments ss have been in touch, apparently nursery has already been in contact with them. DH is definitely not a violent man. I was in an abusive relationship before so was very wary of starting a new relationship, hes never done anything to even are me feel uncomfortable, he however shows signs of abuse. He constantly asks if he's upset or annoyed me, he goes out of his way to make sure housework etc is done because he doesn't want to start an argument. He regularly asks why I'm with him because he doesn't feel he deserves love.

He's only got the photos of the 2 incidents because he went to a friend's house both of theose times and they insisted on taking photos.

I 100% trust DH and I also trust DSD who has told me on several occasions she wants to stay with us because mummy gets angry and scares her.

Things are now moving and DH has agreed that going to court is the right move, we have been in touch with solicitors etc.

OP posts:
BlueDahlia69 · 20/04/2021 14:52

well done @NatureWalk

good luck 🌸

KizzyMoo · 25/04/2021 16:26

It sounds like your partner can't be bothered. The only one that cares is you. Very sad.

BlueDahlia69 · 25/04/2021 19:55

@KizzyMoo

It sounds like your partner can't be bothered. The only one that cares is you. Very sad.

that seriously all you could muster from this entire thread ?

NatureWalk · 27/04/2021 09:23

@KizzyMoo my dh is the most loving dad and stepdad ever. He admitted to not taking the necessary steps because he was afraid (he still had the old.views of ss being baby snatchers). Hes now in contact with ss, has set up mediation, is looking for a decent family solicitor and has been in contact with dsd nursery, doctor and health visitor to let them know whats happening and try and get help.

OP posts:
BlueVelvetStars · 27/04/2021 18:37

great news OP

Twinkie01 · 27/04/2021 19:01

Brilliant news OP. You're a fantastic SM, be proud of yourself for fighting your SDs corner. X

MyOtherProfile · 28/04/2021 06:39

So glad things are moving forward.

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