I still don’t think it’s okay. |
And to add DD is only 9. We do have older tween/teen boys. |
+1 Agree I understand, though — experiencing trauma can affect rational thinking. My dad was also very physical, and I remember the last time he hit me, in the late 90s. I was 19 years old, responsible, a young adult, and engaged, home from college over Thanksgiving break my sophomore year. I came in late, unlocked the door, and woke him up — he had been asleep on the couch and was drunk. He came storming as I was walking up the stairs, grabbed me by my hair, dragged me down the stairs, and started beating me with his hands. Then he took off his belt and hit me with it. It went on for about ten minutes. I ended up with a sprained wrist, a black eye, a busted lip, and could barely walk or sit for about a week afterward due to the welts and bruises. Even though this wasn’t something my siblings and I experienced often — maybe a few times a year — it wasn’t good for us, so I can’t imagine the effects of it happening more frequently. That said, PP, DH calling DD a brat behind her back is really nothing. All I can say is yes to seeking professional help — it can make a world of difference and help your kids become well-adjusted adults. Mine are 16–25, happy and full of life, and had/have amazing childhoods, thanks to our emotionally healthy parenting. Best wishes. |
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You have a husband problem.
That husband of yours is mean. Does he treat you as such as well? Yikes! |
+1 |
| There shouldn't be tension, punishment is enough. |
| Family therapy |
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My DH does this.
When my oldest was 10, DH started this behavior with him and I looking back a decade, I wish I’d had a crystal ball to see how many times he did it after that and that I had recognized how emotionally immature it was, and put my foot down. But I didn’t, every time it happened I instead told my *son* to try harder, to please Dad. I wish I had said if it happened again, we are out of here. But I didn’t and I have such regrets. |
| Is he being silent because otherwise his instinct is to yell? Was it a one time thing that he is upset about or a lot of little things? Sometimes it is hard for parents to recognize things that make them feel angry and reconcile that with their perception of how easy their kids have it. And then they forget that these are kids. he can put some questions into chatgpt and try to get some perspective. |
This is not an excuse. He MUST "get over this." He is the adult here. "Trying to get over this" doesn't cut it. He must recognize that she is a teen and is still learning. And, OP, tell him to look at the mistakes he's made in his life (numerous, I'm sure) and the understanding and grace he was given then. If she does this again, that's another issue. |
Not making an excuse, just trying to explain what's in guy's head. Women see these things as an "event", the DH sees this as a failure in raising kids |
I had to read this twice to make sure I hadn’t written it! Literally my 13 yo did exactly the same thing - same consequences - including the writing the paper on lack of sleep esp bc of adhd!!! |
No, he doesn’t yell or get physical. But his words can be hurtful. From this incident I’ve realized that I’m used to his silent treatment and I also give him back too. But for DD it was hard. She understands his feelings but at the same time wishes that he didn’t get upset too long with her. |
The bolded description is going to be the type of guy she finds. Is she a people pleaser? He needs to apologize to her too and explain how his actions were messed up before she normalizes this. Or at least you can |
Yikes. What a miserable life. You could leave and just... be happy, y'know? You don't have to live like a monk on eggshells in your own home. |