Child maintenence, is that all a dad needs to do?
The father of our child is saying he only needs to be paying child maintenence and nothing else. He has our child one night a week at the weekend. So he pays 370 a month, which is a help. However he never takes our daughter anywhere, never thinks to himself 'I want to buy her clothes/toys/etc' because she's my world. When I asked if he'd want to spend more time with her he hesitated and said one night a week is enough for him as he needs his down time- which I'd understand but he has 6 evenings a week free to do as he pleases. When I've mentioned why doesn't he treat our daughter or take her out places he says that's my job bc he pays child maintenence. Its more the principle of why doesn't he WANT to that really really gets to me. I try and give my daughter the world, I like to take her out to new places, buy her fun things on top of necessities etc, but maybe I'm wrong? Is he right to feel that way just because he pays maintenence?
You’re not wrong. He’s not being a father, he’s just ticking a box to say he’s seen her and ‘spent time with her’. Personally I wouldn’t encourage him to see her more if he’s not interested as it is. You just enjoy your life with her and one day he will realise what a mess he’s made.