It's the crisis and they are very moody and emotional. Nothing pleases them and that's one of the reasons that I am in favor of them being on the street because the spouse and children and walking on egg shells 24/7.
It's not the length of time he's been away...it's the unfinished crisis. He's not had the chance to really flex his muscles and get out there and do what is necessary to grow up. Unfortunately, he moved home entirely too soon and is now trying to back peddle in his crisis. My xh left and returned home and was home for 7 months and about drove me nuts with his emotional mood swings, etc. He then left again and has never returned.
Does he appear jealous of your child? Sometimes there is resentment because he sees his child being treated better than he was when he was that age. He looks at the child and himself being the same age because mentally, that's where his emotions are.
If he makes it through the crisis, he will be a changed man, a more adult, mature man. He may retain some of the traits he picked up along the way and they may or may not be traits that you care for. No one knows just how they will come out of the oven once baked up. Some are wonderful, kind and giving, and others...well, let's just say this...they leave a lot to be desired.
You and your child will need to find ways to take care of yourselves. Plan things to do this summer that will give you both plenty of space and freedom to laugh and enjoy life. I suspect he's one miserable human being right now and he's not going to be happy to see you and your child being happy. I'm sorry he's being such a bear.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
