Some of you will be familiar with my situation. 2 DSSs - 16 and 13. According to a court order, that was put in place 10 years ago, DH sees them from 6pm Friday to 6pm Sunday (and one mid-week evening). He had to go to court as his ex was with-holding contact (she had left him btw, for another man).
She is extremely controlling and even to this day, is very difficult about access. DSSs are 'not allowed' to see DH outside of this strictly rostered access schedule. This has included the DSSs being really disappointed at 'not being allowed' to attend family events to which they were invited etc., for no reason whatsoever. DSS2 finds it odd that his mother is so awkward, but DSS1 apparently doesn't. He's one of those people who goes along with stuff without question. In effect I suppose a combination between his personality and her controlling behaviour have created a situation where she can do what she likes, despite him now being 16.
Now that he's getting so tall and is very obviously growing into a young man in a physical sense, I'm finding this whole rota thing increasingly weird. In a way, it's normal for us - we've lived with it for years. But I can see more and more how absolutely odd it is. I don't mean the every other weekend thing (although I do find that odd at their ages, being so rigid). But for exampe on Friday. DH was late home from work, and I had dinner in the oven. 5 mins into his food he was getting agitated about leaving to pick up the DSSs 'on time'. Now, for goodness sake, just because a judge said 10 years ago that 'access' was from 6pm on a Friday, why does that mean it has to be 'adhered' to, to the minute, when the children are the age they are. Similarly yesterday evening, DSS1 was getting very nervous when DSS2 was being slow with his food and kept telling him every 2 mins to 'hurry up' or 'we'll be late'. Apparently, their mother gives off if they're 1 minute late (i.e. later than 6pm on the Sunday).
This is weird weird weird. Where will it all end. I really can't see DSS1 becoming all relaxed when he turns 18. He will never question her control. I can see this continuing for years on end. (and don't suggest it will end when he starts uni - she's already told him he has to live with her the whole time).
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This is becoming more and more weird
26 replies
allnewtaketwo · 16/01/2012 08:56
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