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I feel like I hate my stepson

221 replies

ExhaustedStepmum · 13/09/2026 22:11

This may be long but i’m honestly really struggling now, this has been going on for years and I’ve had enough. Don’t say to leave DH as it’s not that easy.

I’ve been with DH for about 14 years, I have a DS aged 20 and a SD aged 28, and a SS aged 16.

I get on pretty well with SD although she moved a few hours away at 16 and was living with a family member to be able to attend a really good college in that area, she still lives there and we see her a couple of times a year but she doesn't come here much, she's said she's sick of SS and has referred to him as DH’s “golden boy” and has said he lets him get away with anything to which DH shuts the conversation down.

Their mum passed away when SS was a young baby and I think DH has over compensated and maybe spoilt him but I can tell he's also now getting fed up even though hes sort of to blame for the way he is. But SS says we don't like him

When growing up I don’t really remember him ever being particularly difficult although there were times we let him get away with silliness and answering back for example but he wasn’t an awful child , although he and ds have never been close and when he was younger would destroy his lego builds and they’d argue at any opportunity they got, usually with ss being the cause although DS very much got the “you’re older you should know better” from DH.

Things really changed when he was about 12 with constantly lying and stealing things (anything he got his hands on) being disrespectful at school and at home etc, DH somewhat blamed the school as it was in a bad area and at 13 he got him into a private school and he boarded monday-friday initially, he seemed happy there but at home his behaviour was getting worse and worse.

He began to shoplift when he had no reason to! He likely would’ve got whatever he wanted if he had asked and he wasn’t short on pocket money either (at the time but it did eventually stop), he stole my underwear to the point we had to have a lock on our bedroom door and after that I felt uncomfortable being around him tbh but I still don’t know if it was a “me” thing as in targeting me or if he just wanted underwear iykwim. After that DH paid for a private therapist but it was pointless because he lied the majority of the time and he can be believable which is the scary thing. He was watching some really explicit porn which we had thought we’d blocked on the wifi so i still have no idea how he got around it.

He ended up boarding FT and only coming home during holidays and while the holidays were hell, it was much better which sounds horrible to say. His behaviour at school wasn’t great though and he was permanently suspended at 15 for being caught with weed and there was alcohol in his room, he didn’t care but found it funny. It was a struggle but he started Y11 at a state school which was hard to find as no one wanted him and it was so late he couldn’t do his options. He ended up failing his GCSEs and he didn’t turn up to half of them

DH says it’s pointless even trying to get him into college as he wouldn’t go so said he could work with him except he was messing about with equipment and not listening which was unsafe so now he’s at home 24/7, he has the whole loft conversion to himself so he has a HUGE room and en suite but he still acts hard done by. He despises DH as DH was the one who found the porn and some of it was gay porn and during an argument about the porn in general DH said it was disgusting ans SS has twisted his words that gay = disgusting when DH was just extremely shocked and he probably was disgusted by what he saw because of how explicit it was. He shuts down any conversation regarding sexuality when we brought it up incase that was a reason for his behaviour (as in being worried about it i don’t know) he said he’s not gay and it was just something to watch and gets defensive and accuses us of calling him the f slur (which he actually uses but no one has!)

He spends a lot of time in his room, he smokes cigarettes and vapes but has no money and we’ve hidden our cards etc from him, sometimes he can just appear during a conversation with DH and accuses us of talking about him or saying something totally random that takes us back a bit like for example a couple weeks or months ago we were having a normal conversation about dinner and he came downstairs and out of nowhere asked DH if he wished he (SS) had died instead of him mum and because DH didn’t answer straightaway (because he was shocked, it was the first thing he’d said to him all day) he took it as a yes. But the thing is he never talks about his mum

DS lives here but he spends a lot of time with his gf and i worry he will not come over either when he moves out just like SD doesn’t.

His gf already feels uncomfortable around SS and has said she thought he had taken pictures of her but when DH looked through his camera roll he hadn’t, but today they came over for sunday lunch and SS was downstairs trying to wind DS up but he wasn’t getting the attention and then his gf asked him to stop staring and he made out he wasn’t and that she had a problem with him but then about 15 minutes later he was properly staring blankly at her and DS witnessed it and told him to stop it he did but he then was doing it AGAIN (i was cooking so wasn’t watching him) DS told him to stop being a creep but he still denied it but got up and threw a fork at DS then stormed off to his room. DH was outside and came in to SS storming off but he still went to his room to take him his food when it was done which i don’t agree with

Im just so exhausted with it all and apart from this myself and DH are happy

OP posts:
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2026problemsandDDcanbeone · 16/09/2026 07:58

GrantMyWishes · 16/09/2026 01:29

I really can't understand why so many people are blaming the OP for her SS's situation. The fact is, that although she's been in his life for in excess of 10 years, it sounds like for the majority of that time he has been away at school, so she will have had very little influence over his upbringing. Also, bearing in mind that she is not his real mother, it seems likely that she hasn't had nearly as much say in how he was raised, as she would have had if she were, so I really don't think it's fair to chastise the OP, when the blame should be laid firmly at his Father's door. This is also born out by his sister calling him the 'Golden Boy', which clearly indicates that she believes his Father has spoilt and indulged him, which probably came from feelings of guilt because the poor child didn't have a Mum from such a young age. Then, as happens with so many kids, by the time the Father realised that his son was turning into a spoiled brat, and misbehaving to get his own way, etc., instead of changing tack and being firm but fair with him, he decided to send him away to school, and when that didn't work, he then came to the conclusion that he should spend even more time away from his family, and sent him to boarding school full time. The last straw as far as his Son is concerned, was probably the fact that his Father then decided that he wasn't safe to be around dangerous equipment, so put a stop to him going to work with him, effectively washing his hands of him once again.

I'm so sorry that you find yourself in this situation OP, but I think you need to sit down with your DH, and tell him that as a Father he has failed his son by sending him away to school, and the only way that he's likely to rectify things is by working hard to build bridges with him. Surely if he has his own business he can find him some sort of work away from machinery if his son really can't be trusted? However personally, I think that the lad is old enough to be told about the dangers of the work environment, as any other new employee would be, and then given the opportunity to prove that he's not stupid enough to put himself at risk. Presumably there are other members of the work force who would keep an eye on him, if his Father is too busy to do it himself? Give the lad a chance to see what working life is like, and to mix with grown ups who need to work for a living. If you do that, then it's quite possible that one of the older members of staff will take him under his/her wing, and help him to see what is expected of people in the real world, rather than in the world that he has been living in, and rebelling against.

I honestly hope not, because both I and my colleagues have been put in this position at work and frankly having to look after/keep an eye on the son of the boss in a previous job is super stressful and a highly ungrateful position to be in. Plus he’ll be fast tracked anyways by default.

By all means give him a job away from machinery, but don’t bother other workers with that burden.

Warmlight1 · 16/09/2026 04:50

Busybeemumm · 16/09/2026 00:11

I didn't think the attachment by @Warmlight1 isn't conclusive, statistically tested or of robust longitudinal research. The statements are more of ... This could happen if there was birth trauma. I would have thought birth trauma is more likely to affect the mother who may develop ppd which could impact her parenting and attachment.

Anyhow one of the possibilities for OP s SS behaviour could be due birth trauma or could be the way he was parented. I suspect it's more likely to be the latter.

@Busybeemumm Just what I could find - there was another one on head injury in under 5s- 'Trauma' is being used in two ways- psychological more regarding the mum ( though can be physical) but also in the sense of head/ neurological injury of various kinds to the baby/ impact of loss of oxygen to the brain.
If one is thinking about long term effects, it would be very difficult to get conclusive research on ' psychosocial' problems because it would be difficult to conclusively attribute what effects to what.
I don't think it's in doubt that- for example- lack of oxygen can cause disability so it's not a great leap to see that could occur at a more minor level that could manifest as psycho social difficulties.
There's no research that conclusively supports any of the various explanations on the thread all the things mentioned can Impact but one doesn't know how. Impact of drugs is also potentially in the mix.
I've mentioned it because people sometimes just don't think there could be a factor beyond all the people's control.

GrantMyWishes · 16/09/2026 01:29

I really can't understand why so many people are blaming the OP for her SS's situation. The fact is, that although she's been in his life for in excess of 10 years, it sounds like for the majority of that time he has been away at school, so she will have had very little influence over his upbringing. Also, bearing in mind that she is not his real mother, it seems likely that she hasn't had nearly as much say in how he was raised, as she would have had if she were, so I really don't think it's fair to chastise the OP, when the blame should be laid firmly at his Father's door. This is also born out by his sister calling him the 'Golden Boy', which clearly indicates that she believes his Father has spoilt and indulged him, which probably came from feelings of guilt because the poor child didn't have a Mum from such a young age. Then, as happens with so many kids, by the time the Father realised that his son was turning into a spoiled brat, and misbehaving to get his own way, etc., instead of changing tack and being firm but fair with him, he decided to send him away to school, and when that didn't work, he then came to the conclusion that he should spend even more time away from his family, and sent him to boarding school full time. The last straw as far as his Son is concerned, was probably the fact that his Father then decided that he wasn't safe to be around dangerous equipment, so put a stop to him going to work with him, effectively washing his hands of him once again.

I'm so sorry that you find yourself in this situation OP, but I think you need to sit down with your DH, and tell him that as a Father he has failed his son by sending him away to school, and the only way that he's likely to rectify things is by working hard to build bridges with him. Surely if he has his own business he can find him some sort of work away from machinery if his son really can't be trusted? However personally, I think that the lad is old enough to be told about the dangers of the work environment, as any other new employee would be, and then given the opportunity to prove that he's not stupid enough to put himself at risk. Presumably there are other members of the work force who would keep an eye on him, if his Father is too busy to do it himself? Give the lad a chance to see what working life is like, and to mix with grown ups who need to work for a living. If you do that, then it's quite possible that one of the older members of staff will take him under his/her wing, and help him to see what is expected of people in the real world, rather than in the world that he has been living in, and rebelling against.

Busybeemumm · 16/09/2026 00:11

2026problemsandDDcanbeone · 15/09/2026 20:32

Thank you for sharing, I’ve had a horrendous pregnancy + birth complications and sometimes I do wonder if it had any lasting effect.

I didn't think the attachment by @Warmlight1 isn't conclusive, statistically tested or of robust longitudinal research. The statements are more of ... This could happen if there was birth trauma. I would have thought birth trauma is more likely to affect the mother who may develop ppd which could impact her parenting and attachment.

Anyhow one of the possibilities for OP s SS behaviour could be due birth trauma or could be the way he was parented. I suspect it's more likely to be the latter.

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 20:43

2026problemsandDDcanbeone · 15/09/2026 20:32

Thank you for sharing, I’ve had a horrendous pregnancy + birth complications and sometimes I do wonder if it had any lasting effect.

I hasten to add In not medical. My mother who was a midwife, often mentioned this issue. And actually she'd not have read widely but would have had a whole variety of experience.

2026problemsandDDcanbeone · 15/09/2026 20:32

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 19:18

Just to say trigger warning in case anyone is anxious and pregnant

Exploring the Lifelong Negative Effects of Birth Trauma | PX Docs share.google/CssPJx7IhZI1xPyCm

Thank you for sharing, I’ve had a horrendous pregnancy + birth complications and sometimes I do wonder if it had any lasting effect.

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 19:21

Busybeemumm · 15/09/2026 10:37

Really? Any research about this that you can share.

Actually I have also experience of a situation of a YP sounding quite similar to the OP and he never went to boarding school but the difficulty didn't resolve. The mum said - he should have had ongoing long term monitoring because the birth was very complex.
Just a thought

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 19:18

Busybeemumm · 15/09/2026 10:37

Really? Any research about this that you can share.

Just to say trigger warning in case anyone is anxious and pregnant

Exploring the Lifelong Negative Effects of Birth Trauma | PX Docs share.google/CssPJx7IhZI1xPyCm

Pplareasthickasshit · 15/09/2026 12:17

CypressGrove · 15/09/2026 08:34

Well given this dad shipped his son off to boarding school 5 days a week when things got difficult, then to 7 days a week when even weekends were too much and then gave up on the workplace intro after 1 whole day it seems pretty clear why he was looking for a new woman.

Agree. I was just challenging someone who predictably blamed the woman whilst giving the bloke a free pass.

Busybeemumm · 15/09/2026 10:37

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 05:46

What was his birth like? May seem a silly question but some complications at birth cam have lasting effects. Has there ever been a medical consultation?

Edited

Really? Any research about this that you can share.

CypressGrove · 15/09/2026 08:34

Pplareasthickasshit · 15/09/2026 07:58

Why was a man who had a new baby and had just lost his wife sniffing around women? Why wasn't he focusing on providing care for his child?

Well given this dad shipped his son off to boarding school 5 days a week when things got difficult, then to 7 days a week when even weekends were too much and then gave up on the workplace intro after 1 whole day it seems pretty clear why he was looking for a new woman.

Pplareasthickasshit · 15/09/2026 07:58

Bubbaliciousss · 14/09/2026 22:25

Why were you sniffing around a man with a baby whose wife had just died anyway? Surely you knew that he would have been vulnerable and would be willing to latch on to just about anyone to help him bring up his kids/provide emotional support/sex.

Why was a man who had a new baby and had just lost his wife sniffing around women? Why wasn't he focusing on providing care for his child?

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 07:49

Notsosweetcaroline · 15/09/2026 06:39

What more than his mother dying, having a blended family and being shipped off to boarding school and his sibling going to live hours a way and barely seeing her father.

Some conditions / birth experience can affect functioning. It's not always clear. Yes those things are also potentially traumatic, depending. But a blended family doesn't automatically mean trauma.
.The two things aren't mutually exclusive.

Notsosweetcaroline · 15/09/2026 06:39

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 05:46

What was his birth like? May seem a silly question but some complications at birth cam have lasting effects. Has there ever been a medical consultation?

Edited

What more than his mother dying, having a blended family and being shipped off to boarding school and his sibling going to live hours a way and barely seeing her father.

Warmlight1 · 15/09/2026 05:46

What was his birth like? May seem a silly question but some complications at birth cam have lasting effects. Has there ever been a medical consultation?

Anyahyacinth · 15/09/2026 00:08

Pollymollydolly · 14/09/2026 15:22

Oh dear god. You have NO idea how childhood bereavement works.

Honestly, when you have no idea about something you have two options 1. Research and inform yourself 2. Don’t offer advice on something you know absolutely fuck all about.

there is SO much evidence based research about childhood loss and its impact on ALL children, whatever their age at the time of the bereavement. It’s really not difficult to research….i even provided links to resources.

also, you know some smokers live to 100 don’t you - that doesn’t negate the fact that smoking is one of the leading contributors to premature death. Similarly just because his sister ‘turned out fine’ (and we don’t actually know this btw, she could be masking the impact of the trauma) that doesn’t mean anything. THIS child is not fine and he suffered parental loss at an early age - along with other things op has written about his life experiences it doesn’t take much to join the dots.

Went to work with his Dad and his Dad managed a day before he was too “silly” to stay…anyone notice a pattern????

2026problemsandDDcanbeone · 14/09/2026 22:49

Bubbaliciousss · 14/09/2026 22:25

Why were you sniffing around a man with a baby whose wife had just died anyway? Surely you knew that he would have been vulnerable and would be willing to latch on to just about anyone to help him bring up his kids/provide emotional support/sex.

In what world is it “sniffing around” after 2 years?? You’re making it sound like OP was waiting for the funeral to be over. Get a grip.

2026problemsandDDcanbeone · 14/09/2026 22:47

CurdinHenry · 14/09/2026 18:51

Honestly reading this thread helps me to better understand how so many women fall for sociopaths

"Oh the poor poor baby he made the dog story up as a metaphor for loss!"

I do wonder what the comments would be if this were about a SD and not a SS.

SecretsAndLies77 · 14/09/2026 22:40

Just want to say, it sounds really sad for everyone involved. I don't believe that anyone is born bad so, someone acting so badly as he is, in my opinion is probably acting out of deep unhappiness. I would try to help him, not punish him. I think he's struggling and lost, not "bad" or hateful.

ExhaustedStepmum · 14/09/2026 22:32

Bubbaliciousss · 14/09/2026 22:25

Why were you sniffing around a man with a baby whose wife had just died anyway? Surely you knew that he would have been vulnerable and would be willing to latch on to just about anyone to help him bring up his kids/provide emotional support/sex.

SS was 2, i wasn’t “sniffing around a man with a baby”, we initially took things slow and I didn’t move in for another few years when SS was about 4/5.

OP posts:
ClimbTheLadder · 14/09/2026 22:28

Bubbaliciousss · 14/09/2026 22:25

Why were you sniffing around a man with a baby whose wife had just died anyway? Surely you knew that he would have been vulnerable and would be willing to latch on to just about anyone to help him bring up his kids/provide emotional support/sex.

wow that is unnecessarily unpleasant

Bubbaliciousss · 14/09/2026 22:25

Why were you sniffing around a man with a baby whose wife had just died anyway? Surely you knew that he would have been vulnerable and would be willing to latch on to just about anyone to help him bring up his kids/provide emotional support/sex.

CypressGrove · 14/09/2026 20:58

CurdinHenry · 14/09/2026 18:51

Honestly reading this thread helps me to better understand how so many women fall for sociopaths

"Oh the poor poor baby he made the dog story up as a metaphor for loss!"

If you really can't understand why a traumatised child of some age between 12-16 would find it easier to talk about a made up lost dog when starting out therapy you might want to consider that you are the sociopath here.

Notsosweetcaroline · 14/09/2026 20:49

God what a mess, you only see your step daighter twice a year and don’t think you’ve any responsibility for that, and haye your step son. Who is only 16 and had a horrific life??

Calliopespa · 14/09/2026 20:33

What actually really upsets me on these threads is how may posters genuinely seem to have no idea how important the role that parents play really is in the life of a child.

It's a bit worrying.

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