to not want to send kids to my Mum's so their step Dad can "have a break"?

[somanymiles]

My DH and I had planned to spend a few days away next week and my kids were to go to my Mum's. However, we decided we were too skint to go away and would do day trips instead. He still expects my kids (who are his step children) to go to my Mum's so he can "have a break" from them. They are 12 and 15 respectively and pretty good, not rude or badly behaved. They already spend one or two nights a week at my Mum's or sister's house (Friday and Saturday this week). I think it's a bit much to expect Mum to have them for three nights when we won;t even be going away. He is in a massive sulk because he was looking forward to having a break from them. We have Wednesday-Friday off and they will be going to my Mum's on the Friday. AIBU? Should I ask Mum to take them anyway? They will be away for all of August visiting their Dad, so he will be getting a break soon anyway. We will still have DS3 with us who is three years' old.

I am a step parent and I understand how he feels as it is incredibly hard, but he is nevertheless wrong to say his steps aren't welcome but your joint child is

Oh my god! The older two are the same age as mine. I can't begin to imagine how they must feel being tolerated in their own home. Surely at those ages they don't need entertaining and will be out and about with friends most days anyway. What does he mean a break are they noisy or rude to him?

I don't get keeping the 3 year old as being a break, I've minded my nephews today 7 & 3 bloody hard work the 3 year old. I'd forgotten the 30 million questions and the inability to walk far or fast! Surely if all 3 went to your mums that would be a break.

TBH if I wanted a break I'd keep my 12yo send the 4yo away! I can see why he would want a break from all of the faff of kids but 12 and 15 are old enough they are not difficult to take care of (other than all the laundry and food shopping, but you'll be doing that anyway). If he wants you guys to have romantic time together at home instead of going away, that seems fair enough and also a positive thing for your relationship, but if he wants to keep 3yo but send others off, that makes no sense at all and seems a bit bitchy of him.