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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Step child issues

16 replies

Tryingmybestwithitall · 04/11/2023 14:54

First time poster here. So long story short, husband and I have been together 11 years. I have been in his son’s life since he was 6, he is now 17. Over the years we’ve had some turbulence, particularly where the ex wife was concerned but things had settled down in the last year or two and I was enjoying our blended family. He lives with us full time with a night or two a week spent at his mum’s. We also have two other children together. Unfortunately recently, step son has started to think he is a grown up. Going out drinking, vaping, not doing things when asked. He has become really lazy around the house since leaving secondary school and despite my efforts helping him to create a CV and apply for loads of jobs, he is showing virtually no interest in wanting to get out there and earn his own pocket money, saying a job will interfere with his weekend hobbies. Husband keeps giving him spending money despite this, which I disagree with as he’s getting free money for doing nothing and it isn’t teaching him well for the future. Plus he’s spending most of it on alcohol when he goes out with friends at weekend. We went away recently and SS decided he wanted to stay at home for a couple of nights on his own, and agreed to stay at his mums a couple of nights too. Asked if he could have some friends round one evening. I was wary about this as I know they’d be drinking and also I had never met the friends in question. Husband overruled me and said fine but I wanted to limit to 2 friends. Husband overruled this and limited to 4. Neighbours contacted us to complain about the noise and behaviour, but the house was ok and no damage etc. Now the biggest problem I had was when he then had a second “gathering” with multiple friends I didn’t know on a night he was meant to be staying at his mums. Without telling us he went ahead and did this and we only knew about it as the neighbours complained again, but this time apparently the noise and behaviour was worse. I contacted him and told him how disappointed I was that he’d gone ahead and done this a second night this time without any consent. I felt it was very disrespectful and that he needed a consequence. He did apologise but I still wasn’t happy as he had gone behind our backs and planned the whole thing knowing he wasn’t allowed and then lied about it. Husband disagreed with me basically saying kids will be kids. His parenting style is to moan about the kids behaviour but do nothing about it. So now I’m left feeling like my home is not my own and he can basically do what he wants. Baring in mind I run around after this kid and do all his washing, meals, along with a lot of emotional support I’ve provided over the years and encouragement. In helped him choose a college course and apply for it. Ive tried to help him find a part time job. Given him lifts here and there when he needs them. I feel like not doing these things anymore and saying he should do his own washing and cooking from now on, since he doesn’t appear to have the respect towards me that I feel I deserve. I know for sure he wouldn’t do this at his mum’s house and he seems to have a lot more respect for her than he does us, although she does pretty much none of the above for him and hasn’t washed a single item of his clothing in nearly 4 years. AIBU to want to have boundaries in place in my home and have them respected?

OP posts:
Dowhadiddydiddydum · 04/11/2023 15:10

YANBU to feel the way you do.
The source of the problem is his father/your partner though. I’d be annoyed with him. The SS behaviour sounds a little extreme but still not totally unusual for a 14 yr old boy. His father should be stepping up to hold boudaries. I think it is fine to withdraw what you do for him, if he is treating you badly. If there is a problem his father will have to manage it.

Hollyive · 04/11/2023 15:14

Well no, YANBU. But 17 is a difficult age when frankly they become a complete pain in the arse.

I have one too. They think they are adults, they don’t want to be told (asked!) what to do, they don’t ask permission anymore, they are self absorbed and selfish. They’re happy to talk to you when they want lifts or food though.

But your main problem is you and your DH are not on the same page. He doesn’t get to undermine you and you should be making decisions together about household boundaries.

Nochoiceleft · 04/11/2023 15:17

One of mine was very much like this at 17. Deciding to be a grown up but not taking responsibility for anything. But this is a dh problem. You need to be a united front as parents. You will achieve nothing with dh constantly undermining you.

JustAMinutePleass · 04/11/2023 15:19

Why isn’t he living with his Mum? Is it because Dad lets him do what he wants and gives him spending money - or was there abuse involved? If no abuse I think it’s time he stayed with her as he clearly doesn’t respect you.

DelphiniumBlue · 04/11/2023 15:20

17 YO boys are a pain, even when you've birthed them yourself.
But that being said, are we to understand that he's not working or studying but is being given money for alcohol and vaping? Not only that , but he's not looking after himself ( eg doing his own washing) or contributing to the household in terms of chores?
Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
So no, I wouldn't be running around after him, giving him money, lifts and doing his washing until and unless he starts pulling his weight.

LittleOwl153 · 04/11/2023 15:39

I would be starting with the withdrawal of the privilege of staying in the house by himself as he clearly is not mature enough to respect that.

Then I would be telling him that as he does not respect you and your home you will no longer be running around after him. No washing, no driving etc. I'd still cook a family meal and include him but nothing further.

I'd then be having VERY strong words with your husband about setting this kid up to fail with his money for nothing, do as you like attitude. Either he's a kid and does as he's told, or he's an adult and pays his way and shows respect... he can't have it both ways!

How does he treat your other kids... do they get away with anything and get endless money thrown at them like the eldest or is he only a Disney dad to him and will loose the respect of the others as they grow up?

Personally I wouldn't put up with it. And DH would know about it AND that jt was down to him to make things change and fast.

Livelovebehappy · 04/11/2023 15:42

Your problem until your dashboard tbh. He's acting pretty much like any teen navigating the transition from child to adulthood. But both you and your dh need to be on the same page with parenting. He doesnt act up at his mums as clearly she is setting the correct boundaries and he knows he won't get away with stuff. You need to sit down with your dh and come up with boundaries and house rules, and consequences if they're not followed. Maybe ask for tips from his mum?

Livelovebehappy · 04/11/2023 15:42

your problem isn't your dss

Reugny · 04/11/2023 15:45

Livelovebehappy · 04/11/2023 15:42

Your problem until your dashboard tbh. He's acting pretty much like any teen navigating the transition from child to adulthood. But both you and your dh need to be on the same page with parenting. He doesnt act up at his mums as clearly she is setting the correct boundaries and he knows he won't get away with stuff. You need to sit down with your dh and come up with boundaries and house rules, and consequences if they're not followed. Maybe ask for tips from his mum?

The issue is the boy's dad.

Mum sets boundaries but dad doesn't so obviously the boy is going to live with the parent who doesn't set boundaries.

Coolhwip · 04/11/2023 15:48

You are doing all this for a teen that you aren’t even allowed to discipline or give rules to.

Stop it all and concentrate on your real children. Let DH handle his son.

Bluela18 · 04/11/2023 15:48

You are not being unreasonable. 17 is very young though and they can often behave in ways like this. Try to be understanding and loving towards him, as he's been there since he was 6 , you are also rhe main parent in his life. You could say that you love him but that there needs to be some boundaries in place. You could have a family meeting and he could also help to come up with some things that are appropriate and meet somewhere in the middle with what is reasonable etc

Sapphire387 · 04/11/2023 16:43

So you're to act like his mum in terms of helping him and looking after him, but you're not 'allowed' to discipline him?

No. Your husband needs to get his act together. Can't have one without the other.

Perhaps DSS needs to 'earn' his pocket money by actually doing some chores?

Cas112 · 04/11/2023 16:45

He is being a typical 17 year old

Onceuponaheatache · 04/11/2023 17:04

Honestly, the comment about "unfortunately thinks he is a grown up" made my hackles go up. He is nearly an adult, and yes I agree his behaviour is not stellar but based on your words and the fact you say things have been awkward for most tmof the time I would say there is far more to this.

Firstly, the issue is not your step child. He is behaving like a typical 17 year old. Your issue is a crap father who is refusing to parent his kid.

Sort that out, focus on that. He is the problem not your step son.

TonTonMacoute · 17/03/2024 11:14

Are you really sure he favours step son? Or is it just that he can do more 'grown up' things with an older child?

He may also feel he has to compete a bit with his ex in doing nice things with his DS.

Step son is part of your family, you need to accept that. If he is rude to any adults that is unacceptable whether they are your family members or not, and he should be called out on it. Your DH should do this and you have a right to insist that he does.

Valeriekat · 18/03/2024 07:30

Your husband needs to discipline his son.
This will probably get worse as he gets older.
Do you want to stay married to someone who has so little regard for you?

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