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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My mum wants brother to come and stay with me

127 replies

Breakitc · 25/11/2025 19:14

This is my first thread. Apologises for the long thread. Don't want to drip feed.
I have a younger brother, he's almost 17. We have the same mum, different dad. For various reasons, I lived with my dad and stepmum for most of my childhood.

His dad cheated on my mum and they split when he was 1, he was still involved and had him regularly. As did I, I lived close by and we spent a lot of time together and he was honestly the sweetest toddler/child. A few years later his dad moves abroad, I think brother was around 8 at the time and after that contact slowed down. In the beginning he'd come and visit him but that stopped and went to birthday texts and then nothing at all. I also stopped seeing him, my mum has MH issues (agoraphobia, anxiety, depression, she's also a functional alcoholic) and our relationship is rocky, we’d fall out and then she’d tell my brother i didn’t want to see him etc. Which wasn't true.

He was her baby and she blamed everything on other people, he could do no wrong. She'd blame other kids on their street for influencing him, blaming the school and teachers and just everyone but her/her parenting and my brother. She never set any boundaries. He stopped attending school in year 7. Mum said she was homeschooling him but I don't think they did any work together. He has Irlen syndrome and still can barely read and write and I'm not doubting he struggled in secondary school but he only lasted a term, if that.

Things really changed when he was 13, he started being aggressive, smashing things when he didn't get his own way. He smashed many iPhones and mum just brought a new one/got them repaired with no consequences.
He was very mouthy and eventually started with homophobic and racist language, my mum isn't like this nor me and he barely has contact with his dad so I don't think it's learnt behaviour from any of us.

Anyway, the older he's got the worse he's got. He steals from my mum, smokes weed, drinks, he's been involved with the police (it didn't go anywhere legally), mum said his room is a tip and she suspects he is doing a lot more than weed. The racist & homophobic language is very much the same. He uses the p racial slur a lot which mum has asked him many times to stop especially as they have neighbours which are other races etc. He just laughs and says its not aimed at them.
My mum can't cope with him and the final straw was a neighbour knocking on their door furious with brother as he'd had his hands down his trousers outside in front of her teen DD(13 or 14), she threatened to report him to the police but he just laughed and made a joke of it about how he was doing it because of the mum - not the DD. until that comment I thought he was just doing what teen boys do but now I honestly don't know. His behaviour and the knocks to the door is causing my mum significant anxiety. She asked me if I could have him, I live a few hours away and they live in London. I initially said no and she went off at me and blocked me and said I don't care about her or her mental health and threatened suicide (something she's done a lot hence why we have LC now). This was toward the end of October.

She'd told him she wanted him out when he turned 17 on NYE, she said if he didn't go she’d phone SS. He called her a birch and said he wasn't going into care. He’d just run away and go to his dads and she’d never see him again. I don't know if he meant it, if he's even had any contact with his dad recently or even if his dad is back in the UK. Brother doesn't have a passport.

Since then my mum has said he's hardly been home, she messaged me earlier and told me on Saturday night he'd been stabbed in the stomach, obviously went to hospital etc and is physically ok, he hasn't said who did it. He said he doesn't know, wouldn't give a description or what happened leading up to it. Apparently he went out again yesterday.

She's asking me again if I would have him but I really don't know. WWYD? Please be kind.

OP posts:
PoppySaidYesIKnow · 25/11/2025 21:40

He needs professional help, and the first step is to want that. Please, do not take responsibility for him, it’ll destroy you.

Whyherewego · 25/11/2025 21:40

You are not his parent. I repeat you are not his parent. And you cannot fix him. He has addiction, anger issues, no education and clearly is a troubled young man.
This would be a lot for any parent to take on ... imagine the amount of rehab, the counselling etc that would be needed. The cost of him living with you, who is paying that. What if he does do something to harm you or damage your property? You dont have PR for him so you can't necessarily access help and support. Contact SS again, encourage your mum to do so. Provide support by signposting.
You cannot fix him OP

BlondeBonBon · 25/11/2025 21:50

Look at getting him a level 2 apprenticeship in London, doing something of interest building, sport, whatever.

AcrossthePond55 · 25/11/2025 21:53

@Breakitc

Good God NO!! This is not something you are equipped to handle. His behaviour isn't going to magically improve by a change of scene. Your mum just wants to offload her problem onto you.

If I were you I'd contact SS in their area and file a report saying that he is abusing your mother and that she is planning on kicking him out of the house. But make it very clear to them that you are NOT going to take him in under any circumstances. It may result in something, it may not. But you have let the proper authorities know and can simply let go of the situation.

I'm not in the UK but where I am 17 is still considered a minor and a parent can't just kick them out. They can get involved with SS and have them removed and placed into care if it's warranted. But they can't just kick them out to live on the streets.

As far as your mum, keep saying no. Let her rant and rave and threaten. You are entitled to live your life in peace. You didn't create this problem, it's not up to you to solve it.

Breakitc · 25/11/2025 22:00

Sorry I probably should've said in my OP, I have an 18mo and a partner. My brother actually came here for a week or so in the summer and we had no problems with him, he went to the gym with DP a few times and really enjoyed it. He didn't take anything while here what I know of, he was vaping with what I think was a THC vape but it was always outside as we asked (wouldve preferred not at all but outside was better than in). During that visit he told me that our mum expects him to be some kind of carer and go out and get shopping amongst other things but he's said it's not happening and it's always been that way even when he was younger. I obviously don't know if he was lying or not but he seemed convincing.

My DP thinks we should let him stay on a trial basis especially as he has no male role model but I'm unsure. DP didn't have a positive male role model and he believes it would've made a difference to him. He also thinks my brother isn't as bad as my mum is making him out to be but I have no idea how to tell for certain.

OP posts:
Talltreesbythelake · 25/11/2025 22:00

BlondeBonBon · 25/11/2025 21:50

Look at getting him a level 2 apprenticeship in London, doing something of interest building, sport, whatever.

She can't, she is his sister. How would that even work? He would have to apply and be interviewed. Would he turn up clean, tidy and sober with an eager look on his face?

Hotflushesandchilblains · 25/11/2025 22:04

Breakitc · 25/11/2025 22:00

Sorry I probably should've said in my OP, I have an 18mo and a partner. My brother actually came here for a week or so in the summer and we had no problems with him, he went to the gym with DP a few times and really enjoyed it. He didn't take anything while here what I know of, he was vaping with what I think was a THC vape but it was always outside as we asked (wouldve preferred not at all but outside was better than in). During that visit he told me that our mum expects him to be some kind of carer and go out and get shopping amongst other things but he's said it's not happening and it's always been that way even when he was younger. I obviously don't know if he was lying or not but he seemed convincing.

My DP thinks we should let him stay on a trial basis especially as he has no male role model but I'm unsure. DP didn't have a positive male role model and he believes it would've made a difference to him. He also thinks my brother isn't as bad as my mum is making him out to be but I have no idea how to tell for certain.

Based on this update, a trial seems reasonable - it may be that with structure and boundaries and role models, you DB will behave better. And you will know you tried. But you would need to have clear expectations and rules in place and which he agrees to before he comes.

Sunnydaystoday · 25/11/2025 22:05

You have a child.
Absolutely not.
Your mother has failed him.
She wants you to fix her mess.
Put your child first.
The exact opposite of what your mother has always done.

ChachaIntheLongrun · 25/11/2025 22:08

No, as simple as this. She can keep threatening what she wants.

Minjou · 25/11/2025 22:20

BlondeBonBon · 25/11/2025 21:50

Look at getting him a level 2 apprenticeship in London, doing something of interest building, sport, whatever.

He can't read or write and he's a drug addict with serious behavioural issues...who is going to employ him as an apprentice, even if op could do that, which she can't.

StruggleFlourish · 26/11/2025 03:35

Namechange822 · 25/11/2025 19:36

I think that you should call social services, tell them everything in your post, including your mums suicide threats, mental health, drinking etc. You also need to tell them mum is claiming to be home educating but isn’t doing any schoolwork.

There is help out there but it usually drops off dramatically once a child reaches 18 so now is the time to get some help for him in place.

Dont offer to have him at yours.

This 👆 and to repeat others, 1
00% no. He does not stay with you. Your half brother with HUGE behavioral issues is NOT your responsibility.

Namechange822 · 26/11/2025 03:39

Breakitc · 25/11/2025 22:00

Sorry I probably should've said in my OP, I have an 18mo and a partner. My brother actually came here for a week or so in the summer and we had no problems with him, he went to the gym with DP a few times and really enjoyed it. He didn't take anything while here what I know of, he was vaping with what I think was a THC vape but it was always outside as we asked (wouldve preferred not at all but outside was better than in). During that visit he told me that our mum expects him to be some kind of carer and go out and get shopping amongst other things but he's said it's not happening and it's always been that way even when he was younger. I obviously don't know if he was lying or not but he seemed convincing.

My DP thinks we should let him stay on a trial basis especially as he has no male role model but I'm unsure. DP didn't have a positive male role model and he believes it would've made a difference to him. He also thinks my brother isn't as bad as my mum is making him out to be but I have no idea how to tell for certain.

Can your partner be a male role model without him living with you?

Could they go to the gym at the same time a couple of times a week and call to discuss workouts? Could you go visit and they go together?

Protect your baby from having drugs in the house.

JustMe2026 · 26/11/2025 05:01

For safety reasons I would not be having him in my house. If he got stabbed because of being in a drug gang or anything along those lines they will be knocking on your door after him or to cause trouble for him wherever he is.

SodOffNigelYouSleazebag · 26/11/2025 05:10

No. Your mum does not get to dump the result of her poor parenting in your lap.

SodOffNigelYouSleazebag · 26/11/2025 05:14

BlondeBonBon · 25/11/2025 21:50

Look at getting him a level 2 apprenticeship in London, doing something of interest building, sport, whatever.

You can't just 'get' an apprenticeship for another person. There is an application process which the would-be apprentice would have to go through. And he would have to have something to offer and demonstrate enthusiasm.

AprilinPortugal · 26/11/2025 05:24

SaySomethingMan · 25/11/2025 21:05

He’s not been parented well at all, sadly. Your kind of mum doesn’t sound like she was in a fit state to parent him due to her ill health. A boy needs his father too.

Youre kind of his last chance saloon. If you can take him on a trial basis, I would. He seems to be deflecting his poor academic skills with poor behaviour too.

Totally agree...all those blaming the mum....what about the dad who fucked off abroad and lost contact with his son? A boy, especially a teenage boy, does need a father or other strong male figure in his life.

Minjou · 26/11/2025 05:35

AprilinPortugal · 26/11/2025 05:24

Totally agree...all those blaming the mum....what about the dad who fucked off abroad and lost contact with his son? A boy, especially a teenage boy, does need a father or other strong male figure in his life.

And he doesn't have one, but they doesn't let his mother off tee hook for her appalling parenting as well.

tripleginandtonic · 26/11/2025 05:36

Breakitc · 25/11/2025 22:00

Sorry I probably should've said in my OP, I have an 18mo and a partner. My brother actually came here for a week or so in the summer and we had no problems with him, he went to the gym with DP a few times and really enjoyed it. He didn't take anything while here what I know of, he was vaping with what I think was a THC vape but it was always outside as we asked (wouldve preferred not at all but outside was better than in). During that visit he told me that our mum expects him to be some kind of carer and go out and get shopping amongst other things but he's said it's not happening and it's always been that way even when he was younger. I obviously don't know if he was lying or not but he seemed convincing.

My DP thinks we should let him stay on a trial basis especially as he has no male role model but I'm unsure. DP didn't have a positive male role model and he believes it would've made a difference to him. He also thinks my brother isn't as bad as my mum is making him out to be but I have no idea how to tell for certain.

Im with your dp. Everyone deserves a second chance and he's your bother, he's still a kid But you do need to be firm about boundaries.

Monty27 · 26/11/2025 05:49

Hrtht but no you can't bail her out on this he's her child and her responsibility.
I can't think of anything other than social services for them both.

AuldWeegie · 26/11/2025 05:51

There's s world of difference between following rules for a week, and settling in for a longterm stay with college, work, curfews, etc. I wouldn’t ask any of my own DC to do this for a sibling, especially with a baby in the house.

If your mum tries to throw him out is he likely to turn up on your doorstop and play on your emotions?

CarlaLemarchant · 26/11/2025 06:04

Your mum sounds disastrous but asking a 17 year old to do some shopping or be useful around the house is not unreasonable especially as he is not in education or employment.

What does he want in this situation? Where does he want to be? What are his next steps in life because it sounds like he doesn’t have any plans to engage in anything meaningful. Who would pay for his gym membership? What happens when he eats all your food and you ask him to go to the shops to replace it. How is likely to react when you say his room is a stinking mess and he needs to clean it. Or when he offends your neighbours with his racist language of influences your small child. Will he be respectful towards you when your partner isn’t around?

In short. Don’t cut him off, be there for advice and support but don’t let him live with you.

Anycrispsleft · 26/11/2025 06:05

He'll have been on his best behaviour when he came to stay with you but after a few weeks it would start to fall apart. And you have small child in the house. Fuck that.
Hard a start as he has had, he's now very nearly an adult and if he's ever to grow up he will need to start feeling the consequences of his own actions. His problems are inside his own head, moving to yours isn't going to help any of that.

Horses7 · 26/11/2025 06:16

Nooooo! Not even one night. I think for your own sanity/happiness I’d go no contact with all your family - they sound grim and are not going to suddenly change.

LAMPS1 · 26/11/2025 06:17

Your brother doesn’t want to be helped.
If he only goes home occasionally after being kicked out last New Year, he must largely be fending for himself, albeit most probably by illegal means. At this stage, he probably thinks his gang of mates are true mates looking out for him.
So OP, even if you wanted to have him live with you and help him turn his life around, he wouldn’t want to move from his mates/gang. he would go back to them or they would come and find him.

In my view, the best you could do for him is help him get a passport and a ticket to his dad overseas. It’s high time his father got involved.

It would be a mistake to go along with your mum’s wishes. I don’t think you or anybody else can persuade him to suddenly live a clean decent life and go back to education. You would just be inviting a whole mess of trouble into your own life and home.

Dancingdance · 26/11/2025 06:32

Breakitc · 25/11/2025 22:00

Sorry I probably should've said in my OP, I have an 18mo and a partner. My brother actually came here for a week or so in the summer and we had no problems with him, he went to the gym with DP a few times and really enjoyed it. He didn't take anything while here what I know of, he was vaping with what I think was a THC vape but it was always outside as we asked (wouldve preferred not at all but outside was better than in). During that visit he told me that our mum expects him to be some kind of carer and go out and get shopping amongst other things but he's said it's not happening and it's always been that way even when he was younger. I obviously don't know if he was lying or not but he seemed convincing.

My DP thinks we should let him stay on a trial basis especially as he has no male role model but I'm unsure. DP didn't have a positive male role model and he believes it would've made a difference to him. He also thinks my brother isn't as bad as my mum is making him out to be but I have no idea how to tell for certain.

Are social services not already involved? Don’t let him live with you especially as you have a toddler.