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How to deal with disgusting behaviour from older children

3 replies

HairyMcFairy16 · 02/08/2017 12:44

DSS 13and DSD 11 are lovely kids and we all get on well. I've been their stepmum for 7 years and also have a younger DD 5 and baby DS. The older two are with us every other weekend. I'm really struggling with what I can only describe as gross behaviour. They eat with their hands, don't wash to the point where DSDs hair smells bad as does DSSs whole body. They still put non food objects in their mouths to chew on and will happily eat food off the floor. The last time we went to the cinema DSD started eating someone else's spilled popcorn off the floor! DSS will pick his nose and eat it while he's talking to you. It's just so grim.

I know I know DH should sort it but he doesn't and now DD is beginning to mimic and it's making me crazy. She uses cutlery just fine when they aren't here. But for two days after they've been I have to keep reminding her. She of course is now asking why it's ok for them to eat with their hands and not her. It's as if DH just doesn't see it. If I nag him then he nags them but it's not working nor is it constructive. I feel like we need a whole house approach. I have largely stayed out of any discipline and worked hard to build a solid relationship with them. But I can't keep letting this go. Any ideas on how to go about changing their behaviour?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Identity1 · 06/08/2017 14:44

Hi there I don't have much advice cos I am in very similar situation with older SC. It's sooo annoying, eating with fingers really really gets me, its gross. Belongings strewn everywhere, roll of the eyes and tuts when asked to tidy up, very politely i may add only as i would ask my 2 DC. Jumping all over (brand new) sofa!!!! No standards of personal hygiene at all - but I am led to believe they are the same at home ??? And as they are there 75 -80 % of their time I do sometimes wonder who is more at fault.... so no useful advice ..... but you are not alone. Also my DH does tell them but falls on deaf ears most of the time, he only gets the usual you're always having a go at us. The guilt trip IMO.

EveryoneTalkAboutPopMusic · 06/08/2017 16:42

Why won't your DH sort it out? I think I'd be sitting him down and saying that they both need a bath when they come to you. Perhaps you could buy them some nice toiletries? He really needs to step up and parent them when it comes to eating with their hands and eating from the floor. From what you've said, he doesn't seem to be parenting them at all.

Fiona1984 · 08/08/2017 21:37

Oh God the picking nose and eating it! My partner's son (9) does this, he gets a telling off if his dad catches him, but I still see him do it out of the corner of my eye when watching TV. Why do they do it? It's just disgusting!
He also won't have a bath without being told several times, and will wear the same underwear and socks for multiple days.
Kids are gross.

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