I'm a single parent of dd (6) and have been since day one. My mum bless her, has got a very different idea of "support" to me, and bless her although she's tried over the years, really she's been more of a hindrance than a help. Don't get me wrong, dd loves her to bits, and two years ago we moved nearer to her & my step dad. I'd hazard a guess that she's maybe had dd overnight 10 times in her life. Don't get me wrong, she dotes on dd, and spoils her rotten.
My step dad has always looked down his nose at me, for my parenting style, and sometimes emotional behavior (i'm a single mum after all it's kind of hard at times) i'm quite strict with my daughter, in a firm but fair way, which is considerably different from my upbringing. As a result, although more through sheer luck, i have a beautifully well mannered dd, who is (mostly) well behaved.
Anyway, my step dad has a son, who is aged 8 from a previous relationship (he was 6 months when mum met him)he had been fighting for visitation for many years, the son was taken into care because of his mums "issues" and a bond re-established with my step dad, who finally got custody 2 days before Christmas this year. Understandably his dc has some problems both from his mother and his time in care, which on the whole, just need a firm hand, boundaries, and lots of love and routine to resolve.
Obviously it's wonderful he's now got a great home with a loving father & step mum to spoil him rotten. but....oh how the tables have turned since Christmas. I can now sit with my cup of tea and look smug as he asks ME for parenting advise, and exclaims just how difficult it is being a parent, and he doesn't know how i've done it alone all these years! My dd has gone round tonight for a sleepover at their house.
(i think their hoping her good behavior will rub off on him) I can only imagine they shall want the favor returned next week so they can have "a night off"
Just wanted to post how smug i feel right now. That is all :D