New partner

[Jbear59]

For much of my parenting I've been a single parent. DS is 9 years old and a lovely boy, albeit has been a very adored mummy's boy with lots of attention. We are our own little team.
I am in a new relationship and have introduced my ds to my partner, they get on well but I am already feeling mum guilt about the fact I am naturally spending less one on one time with my ds.
Ds is mature for his age, wants me to be happy and thrives on male attention as has no relationship with his own dad.
I have had one precious relationship where I have felt stuck between my ds and partner (they didn't get on v well) and it was only after the relationship broke down that I realised I hadn't put my son first all of the time. New partner is spending alot of time with us and has begun contributing to some of the day to day parenting which includes picking my ds up on poor behaviour, encouraging him to eat better etc. I'm aware that ds isn't always happy/ comfortable with this, mostly because it's always just been me and him and I have been rather lacking on discipline.

How do I navigate this stage of my life and do what is right for my ds and good for my new relationship?

Sounds too soon for your partner to be 'parenting'. Have that chat with him - if he doesn't have children of his own, he won't know. Suggest that he goes with a positive version and credits your son for the lovely things he does and makes no comment to DS on anything he likes less - he can always talk to you about it. If your partner knows that he can talk to you and be listened to about any little issues that come up - and that you will explain if he has got the wrong end of the stick or an unrealistic expectation through lack of experience with kids, that should go a long way and prevent him from having to try to introduce an element into his relationship with your son that is bound to cause friction and upset in the long run.

How "new" is this boyfriend? I don't think he should be parenting/disciplining your child. That's your job. If you've been lacking with discipline, that needs to change sharpish, whether you have a partner or not.

Why is the new partner spending a lot of time with you and your son? Are you unable to find/afford childcare?