I dont know what I'm looking for by posting this I'm hoping someone may be going through something similar or has in the past. So I have 3 children my eldest is 9 next month. Hes always been very sensitive and gets very emotional at times. Me and the childrens dad split up over 3 years ago, at the start he would see them weekends etc but slowly this turned into him just vanishing and he hasnt had contact in a year despite my efforts to try get in contact with him for the childrens sake. A year and a half ago I met my current partner. The kids slowly were introduced and they all took to him very well. My son seemed to love spending time all together and would ask if they could do stuff just them 2. Now obviously during me meeting him is when their dad decided to stop contact, this isnt down to me meeting someone new as he had met someone else too. The past few months my son seems to have changed, he has constant attitude refuses to listen, expect everything to be done for him even down to getting his shoes on where before he was pretty independent. He also seems to have turned on my partner.. he doesnt want to spend time with him anymore. The other night he even turned round and told me he doesnt want him in our lives because he isnt his dad and he doesnt want me to be with anyone unless it's his dad. Now I know he is finding it difficult as would any child going through this but I've tried everything to try make it easier for him. I sit and talk with him whenever things are on his mind whether it's about his dad or anything else. I just dont know where to go from here as nothing I do seems to be working. I've thought about leaving my partner if it makes him happy but my other 2 children have such a good bond with him it would break mine and their hearts and honestly I dont think it matters who I'm with it will always be the same. Is this a phase that most kids go through? Will it get better over time? I know the situation with his dad wont get better but I just dont know what to do anymore.