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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Wife puts selfish lying son before me

33 replies

Dad48 · 04/01/2023 01:50

Hi all. Need some advice. I am a dad of 4 and have been married to my wife for 18 years. My eldest son is actually my wife’s from a previous relationship but I have brought him up since he was almost 2. He has been a handful since his early teens and has since left home ( he is 20 now). Ever since he was 13 he has done everything in his power to make life difficult for us he even ended up being expelled from school. The amount of times I have found my wife in tears, I have actually lost count. Anyway his adult life isn’t any better, his grandparents took him in and has even started disrespecting them. This all sounds superficial but I can’t really list all the things he has done. When his mum tries to call him he just ignores her and won’t get in contact unless he wants something. For the sake of my younger kids, I have told him he is not welcome whilst he still has this selfish I don’t give a damn about anybody attitude. The problem I’m having now is my wife and I are falling out because she wants him to come round like nothing has happened and I’m objecting. She commonly says “ if I want my son round here then he can come” makes me feel like I’m a new boyfriend who hasn’t been through all the shit and heartache with her. I’m not trying to make her choose but I feel hurt that my feelings are not being taken into consideration. After all the hurt and upsetment he has caused the family I really don’t want to see him. Am I being in reasonable to ask her to meet him somewhere else or should I leave my home when he comes. I feel so unappreciated and it hurts that I’m now a second to this selfish adult son of ours?

OP posts:
Velvian · 04/01/2023 07:32

I would recommend trying to build your own relationship with him @Dad48 , separate from your wife and DC. Have you tried going somewhere just the 2 of you?

I think your relationship with him is the key to calmer times as a family.

pictoosh · 04/01/2023 07:32

I agree with @mathanxiety too.

If or when your own kids take a wayward turn, I'm sure you'll be there to support and defend them.

MintJulia · 04/01/2023 07:36

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 04/01/2023 02:50

It depends what he’s actually done.

From your post it could be that he’s horrific and your wife is unfair, but equally it’s vague enough it could be normal teenage stuff and you’re being way OTT

This.

It would have to be stealing, violence, intimidation, drugs or sexual misbehaviour to make meeting outside the home a necessity.

If it's just teenage rudeness, hormonal locking of horns etc, then can't you just sit in a different room. It's your wife's home too and he is her child.

Dad48 · 04/01/2023 08:19

All of the above unfortunately

OP posts:
saraclara · 04/01/2023 08:30

Dad48 · 04/01/2023 08:19

All of the above unfortunately

Okay. That puts a different light on things.

If your other children are at risk from, or intimidated by him, then he shouldn't be able to visit when they're there. If he's likely to steal from your home (or especially from the other children) then no, he shouldn't be allowed in the home.

dolor · 04/01/2023 08:49

I wouldn't let him in the house either. He sounds bloody awful, and I think your wife needs to face up to that reality.

SilverTotoro · 04/01/2023 20:24

My MIL had to ban BIL from her house after he developed several addictions. He was aggressive and stole from a number of family members. Given you’ve suggested similar is happening with you SS then I don’t think it’s unreasonable to protect the other children from him and to insist he does not come to your home until he can demonstrates improved behaviour.

mathanxiety · 06/01/2023 06:43

Wow, that's quite a dripfeed Hmm

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