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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

Is it time to end relationship over blended family parenting differences?

82 replies

Talia37 · 22/04/2026 21:36

Is it time to call it quits?? Blended family issues.

I’ve been with my partner for 6 years, living together on and off as he has had different careers.
I have 2 children 19 and 15. There has been several issues over the years with his opinions on parenting being very different to mine (he has no children).
He likes to take the stricter approach however my children are very well behaved. My eldest is hard working and has a great career. Neither have ever been in trouble at school or outside of school, they are respectful and kind.
Our most recent issue is my daughter having friends over-on occasions.
I feel as though he constantly tries to control different aspects and when I disagree I get endless messages/conversations regarding his fews.

The last straw was recently when my daughter popped into our home with 3 friends for 20 minutes whilst she got changed.
Hes against this and I got several narky messages about how our house isn’t a doss house and if u let it happen it will be.

I’ve always had a laid back approach to friends coming over. I think it’s important and at least they’re not out on the streets. They are lovely kids too.

I’ve had enough of being stuck in the middle and have done several things to try to compromise but he’s never happy.

AIBU to stick to my guns and get out this relationship? I feel like my child’s happiness and last bit of childhood shouldn’t be tainted.

OP posts:
DoesthislookgoodOnMe · 23/04/2026 22:03

Maybe @Talia37 you should celebrate once he’s gone and have a house party with all your teens friends!

JuliettaCaeser · 23/04/2026 22:33

A friend has had to do this. Her marriage broke up she met a new man he seemed nice but he was too strict and harsh to her two teens. She prioritised them and ended the relationship.

Scarydinosaurs · 23/04/2026 22:39

You’re doing the right thing - well done and I hope his moving out goes without incident.

💐

MoonWoman69 · Yesterday 18:02

I'd end the relationship over this. He has no right to be putting his foot down. And this attitude is only going to escalate and move into other areas. Make the split now before you find yourself and your children coerced and controlled fully further down the line.

MMUmum · Yesterday 18:15

Talia37 · 22/04/2026 21:36

Is it time to call it quits?? Blended family issues.

I’ve been with my partner for 6 years, living together on and off as he has had different careers.
I have 2 children 19 and 15. There has been several issues over the years with his opinions on parenting being very different to mine (he has no children).
He likes to take the stricter approach however my children are very well behaved. My eldest is hard working and has a great career. Neither have ever been in trouble at school or outside of school, they are respectful and kind.
Our most recent issue is my daughter having friends over-on occasions.
I feel as though he constantly tries to control different aspects and when I disagree I get endless messages/conversations regarding his fews.

The last straw was recently when my daughter popped into our home with 3 friends for 20 minutes whilst she got changed.
Hes against this and I got several narky messages about how our house isn’t a doss house and if u let it happen it will be.

I’ve always had a laid back approach to friends coming over. I think it’s important and at least they’re not out on the streets. They are lovely kids too.

I’ve had enough of being stuck in the middle and have done several things to try to compromise but he’s never happy.

AIBU to stick to my guns and get out this relationship? I feel like my child’s happiness and last bit of childhood shouldn’t be tainted.

Absolutely not unreasonable, it's her house too and she is entitled to invite her friends over. My Dd used to have sleepovers with 5 or 6 friends for birthdays, you have raised good children so trust your instincts on this one.

Happyjoe · Yesterday 18:51

It's your daughters home too, she should feel like she can have a few friends around, 20 mins or more without this.
Am sorry OP, he doesn't sound much fun for any of you.

Tuesdayschild50 · Yesterday 19:23

Yes I think you're right .. you have completely different approaches and its great your daughter pops in with her friends and they wait for her this should be encouraged its all very normal ... I think you no the answer to this.

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