Here's my problem - my children - girls aged 7 and 10, are very down on my new relationship of two years, and although we'd like to move in together he and I have worries.
I split with their Dad six years ago and he's had a very nice new partner - but not a cohabiting one - for the past four years. I instigated the end of the parental relationship, and because of things their Dad told them, my girls' view is that if only I would have him back, then Mum and Dad could be reunited. Denial of this brings wails of "you just don't understand!!!"
They resent new man (who is very child-friendly) are rude and grumpy with him, and the older one has broken down in tears recently at at school because, the teacher said "she wants mum and dad back together and she doesn't want him (new man) coming round every night" (which he doesn't, more like once a week). They both have complained about the rare times new man has disciplined them in two years i.e. given them both a talking to, and on one occasion forced a teeth-cleaning), and they both say he is "trying to replace Dad".
New man has a twelve year old daughter who will not be delighted either but who will be less impacted because she lives with her mum.
It all seems very hard, and we need a plan. Will Relate help? Anyone gone through the same thing? Aaargh!