Hey
I feel so much better about life in general after reading some of these threads!!
I am a relative newcomer to step parenthood, the bf and I have been together for 7.5 blissful months.
Bit of background, I have 3, dd 15, ds 13 and ds 8. He has dd 12 and dd 9. Yeah. Lotsa kids.
Thought it does sound an awfully short time together, we are very settled and things are great - the kids all get on well.
However, recently, Im finding it increasingly hard. As we settle in to routine and life, his kids dont seem to settle into things quite as Id like them to!
We spend most of the time at my house as his is far too small to accommodate us all. So I say my house, my rules. But they are pandered to soooo much by their mum, they dont really listen.... they didnt so much as put their own rubbish in the bin when they first started coming round - would just hold it out for their dad to take!!! (and he did!!! I soon put a stop to that!)
The bf is a bit of a soft touch too and I find life quite chaotic when theyre around. My kids are really quiet and chilled and the girls are the opposite.
I gently suggest ways that we can have a more peaceful life but then when they are here every other weekend there is always a tantrum from his eldest - be it what we are eating, she doesnt want to stay over (I kid you not, she starts this at 10pm), shes bored etc. Baring in mind she is 12, I think this is unacceptable.
Add to this that his ex, their mum, thinks its ok to call him at 10 at night when she is having a tantrum with her - what does she expect him to do about it? I think unless there is a serious problem, ie injury or illness, she should NOT call.
This is just an introductory rant :D Ive been dealing with my feelings all on my own for a few months and I neeeeeed somewhere to get it off my chest now.
I hope you dont mind, I have just waffled while watching Eastenders so it could be all over the place :)
S :) X