We have been battling with dp's kids for the last 18 months as their behaviour is frankly appalling - this is not related to different houses etc but more because dp's exw refused to ever let him discipline in any way shape or form. She doesn't believe in telling them no and basically let's them run riot. The kids have struggled with different rules in different houses but over the last month to six weeks there has been a marked improvement and neither dp or I have found ourselves having to repeat ourselves over and over again in order to get them to do anything.
However, we have either finally cracked it or the kids have been abducted by aliens and replaced by well behaved, well mannered replicas. They have been brilliant so far this weekend! Dss has cleared pots, laid the table, walked the dog, tidied his room, done his homework and the extra sats work without any argument whatsoever. Dsd has made her breakfast and cleaned uplease after herself, she has done her homework, changed her bedding etc all when asked the first time.
We went swimming today with my 7mo and mybfriend and her baby and the kids would normally refuse to speak to someone thales had never met, today they have been amazing!! They have chatted to my friend, taken her baby on the little slide into the pool, played nicely. Dss has emotional issues and would normally have a complete melt down over the pool being busy or him getting splashed and yet today you would think he was 100% "normal" as he has taken it all in his stride. Dsd has come and told me every time she wanted to go on the big slides or into the other pool whereas normally she would just vanish (I swear she has an inbuilt cloaking device). They were fantastic in the supermarket, helped me out massively and have gone to bed tonight without any fuss tonight. I am gobsmacked and so proud!! I finally feel like we are a "family" instead of it feeling like me vs them.
So for all those having issues, things really do come good eventually!!
Sorry if this sounds smug, it's not meant in that way but dp is at work, the kids are in bed and for the first time in god knows how long I don't feel like I am at breaking point!!
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Connect with other Mumsnetters here for step-parenting advice and support.
Step-parenting
amazing day (sorry it may come across as smug)
13 replies
wheresthelight · 05/04/2014 22:45
OP posts:
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.