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Do I need to shut up or should there be comprimise

90 replies

areyoustilltalking · 28/05/2014 19:33

Hi all,

Ill keep this brief. Have two SD 13 and 10. Am civil with the ex, but she is seriously lacking in parenting skills. However, she is the mother of DHs kids so am polite respectful and helpful where I can but as much as possible leave them to it. I have three kids with DH and one on the way - no one knows about - recently married, was a honeymoon baby that was a pure accident - but despite me having a health condition and being at uni full time, DH put his foot down to a termination so here we are. I also work, take care of an elderly relative so dont have a great deal of time. Am due to be sterilised (excuse spelling) with my C Section. Though it isnt relevant, for the MN trolls, I wasn't the OW - I was his second relationship since the split. Have been with DH nine years (they split when youngest SD was months old, ex had affair, DH went away for planned weekend with the lads, came home, the locks had been changed, OM was living there).

I'm struggling with the SDs and the ex, and DH attitude and lack of respect towards me, and just general gripes I suppose every SM deals with. I sit exams this week at uni. Ex had agreed to just a weekend stay this week for the girls and in return we cover the next half term and teacher training days. We have them three nights a week anyway, but I am nicely stressed, and have a kidney infection to boot so ex said it wasnt an issue. DH is not here this week anyway - he is helping his Mum and brother move his grandmother into an old peoples home and that involves packing up the house. His grandfather hasnt long died, very emotional for them all, and his Mum isnt in great health and his brother currently has a broken arm and foot (through drunken injury but lets not go there) so he is needed there. Ex knows this as she is so far up MIL arse its hard to tell where one starts and the other finishes (there is more to this, im not just being a cow) but I digress.

Both SD knew what was happening, and that my Mum has been coming over to help with my kids. Eldest SD has been ringing at least six times a day to come round. Explained her dad isnt here, today I was met with 'you fat bitch, you never want us there, where is my dad' - I put the phone down, rang DH and the Ex - asked what had gone on for that outburst. Turns out Ex has been leaving them in the house on their own all week, while she took her other kids to places like alton towers. Youngest SD has suspected autism so isn't easy to take on days out, wets the bed at night, runs off, has epic tantrums, but we manage ok, but ex and her DH wont entertain taking them anywhere. Eldest SD doesnt feel comfortable being left with her sister because of her behaviour, but has been all week All day. Ex's SD has been telling eldest SD she isnt wanted there, should move out, is a freak, her dad doesnt want her either he has a new family, she should go kill herself. So explains outburst. Ex refused to discipline her SD as 'sd10 is highly strung and should ignore it'. She refuses to take SD 10 to be assessed as her other daughter has autism and she finds its embarrasing that two might have it, and will look bad on her. Wont even take her to the drs regarding bed wetting.

About 10 mins ago, the SDs were just dropped off, as the ex had had enough of their 'bullshit' and wants to go out. I was told I knew I was taking them on when I married DH and that if im unwell my mum should look after them all. My degree isnt her problem and then asked me for an advance on maintenance. I was gobsmacked. As a favour she'll pick them up sunday tea time. I'm still fuming this woman gate crashed my wedding and spent two hours at my reception, with MIL and SIL slagging off my wedding food, and my dress and my family.

I'm sick of having to tow the line - so I dont upset her, im sick of being put on, as I know have SDs all week, as DH cant let his mum down. He isnt even coming home until friday now - as its a long drive and his family need him. Im sick of having to pay for everything since DH was made redundant including maintenance, as DH is scared she'll stop contact, im sick of how they speak to me, how manipulative the lot of them are. SICK AND TIRED, and ive not even been married that long.

If you've got this far, thank you. Fed up and needed to rant xx

OP posts:
areyoustilltalking · 31/05/2014 21:05

Thank you for all of your messages, and mellow autumn that is so lovely, I might take you up on it.

I have reached a point where I am past caring, and really not interested in any of them anymore. 'D' H or the nobhead as I am now referring to him as, was told this morning, that I have struggled with a kidney infection long enough, I am taking my painkillers, they will space me out and render me pretty much useless, so he can look after our children today while I try to get better. He didnt argue, took them out for a few hours, and has kept them entertained and put them to bed. So far so good. However I got three phone calls when he was out that will make you all laugh, or at least I did.

About ten mins after he left, EX rang. On our house phone, which she never does, as ive been ignoring her calls to my mobile, she needs to ring DH not me. Anyway, explain DH isnt here, and I'll ask him to call her when he gets in or I speak to him next. She says I was just wondering when to drop the girls off this afternoon. I said they are not due here, they only went home yesterday - she said she has been offered a last minute weekend away and wants to go, and my MIL, and her Mum have said they cant. I said well I'm sorry but im not very well so I cant and DH isnt even here, so I cant ask him, but the answer would be no I'd imagine anyway. Was met with a torrent of abuse, 'its just one night' 'you fucking witch, I need a break' - I just hung up.

She then rang back. She said the girls have no clothes. I said thats because you dumped them in black bags and left them in my porch expecting me to wash them. She went off, their uniforms are in there, I havent got time. I said DH wouldnt know how to turn a machine on, and I'm not doing your washing. I have looked through the bags when I moved them to check the clothes werent damp so they didnt ruin - and have washed their uniforms, and enough clothes for today and tomorrow, but im not doing the rest. (it grated but I predicted this would happen and its not fair to the girls all said and done, wont be doing it again).I will have someone drop it over later, or you can come collect it, and if you try it again, I will leave them until you pick them up, and if the girls have no clean clothes that is down to you. She was screaming with rage, so again I hung up.

MIL then rang about half hour after. What is going on, EX is crying down the phone, she doesnt know whats she done, and why you are being horrible to her - why wont you have the girls she needs a holiday - and whats this about washing? I waited until she'd finished, explained about the washing, and to my horror, MIL actually said, well I dont blame you, she should wash their clothes, its not hard, that is cheeky.' I explained I wasnt very well hence why we couldnt have them, and how they werent meant to be here this week anyway, but were dumped, and im not very well, and they only went home yesterday as she knew. Oh she says, well that puts a different light on it. I can see where you are coming from. I then said, I had no idea why she rang you, she could turn up with an army and I wouldnt budge. But there you are. MIL then said 'I know about your 'situation' DH rang me in tears last night, said you were leaving and terminating and told him your marriage is in the toilet'. I said yes our marriage is in the toilet, thanks to mainly your DH, his attitude, and lack of respect, the ex and her shit, you and your shit, and my lack of interest anymore. He shouldn't have told you about me being pregnant, its none of your business'. Well she says - what are you going to do - I dont know, I said, I'll come to that decision on my own - well keep me informed - err I dont think so - none of your business, I'll keep DH informed. We have no relationship, youre barely civil to me, you are just digging for gossip so I suggest you find something else to do, I need to take some more painkillers. Then I hung up.

DH comes home, having had phone calls from the both of them. The ex, he said should have called him, but he agrees with what I said. FIl dropped the bin bags of clothes back to her, and took the bag of clean clothes, which he even said was too nice - but can see why I did it. She apparently wasnt impressed but whatever. As for his mother, well - she apparently called him in tears, cant understand what has gotten into me, and why our relationship is so bad and why I hate her so much. I said I dont hate her, or your ex, or even you - I have no feelings towards any of you, as you dont towards me. I co exist in your family as a dogsbody - and its only know im on strike you lot have even noticed. He said I do love you you know - I said really - well its doesnt show and its too little too late now anyway. I am not firefighting you and your family and the shit anymore - I'm not interested. Your mum, your ex, your kids your problem. He said about coming with me on Monday - I said why would I take you when you are putting pressure on me anyway. I'm going on my own, this decision is mine - I dont know what it is, but I wont be pressured anymore - as I'm already effectively a single parent to three, slave to the ex and 2 SDs and I dont know with my health the way it is if im ready to add a newborn into that - and deal with you. I will let you know. And went back to bed. Im sat upstairs, hes downstairs, and for the first time in days I'm not in pain, and for the first time in weeks, im relaxed, happier, and have spent the afternoon with the kids watching a film upstairs then had a bath and read my kindle in peace without having to pander to other people. I like the change and may make it permanent. I've had texts of BIL, My mum, our friends, hes been broadcasting our problems and is in a mess apparently. Well we'll see - I do love this ape but I dont know if im still in love with him, and I need to see some effort and change on his part, or for the first time, I am fully prepared to walk away. xx

OP posts:
GiveTwoSheets · 31/05/2014 21:35

Not many long posts get my attention but yours have. I'm in awe of post updates, I'm so happy that you are standing up against these people, I honestly can't believe the way your DH ex speaks to you never in a million years would I speak or treat my DD stepmum like that. X

BigPigLittlePig · 31/05/2014 21:36

Just...good on you op xx

MellowAutumn · 31/05/2014 21:47

Huge admiration !! offer is for real if you want to sound off at someone outside the situation.

areyoustilltalking · 31/05/2014 21:56

Thank you both. Its almost like therapy. I think a lot of it stems from being so terrified of being seen as a bad wife, bad stepmum, bad daughter in law, that i ran ragged trying to keep up with demands, and achieve 'blended family perfection'. I now know there is no such thing - its BS, all families have problems. They mistook my kindness for weakness, and the truth is, no matter how much I try MIL is never going to like me, as she invested so much in the EX that I just am the embodiment of her perfect family never happening. She is shit with my kids as well but my Mum is so good they either dont notice or care. The ex regretted cheating on DH and wanted him back, but this thought didnt occur to her until after he'd been with me for a year, split for two and she chewed MIL ears off about it. I did say at the time, if DH still felt anything then he should try as they have kids (and we didnt at that point) would have broken me, but I wouldnt of stopped it. He was adamant he didnt want her and laughed it off. So in the eyes of MIL and EX I am the man stealing whore. I tried so hard with the ex, didnt want to be best mates, just to get on, - had the girls whenever, even doing airport runs for the ex and her dh when they went away at 3am - doing bits of shopping when she was unwell - but now I see there is no point. I dont have to like her, nor she me, its the girls. But the girls - well thats another essay lol x

OP posts:
imtheonlyone · 31/05/2014 22:21

Wow, I am in total awe of you. Not really a good time for me to respond but wanted to say well done and I think you are brilliant! Keep strong and do what is right for you and your kids - and only you know the answer to that!!

I'll be back ...!

BuzzLightbulb · 31/05/2014 22:31

Go girl!

And that's from a bloke ! Shock

Seriously, mega balls to realise where you are, how you got there, what to do next and really change the world you live in!

I hope your self esteem is through the roof at the moment, it bloody well should be!!

I have no words of advice to offer, but I can see whatever choices you have to make, you will make the right ones for you.

Hugs.

brdgrl · 31/05/2014 23:33

I think a lot of it stems from being so terrified of being seen as a bad wife, bad stepmum, bad daughter in law, that i ran ragged trying to keep up with demands, and achieve 'blended family perfection'. I now know there is no such thing - its BS, all families have problems. They mistook my kindness for weakness
Yep. But they'll see they've underestimated you. :)
Stay strong. Good luck with the coming days and on Monday especially. x

imtheonlyone · 01/06/2014 19:35

How are you today? Hope you're surviving!

I don't normally read long posts, but yours really struck a chord with me! Being a step mum is so hard work!! I am really struggling with my blended family situation but I'm not yet strong enough to make the stand you have. I'm sure the time will come and reading your post has given me motivation.

I really hope it goes well tomorrow - can't imagine how hard that is going to be for you so some hand holding from afar .... If you want it!!!

Take care

Trollsworth · 01/06/2014 19:48

Holy crapfire, tits of steel!

NatashaBee · 02/06/2014 15:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

yoyo27 · 02/06/2014 20:04

OP, you are an amazing person!!!!

Can I just ask.... How are your children with all of this? It is truly awful, with all kids being stuck in the middle. How you are even still there I don't know. I would've packed up and moved with the kids ages ago! X

areyoustilltalking · 03/06/2014 19:01

Thank you everyone for all of your support, it is really getting me through right now. YOYO - the kids are as well I can expect really - the SDs behaviour and their Dads inconsiderate behaviour doesnt go unnoticed, but I keep them that busy with activities, and homework, and things its helps. The sds, well their dad is a manchild and their mother is (insert your own bad word here) - so there you are.

Two updates for those interested in my mad ramblings. EX called me today. 'What is going on with you and your husband. I have a right to know of any problems. I need notice if your splitting, as I will need to plan around it, I don't get a lot of free time as it is - you are not thinking of others, stop being silly and work your marriage out.'
I answered with 'Have you been for a poo this morning.'
'Excuse me'
'Have you been for a poo'.
'What has that got to do with...'
'Nothing, not a damn thing. But seeing as you are asking rude, inappropriate questions that are none of your fucking business, thought I'd join in. And its your daughters who would be affected, glad to see your daughters are the front of your thoughts, not your loss of free time. Again.'
Then I hung up. Turns out BIL, FIL, MIL and EX were listening as I was on speaker. BIL, FIL thought it was hilarious. MIL went to see my Mum to ask if I was having a nervous breakdown, as I must be ill with the way im behaving and the things im saying. She then told my mum about the pregnancy and my marriage being 'in the toilet' (it is) so I want to rip MILs head off. Explained to my Mum all that has been going on, and shes supportive. She threw MIL out anyway for sheer nosiness and told her to start being less of a cow and more supportive. Quite proud of mum for that.

Counselling went well, I'm keeping my baby. For reasons entirely my own. Hate my situation, but im a single parent already, one income, all the work, just a manchild that wears a ring to contend with so not scared of doing it alone, and my family will be great. I get to make decisions and wont have my delivery suite invaded by SDs, ex, MIL before my family even get there, as has happened every time previously - 20 mins after delivery with my daughter - and im excited.

As for him - well Ive gone from stone cold stares, to giving him the odd grunt, so progress, but we'll see, may well just chop his head off and claim on his life insurance, but to be honest, cant be bothered to clean the mess up lol (I am joking here as tempting as it is), so for now he can tip toe around like he has been, and ill ignore him until im ready to decide what to do. Well apart from earlier when he was hinting he needed new clothes, expecting me to just hand over cash as per, so I printed off four job apps, and a list of agencies, job websites, and told him if he needs new clothes he best get started on this lot. His face made my sad little day lol. xx

OP posts:
BigPigLittlePig · 03/06/2014 19:10

Grin well done, glad you have managed to reach a decision about the baby whih you are happy with, here's hoping for a healthy and uncomplicated rest of your pg.

And Grin at MILs face to those comments. She must have been (and this might be my new fave word) apoplectic with rage!

Kaluki · 03/06/2014 19:53

"Have you had a poo today?"
Classic GrinGrinGrin
Well done you!!
ThanksThanksThanks

NatashaBee · 03/06/2014 20:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GiveTwoSheets · 03/06/2014 20:05

You are a absolute gem and I mean that in a fabulous way! Please carry on the way you are and big hug to mum for throwing the MIL out.

I'm still so speechless about the ex! She seriously not right fecking cheeky bitch. Keep up with the updates and take care of yourself and kids x

QuietNinjaTardis · 03/06/2014 20:18

Read thread like this Shock and then like this Grin at have you done a poo today. That's fantastic and so are you op. I take my hat off to you and hope all works out for you. I do feel sorry for your sds with their rubbish parents though.

catsmother · 03/06/2014 20:21

"Have you been for a poo ?" ..... oh, if only I'd thought of that one every time the awful ex stuck her nose in to stuff she had no right to.

You're handling this dreadful situation brilliantly and though I don't want to minimise the awful way you've been treated, and all the anger, sadness, disappointment, resentment you must now be feeling as everything's disintegrating, I'm also willing to bet that a significant part of you must now feel very empowered and quite looking forward to your new future away from the stress of idiots and users. Raising a baby on your own will be a "doddle" compared to that. As you say, you've been doing it anyway ...

I really do wish you all the very best - I'm sure it will be onwards and upwards from now on, regardless of the crap you may yet get from people seemingly worried about how your new found assertiveness is going to affect them. Remember it won't last forever, they will get the message and leave you alone sooner or later.

NatashaBee · 03/06/2014 21:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

areyoustilltalking · 03/06/2014 21:04

Thank you all, my BIL thinks it hilarious and I've had texts of him, FIL, and my mum of toilet doors, toilets, toilet roll, with 'just so you know what im doing' type texts. The ex is to use BigPigLittlePigs favourite word apoplectic with rage but that just makes it sweeter for me. 'D'H was even laughing when FIL told him earlier - (I am still grunting at him). BIL told me on the quiet, he is impressed im standing up for myself - he didnt think I had it in me. Neither did I to be honest.

Catsmother - you've summed up all the emotions brilliantly. Sad all my efforts have been met with this, sad we couldnt find a way to make it work, angry at the ex, DH, MIL, and my SDs, and myself sadly. I can't blame them for how it has turned out, they are the victims in this. But they are treated like victims by everyone for their mums crappy behaviour, which is not helping the attitude, or sense of entitlement when they are here. I'm sad about them, and the only thing I think that stops me from just walking away is I worry about what happens with them. Their mum and dad need to step up - no homework completed for 10 weeks for younger SD is not acceptable, simple things like teeth brushing, toilet hygiene (im sick to death of having to flush the toilet because they dont) even milestones like bra fittings, periods, go unnoticed and unsupported. In all the years we've been together I've always done Birthday and Christmases, 'D' H hasnt bought an xmas present or wrote out a card, its me, as he usually forgets when they are. This explains their attitude to an extent. But I need to let go. I will have four on my own to deal with - as well as my health conditions, and uni, and work, and everything else.

All I want, is for DH to just show some sign he cares what happens to our marriage. He cares about how I feel, to step up, take some of the strain, and financial burden and back me up with the ex, who wouldnt be in my life if not for him. I want him to treat me like his wife, not his mother, or cocklodger is a term ive seen which is closer. I have detatched to the point I'm not expecting anything. I have decided though, im not moving out, he is. My kids need stability and im pregnant so i need to be realistic. I think I am about to broach asking him to leave. He's not showing signs of fighting to put this right. I need to put my kids first, and my sanity. I think that will be a conversation for tomorrow. Wish me luck xx

OP posts:
areyoustilltalking · 03/06/2014 21:08

NatashaBee - it was like an outer body experience, that comes with properly losing your temper I think, but felt pretty good. For me anyway, shes still smarting now lol. I am not brave, or remotely steel like - and hate confrontation believe it or not, (though have seemed to have found my gigantic gob lol) but I believe every woman has what I now think of as BST - Bull Shit Tolerance, and when you hit it, you'll not care xx

OP posts:
notapizzaeater · 03/06/2014 21:21

Wow, well done you. GrinGrin

Alita7 · 03/06/2014 22:06

Haven't read all the comments but these are not your kids and you have to be able to prioritise your kids and uni work.

The ex sounds awful!

I hope you manage to get your uni stuff done!

I don't know what to suggest your dp tried to make the arrangements work so you could do uni stuff and he could help his family, it sounds like the mum isn't ever going to put her kids first and I feel really sorry for them, especially the autistic one.

Waltermittythesequel · 03/06/2014 22:15

I really hope you don't back down.

I honestly think you'd be better off without him.