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Step-parenting

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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:
catsmother · 17/07/2014 10:50

Agree with Kaluki - the way he behaved at the hospital was appalling. Okay, he couldn't have foreseen the outcome of your scan, but nonetheless, that is exactly why decent supportive partners remain with their pregnant wives just in case there are any issues. The fact he left without even attempting to make alternative arrangements, e.g. with the PILs is pretty damn rude (at best) and incredibly hurtful, unsupportive and insensitive (at worst). Leaving "without a word" is the icing on top of the cake and indicates to me that the suggestion of counselling is lip service. How on earth he thought you'd be "okay" with him behaving like that is beyond me - granted, he'd have been concerned for the kids, but it wasn't life or death, just an annoying frustrating situation which, given the circumstances, he'd have been justified in trying to delegate to someone else to deal with.

I'm really sorry he behaved like that - must have been a slap in the face. If you're serious about saving your marriage, starting off by showing some very basic courtesy towards your pregnant wife would be good.

As for the vile vile ex .... you are a saint to suggest looking after the stepkids for any part of the weekend at all, and now, I would take the bitch at her word and withdraw that offer anyway given as apparently there's no "fucking point of them coming over". Let her bloody well sort out her kids with their father or whoever - it's NOT your problem and given the news you've had and the way you've been treated, I think you should concentrate on yourself and your kids this weekend by doing something you want to do (I know that won't stop you worrying and I don't mean to be trite, but anything has to be better than taking on additional childcare for no thanks ).

I do see your point about not wanting to bail until you've tried every last avenue but am worried you're just putting off the inevitable and therefore delaying the start of the rest of your life. I wonder as well if he's gambling on the fact that you'll be that much further along with the pregnancy in four months time and thus much less likely to effect a split then when all the practicalities of an imminent birth might seem more scary on your own etc. In light of how he behaved yesterday I think as well he's trying to buy time here .... after all, right now, as things stand you're of huge benefit to him, his ex, his kids, arguably MIL, because of all the stuff you do. I suspect that even once the baby arrives the same will be expected of you because you'll be "at home" .... and on and on it goes.

As for SD's problems ..... never mind her stupid irresponsible mother, why the heck is your H not taking HIS daughter to the doctor to try and sort this out ??? How can he leave her in that state and do nothing about it ? ... and while I feel sorry for the child, no way should you be having to deal with all of that because no-one else will accept the responsibility of investigating what's going on (psychological, physical or both).

NatashaBee · 17/07/2014 11:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Clutterbugsmum · 17/07/2014 13:30

There is know reason as to why your h is still in your home, whether you go to counselling or not.

He needs to be gone now not in 4 months. The only way he will change and then only if he wants to is for him to lose all your home comforts.

Whereisegg · 17/07/2014 17:40

Just read this with an open mouth.

Op, you are amazing.

You have given and given, gotten nothing in return, so it is time to start taking.

Take your ass either to an estate agents and a solicitors, or a locksmiths.
You need peace now and you have the power to get it.

Thanks
wantsleepnow · 18/07/2014 09:56

Yup, amazing is the word! You are one strong lady - I'm impressed beyond belief.

I would definitely not be doing anything more for your DHs ex for the time being. I know it's hard on the SDs and you clearly care enormously for them (bloody hell, that behaviour - however understandable in the circumstances - would have me out the door) but you really need to be taking care of yourself, your children and making plans for the future.

It must have been terrible having the scary news about your baby's health problems, especially being on your own. You seem to be dealing with it incredibly well but do make sure you take all the support you can get. Your mum sounds ace and you don't have to do this on your own.

I'm in two minds about the counselling thing. I understand you want to give your marriage your best shot but how are you feeling about it right now? If it doesn't work for you, if you'd be happier away from DH and his dramas for now, say so. You can always come back to the counselling and work on things at a later date - maybe when he's demonstrated that he's dealing with all his other issues?

BrunoBrookesDinedAlone · 20/07/2014 10:01

The only thing I will say is that you need, NEED to leave so that your energies can be expended on caring for your baby's needs when he/she arrives.

I don't know how on earth you can stand it now, or why on earth you have the slightest inkling that you should stand it... there is no benefit for either you or your children in being kept within this dysfunctional excuse for a group of human beings. But when you have a baby with high needs to care for? More than anything, you will need peace and calm at home to stay sane.

Do all your children the biggest favour you will ever do them and don't let them grow up having to say 'Yes, these people were my family. I grew up learning about life, love and all the important things from them.'

Good luck with the birth and your baby's care. Get away from this shower, and you will be fine.

Alita7 · 20/07/2014 11:28

So sorry you've had to go through all this. I'm 24 weeks pregnant and if dp had walked out of my 20 week scan before knowing all was ok for any reason other than they were rushed to hospital, I would have been heart broken and angry. I would have felt that the baby and I didn't matter. I really hope things with your baby are sorted and that she is healthy in the long run!

You need to get away from this. It sounds like your dp is making an effort to keep you and your relationship but is he doing enough? I don't know. With your current situation is more of the problem the ex or dp?
I would be saying that from now on you will not not have dsds without him there, after all contact is meant for them to see him and not for the ex to have a break.

She is neglecting the kids. I would call ss on her for a proper investigation. The bedwetting needs a full investigation. Dsd (10) is still in pull ups at night due to learning disabilities and nothing working. But we have taken her to a bed wetting clinic and tried everything until they said the only option left was medication which they and the gp said may not be safe with one of her medical conditions. So we're stuck managing it. We don't have problems with smells unless the pull up leaks as long as bedding is changed regularly and pull ups go straight into the outside bin. She has a flannel wash each morning down there as there's no time before school for a shower. But we have done what we can to address it and she only has fizzy on special occasions and mostly drinks water which makes a difference to the smell of urine. Anyway it shouldn't be your problem. I would be saying he doesn't have the full 4 months anymore but significant changes must be made within 2 weeks. I would also be having massive words with the ex assertively and honestly.

Op after all this do you still love him?

areyoustilltalking · 20/07/2014 12:52

Thank you everyone for your support. I haven't spoken to him since the scan. Not one word. I went to counselling - he met me there, we went in. She opened with 'How was your week' - well.....she got an answer alright. I let rip about his behaviour at the scan, the results of the scan (which is the first he knew about the problems, he went grey and started to cry, he looked mortified, well good) - how his pandering to his ex is disgusting, and he needs to sort his shit out. Finished by taking my wedding rings off, telling them both I wouldnt wipe my arse on my marriage certificate right now, and hes a fuckwit. Then left. Had a nice coffee at Costa by myself, then came home sorted the kids and slept downstairs.

The kids got up, I dropped them at their various clubs, he went to work on overtime (he didnt have a choice, they're swamped) so I cleaned up, and started on uni work. (Have some essays outstanding, and re sits, due to all the shit, and it all getting too much.) Went to make myself a cuppa and just broke down, and it felt good in an weird way to let it all out, so I sat like a child and sobbed (I'm not a crier really, I blame the hormones). I didn't realise the in laws still have keys, and had let themselves in to drop off a moses basket thinking we were all out as a surprise. They looked horrified - so was I, how embarrassing, haven't cried in ten years and there they are. So I made them a cup of tea, sat them down and told them everything. The scan, their son, the ex, the extent of the SCs behaviour and how I just want to leave. They noticed my rings were off. They were mortified, and very angry at both H and the ex. FIL said he would have walked months ago, MIL just nodded in agreement, then APOLOGISED for not offering support - nearly died lol. She asked to see my green notes, then wrote down all of my appointment times, saying she can understand why I dont want her son anywhere near me, and there is no way I am going to them on my own. The ex had been ringing MIL as they were sat there, and she was ignoring it. She then rang FIL, so he answered, with 'WHAT' - all I heard was 'No we are busy, you are not the only person with a life. Why don't you try this novel new activity called parenting and spend some time with your daughters while they are still young enough not to know what a bitch you are. If I want to see my Granddaughters I'll arrange it with my son, as he has them enough' - then put the phone down. Could have kissed him. Plus he went out of the kitchen in the garden, where he thought we couldnt hear him, with the window open, so we could still hear him. I high fived him on his way in, MIL just looked, FIL explained its like a thing between me, him and BIL. They've been great, FIL even picked the kids up from their activities and they are staying there overnight to give me some space. MIL has dropped a lasagne round, so thats tea sorted - well for the git im married to, I'm not hungry
As for H, well - you all are right. I'm concentrating on the baby, kids and me for a bit, and nothing else. I'm not going to anymore counselling, and I have said if he wants the SC he can have them somewhere else, as I can't cope with all the shit at the min, and I dont want to end up having them, which I will if they are here. He has been told to move downstairs, we don't share a bed or anything but the bills and the kids. My rings are staying off as a sign to him, and hes more of a lodger for now.
Nothing has happened on the bedwetting front. Neither him or the ex have sorted anything. SD school report doesnt suggest any form of learning difficulty - shes doing fine. I think it is a form of playing up. Something happens she doesnt like, and she pees everywhere. We control fluid, ensure she goes to the toilet (even though, she cant handle that either, uses half a loo roll to wipe herself and doesnt flush it after, let alone wash her hands, shes nearly 11) - I'm worried as her periods are going to start any day now and it will be horrendous at this rate. I said to her Dad, what is she going to do, put a pad in the pull up, or just let it be a bloody, wee filled mess. I said it will just lead to urine infection after urine infection if its not sorted. Let alone when she starts secondary school, if the other kids get wind shes in pull ups, she'll be eaten alive - the school the ex insists they go to, which is further away then the normal school is known for bullying. Her pull ups are full and leaking every morning, and they are adult ones.
This makes me sound foul, but I haven't got the energy to care anymore, her parents dont. I think I will call SS, but im scared the SDs could be moved here, and in a really selfish way, is the last thing I need. I know that makes me an awful person, and I feel terrible but its the truth xx

OP posts:
Alita7 · 20/07/2014 13:02

I'm so glad youre getting support from the in laws, maybe they will help dp make the changes. Like I said I wouldn't give him more than 2 weeks to sort himself out all this stress in pregnancy when your baby already has problems is not good at all... With regard to bedwetting even though I wouldn't be giving two shits unless the situation drastically changes, if it does then it could be the size of the pull ups that are a problem, dsd is nearly too big for teen ones and they don't quite have enough capacity anymore but the adult ones leak as they're too big. Adult nappies are almost as expensive as adult pull ups and were looking into those. They're not great for a kids self esteem but they might be the only option.

BrunoBrookesDinedAlone · 21/07/2014 10:46

Look, it is fantastic that your inlaws are stepping up - finally. If it lasts, it will definitely help the situation.

But. It does not really change anything.

Your H is an ARSE. He will ALWAYS BE AN ARSE. If you stay with him, YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN WILL HAVE A SHITTY MISERABLE LIFE.

Leave him. Leave him leave him leave him. And leave his ex, his children and all his shit in the past with him where it belongs for HIM to deal with.

MIL and FIL may have had their lovely 'movie moment' with you - but it means little, really, doesn't it? All it is is that the roles have swapped... where a year ago they (MIL?) were sitting bitching about you and watching the ex cry, it's now the other way around. They are still the same people they were. They aren't the devil, but they are pretty shit, really. You can't rely on them in any way.

Please move forward with separating your life from your disaster of a H and his even bigger disaster of a supporting cast.

areyoustilltalking · 02/08/2014 00:31

UPDATE

I threw him out. I packed his bags, changed the locks, when he walked in from a day out with his mates, whilst I was left with another kidney infection and heavily pregnant, with not only our kids, but the step kids as well, on a day that was not our contact day, as the ex had 'a migraine'. He brought them home, without asking me if I would look after them, he then pissed off out. Even though my Mum was coming round to help me look after our kids as I wasnt at all well. This was at 9am, ex picked SDs up at 7.30 pm, he strolled in at 10pm, after a lovely day of Golf with his mates. He found his bags waiting, and his key wouldnt fit in the lock.

I told him that I wouldnt allow my daughter to be treated like this, and I have to set an example of what a happy marriage should look like. That he has used and abused me, pushed me mentally to breaking point, broke my heart, chewed me up and spat me out, for doing nothing more than falling for a bloke with kids. That hes hurt me that much I dont feel attracted to him anymore, don't like him as a person, and would be happier on my own. As would the kids. He left and went to MILs (they were both away for the weekend). The Ex then dropped them off to him there, and proceeded to have a cosy little chat about our marriage. Im fuming, its none of her business, and she is the last person he should be discussing it with. She knows MIL wont have the girls as often there, as shes been getting away with here. So she informs him that as it the marital home, I cant throw him out without a court order, hes to go back and stand his ground. He thought she was looking our for him, until she said 'so our flexible contact arrangement works, its easier for me you being there, tell her to wind her neck in'. Turns out that yes there is something about it being the marital home and he has rights, so he came back. Well DS let him in, and he informed me he wasnt going.

Until the in laws came back. They both came over, while EXH helped fix something on their car. I explained to FIL why I need H to go, admitted I cry myself to sleep every night, im scared about the baby, and hes broke my heart and I need peace for my baby and sanity. FIL hugged me (hes not the hugging type) told me he understands, picked up EXH bags from the hallway, told him to stop listening to the ex, and leave me in peace. So he went. Is still at the inlaws. I have had 7 hours of sleep every night, and feel a lot better. I stopped my tax credits and CB and other income going to our joint account, re arranged all the bills so they come out of my account so he cant arse around. I also phoned the bank,informed them of my situation, and asked that whilst we weren't overdrawn if they would remove the overdraft from the account so he cant run up debts. I doubt he would but you hear horror stories. I asked to be removed from the account - and I have to go into the branch apparently and sort that out.

Apart from all that I'm lost. The in laws have picked the kids up from here so he can see them. He spent more time with them in the past week or so than the last two years as the in laws have made sure of it, and that the SDs arent always there. Which meant I've had spare time, which is strange, and i dread it in a way, as it leaves me time to think.

My next question is, what about my step daughters. Whatever I think of their Mum and Dad, I care a great deal about those two girls. I have spent so much time and energy and money and heartache over them, and for what. How do I turn that off. I hated the situation, never them. I was treated badly by them, very badly but they are children, and were following the example set by the adults around them. We treat her like shit, so you can too. I worry about what will happen to them now, I did a lot for them, unnoticed and unthanked, who will pick up the slack now. I know people say its not your problem, but I am worried about them and the thought of them suffering through me leaving my marriage makes me feel awful. Their behaviour and the problems that come with them wont be missed, and the ex certainly wont be missed. But I have been involved with those girls for years, and love them, and miss them. The eldest SD knocked my door today, and came in and cried. Her Mum and Dad didnt know where she was, she only lives down the road, and had been out playing. She begged me to go back to her Dad, as she doesnt want to not be able to see me or stay here anymore. She thinks I dont love them anymore, and have left their Dad because of them. I told her it wasnt their fault, I love them dearly and tried my best for this not to happen, but sometimes situations change. She sobbed, told me she would be better behaved, and do anything for things to go back to normal. I just hugged her, told her I'd always be there for her, will never stop loving her or her sister, shes always welcome at my house etc. And none of this is down to them.

The ex has told them, im nothing to them anymore. They arent allowed to come to my house (despite it being yards from hers, which she knew when she moved in), or see me, speak to me, text me or even wave me in the street. Any contact with my kids happens at MILs without me, and I basically dont exist. EXH never stands up to his ex, and despite several test the water type texts hasnt really spoken to me either.

So if anybody has any ideas on where I go from here, I'd be grateful. I know after this thread, you probably think im being pathetic, but I dont need flaming at the min, im pretty low. My marriage has failed, my step daughters hate me, my kids are devastated, I look and feel like the worlds biggest fool.

OP posts:
NatashaBee · 02/08/2014 00:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

areyoustilltalking · 02/08/2014 00:45

Thank you Natasha - my friends and family all said the same thing. It feels pretty shit at the min, but things can only pick up I suppose. Just a new baby, divorce, broken heart, kids and EXH to deal with now lol - not a lot hey. My kids seem more settled, I suppose because I'm more relaxed. Though you can tell whose friends our supposedly 'mutual' friends were. I get either 'hope you are ok, call us if you need anything' texts or 'stop being silly and let him home, you've broke his heart' messages - guess which ones I delete lol x

OP posts:
FlossyMoo · 03/08/2014 16:08

I am so pleased to see you are still posting OP.

I have to say you are an amazing person and everyone is very lucky to have you in their life.

I have no real words of wisdom but wanted to offer my support. Flowers

TheMumsRush · 11/09/2014 13:57

I read this post after reading the more recent one, I read it with my jaw dropped Shock op you are amazing ThanksThanks

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