Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Step-parenting

Connect with other Mumsnetters here for step-parenting advice and support.

Hate my partners kids

298 replies

nataliemej · 08/11/2014 23:30

Hi all firstly thanks for reading my post and I'd like to say before I start please don't criticise me I am asking for help I know its considered evil/selfish for a woman to say she hates children but I cannot help the way I feel, when someone says the don't like cats for example no one bats an eyelid but you are looked at like satan when you say you don't like or want children why is this any different?
Anyway Im here because Im in a 5 year relationship with the man I love its perfect except for one major problem I cannot stand his kids he classes himself as a weekend dad even though he has them 3 full days a week sometimes for a they sleep every fri, sat and sun religiously every week and he will not change his plans EVER
I know this is called being a good dad and this shows just what a good man ive got but I cant help feeling like I never get to spend any quality time with him I see him on an evening in the week when we've both been working all day then we go to bed early because we are tired. His ex and her partner have all weekend every weekend to make plans and do what they want
His kids are 13 and 15 they are both spoilt speak to him and everyone else like dirt the girl is very jealous of me and will not leave her dads side when Im there so I dont really get to talk to him they have always got to be the centre of attention and they are the bosses of the house.
My question is how do I approach him about spending a bit of time with me on the weekend without looking like a bitch as I know this will be a touchy subject as everything is about the kids and what makes them happy
I cant help feeling like part of the furniture and I do not want this to ruin what is otherwise a happy relationship I just want to spend some time alone with him.

OP posts:
SandorClegane · 08/11/2014 23:31

If you don't like kids choose a partner with no kids.

Hth

PacificDogwood · 08/11/2014 23:34

There is no way to speak to him about spending less time with his children and more time with you without looking like a bitch. Really, there isn't.

You either accept that his children will come first (as they should), always, or you get out of the relationship.

nataliemej · 08/11/2014 23:35

I love this man though I don't like kids but I have really tried over the years to accept them but they are really rude and have no manners and he never tells them about the way they speak to me I just have to put up with it, I feel like I'm resenting them more because he will not sacrifice even a day on the weekend once every blue moon to spend it with me

OP posts:
pieceofpurplesky · 08/11/2014 23:37

Accept his kids or leave. If he is a decent man they will always come first.

springlamb · 08/11/2014 23:37

Why's it taken 5 years for you to get to this point?
Unfortunately you have somewhere between 5-8 years before it's likely the situation will resolve itself. Can you deal with that?
If not, you'd best consider your future.
I cannot say LTB because he's not, he's living up to his responsibilities. If they were your children you'd be pleased and proud that they had this father who will not change plans and let children down.

nataliemej · 08/11/2014 23:37

I accept the fact the kids will always come first they are is flesh and blood but would be nice to see him other than on a night after work when we watch corrie then go to bed

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 08/11/2014 23:37

It's fine to hate children (although hate is a very strong word).

Strongly disliking children and not wanting any of your own does not make you an evil or selfish person.

However, it does make you a very foolish person to have a relationship with a man who has kids.

SpuffySummers · 08/11/2014 23:37

Kids aren't stupid, they pick up on hostile vibes and if you're anything like your posts theres no wonder they behave the way they do.

justmuddlingalong · 08/11/2014 23:38

"its perfect except for one major problem I cannot stand his kids" That makes it far from perfect in my book. Why have you lived like this for 5 years? What's changed recently or have you always felt like this?

PacificDogwood · 08/11/2014 23:38

Yes, you do have to put up with it.

His children, his rules.

They did not ask to be spending half their week with either parent - I am afraid what you want does not really come in to it.

If he or they wanted to change things, that's a different matter.
I don't see how you can, other than stepping away.

CountingThePennies · 08/11/2014 23:39

Life is way too short for this.

Find someone more suited to you.

Things will never change, this will be your life if you stay with this man

Catsarebastards · 08/11/2014 23:42

This sounds familiar. With some details changed. Hmm

nataliemej · 08/11/2014 23:42

I do not mean for this post to sound as bitchy as it does I have stayed with him because i have been trying and trying to get used to them and get on with them but I am now at my wits end all I want is not to let them down but maybe one fri night spend it with me not every week not even every month just now and again the mum is happy to have them at weekend one day a week but he wants them all the time I dont think I am asking for too much

OP posts:
PacificDogwood · 08/11/2014 23:44

YANBU to want more time with your partner, but YABU to expect him to reduce his time with this children.

Truly, suck it up or leave.

Oh, really, Cats?? Hm.

CountingThePennies · 08/11/2014 23:45

Your not asking too much at all.

But i think hes showing you who has priority in his life and it seems that you are way down the list

justmuddlingalong · 08/11/2014 23:46

Have you asked him to spend time together, before?

MozzchopsThirty · 08/11/2014 23:46

I'm going to go against the majority here.

As a divorced parent I believe that myself and my ex have a right to an adult life away from the kids including weekends and holidays. We share these equally.

I think your partner and his ex are both being terribly selfish, why should you have to put up with two badly behaved teens every weekend, not go anywhere, not enjoy long lie ins or nights out.
The answer is you shouldn't.

He's a good father maybe (although their poor behaviour suggests otherwise) but he's not being a good partner

Some of the self riteous shite on this thread is unbelievable

ICanTotallyDance · 08/11/2014 23:48

Was this situation better 5 years ago? What has happened now that you are seeking advice?

PacificDogwood · 08/11/2014 23:48

The question was whether there is any way that the OP can get him to change his priorities: I don't think there is.

Coffeeinapapercup · 08/11/2014 23:48

You are asking way too much. His kids quite rightly come first. If you can't muddle on amd find a way to get along in with them why should they get along and fit in with you.

Walk away

Inertia · 08/11/2014 23:50

Well , the weekends are not going to change - he is putting his children first , as he should. You embarked on this knowing he had children , so you need to be the adult here and work to improve the relationship with the children, or move on.

You can always start spending more quality time together during the week- can you take time off work together ?

Smukogrig · 08/11/2014 23:54

i find your honesty refreshing. but the relationship will be hard work and the children won't go anywhere (and nor should they obviously).

Catsarebastards · 08/11/2014 23:55

Yes pacific. Add 5 years to ages of dcs and the length of marriage and OP sounds very much like a MNer who used to post about hating stepDcs but swung violently between it all being the ExWife's fault for having MH issues and the DH's fault for being spineless. Cant remember that posters most recent name but her first username was the same as this OP.

Could be wrong.

If i am then OP hating someone is a very strong indication that you shouldn't be living with them. Your DH wont be asking his DCs to leave for you.

needaholidaynow · 08/11/2014 23:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Smukogrig · 08/11/2014 23:59

sorry, they spend a lot of time with their father. I think you should have at least one day & nigth to yourselves at least every second weekend. they spend time with you during the week too.

I think your partner sees you as wallpaper, a trustee old coffee table. if he had any fear of losing you he'd want to spend time alone with you. his relationship with his kids sounds solid. You, he mihgt lose. does he care?

Swipe left for the next trending thread