Blending families ... so hard

[Gohackyourself]

Hi,

Just that really... a rant..... it’s just such bloody hard work isn’t it.
There’s so many people to consider all of the time.
I have two sons, oh has a ds and dd.
Thankfully the two older ones of each parent are 18, the younger two are early teens- but it’s just so draining. When we haven’t got one set of children we’ve got the others.An I know some will say you knew that to start, but most of the time it’s not an issue , all of the kids get on, it’s just there’s no time for us as a couple, oh works shifts too so that adds to the pressure. And we re all here in this muddle called life because all of the ex partners decided to cheat and not consider splitting family- so there we are starting over again, somehow, some way trying to make it work!! Not a sympathy needed post- just a mini rant and to say to everyone, well done, we’re trying our very best , but boy, some time off from the merry go round would be nice

At least you both have better morals than your Exes.

The kids will grow up and you'll get that time to yourselves...but I would suggest you schedule time for yourselves on a regular basis.

Have your date nights and stick to them.

There’s no one to have the kids to have a date night only have one set of grandparents an they do sch run for me!! An one of them still working.
Used to have a night or two midweek till ex h decided he couldn’t be bothered to see his kids midweek grrrr

Cant the 18 year olds babysit🤨

If the youngest are early teens surely they can be left alone or with the older ones whilst you go out for dinner etc .

I'm married and we've had the kids every single weekend for 16 years, no alone time or date nights (unless we hire a babysitter)

I totally understand op, I feel the same a lot of the time. I always feel like giving up, but I never do and always do my best, ever the optimist me.

You'll get there in the end.

So the kids are with you all the time?

How about a babysitter? You need some enjoyment and time out if the house for yourselves. I know money can be a problem...but st least once a month..or once in 2 months.