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Step-parenting

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

Im at an all time low

95 replies

MrsWashington · 24/10/2021 16:58

Reposted because I didn't realise there was a step parenting thread.

I really need some support with no judgment am I really at rock bottom.

My daughter is 13 years old and she is mine from a previous relationship.

The relationship between DD and DH is strained. DD attitude, mood swings, door slamming not keeping room tidy, answering back are becoming more and more frequent due to age.

My idea of discipline and DH idea are two different things. He shouts a lot. Not just at DD but at me too if we have a disagreement even though I have told him I do not like the way it makes me feel (nervous, anxious etc)

He claims it’s because he was brought up that way and keeps harping on about when we was growing up, if we behaved the way she does, we would have got smacked.

There have been a few incidents between them both and it came to a head were she was being a stroppy teenager after we took her and her friend out resulting in my husband shouting in the middle of a seaside town we are finished me and you to my daughter, you are nothing but a spoiled brat. He then continued onto say to me I think her Christmas spends should be limited and also went so far as stating she might not be able to come on the family holiday next year. It went too far and the end result is me having a conversation with him stating she's my daughter and I do not like the way you discipline her, I have asked him to back off and let me do it if she misbehaves.

This has all come to a head and he is basically saying it's wrong that in his own home he isn't allowed to discipline her. He states its wrong in his own home he isn't allowed to say anything.

My point being though, she had her friends round, her room ended up being messy, instead of addressing this when her friends had gone, he went into her room when her teenage friends were there saying tidy your room its a mess etc etc instead of asking her when her friends had gone, he doesn't ask he shouts. I pulled him up on this, I have been a teenage girl and would have been that embarrassed if my Dad had done that in front of my friends.

He states that if he asks her once she should do it straightaway. My view is that kids are kids and sometimes they don't jump on demand at the first asking. You do sometimes have to ask a couple of times.

Furthermore, the finance situation we have. We used to split the bills 50/50 which resulted in me being significantly worse off each month as I worked part time and had my daughter to pay for. His response was well its not my fault I earn more than you.

When I did end up getting some maintenance off my DD's dad (few and far between) he used to ask for half. He stated because he also pays to put a roof over her head and food in the fridge. So not only did he have more left each month than me, when I did get some maintenance he used to ask for half the amount.

We ended up getting a joint account were both incomes went in and bills came out.
I have become very conscious of what I spend on me and DD as he goes on the app asking me whats this you've spent (it was cleaning products for the house) he states he is like this because he had nothing growing up. But he never used to be like this.

He bought me an expensive winter jacket this It isn't enjoyable wearing it as it was expensive he has told me to look after it and not hang it on the coat hooks downstairs and to put it on a coat hanger in the wardrobe.

He bought my DD some Nike leggings she wanted and when she misbehaved he was stating look I've bought her them leggings and took her friend out and this is how she behaves.

Sorry for the long post I am just really struggling to see whats normal and whats not anymore. I struggle with anxiety disorder anyway (having treatment for a few years) I'm at an all time low.

OP posts:
gottastopeatingchocolate · 24/10/2021 19:29

Firstly, OP, you have been brave to post here, and put in writing that things don't feel right.

I completely understand that you didn't see it as abuse - because the abuser normalises his behaviour and makes you think that there must be something wrong with you. But you are describing financial abuse and emotional abuse. You can get some help and advice from Women's Aid or a local domestic abuse agency.

Try agreeing with him that you should end the relationship - I bet he won't actually mean it - it is a controlling factor to get you to comply with his wishes. You need to be strong and get him to leave. If you don't feel safe, contact the police.

Don't underestimate the impact of this man on you and your daughter. Get some support for you both.

And all the best for a happier future without him.

candlelightsatdawn · 24/10/2021 19:32

You know I was feeling slightly like this could worked on as a couple, mainly him learning to control temper, little more compassion both side sect until I read he asked you for half of the maintaince you get for her and now grills you over bills.
Now my perspective is that you need to run (god I hate saying that).

I'm a stepmom and discipline is and can be a source of a lot of arguments if both aren't on same page. You guys seem like your not on same book let alone same page.

I can also recall losing my temper over small things, because I didn't feel like I had any say in my own home, I wasn't being heard and it felt like I was a bystander in my own hone. This wasn't a step child thing (although it felt like it was at the time) my actual issue was with my DH and lack of him listening and communicating and getting a balance right. These things are normal to a degree, flexibility comes from both sides in blended families for them to work

However you cannot find compromise with a abusive person and from a relationship perspective, financial abuse is real.

I know this isn't what you want to hear. I suspect maybe some other posters may have better advice. Sometimes it's hard to see it from the other side of the fence (so well done posting here - it can be as tough as first wives board) but I suspect the collective still may tell you to run.

If you don't want to leave him and your ok with the financial control he has - I think the question is do you think somewhere your DH may have a point ? And if so have you really listened to him without fobbing him off or getting defensive.

sassbott · 24/10/2021 19:40

Oh @MrsWashington

Firstly well done for posting. Something inside of you clearly knows something is up here which is why you have asked others to post.

A few things (said with kindness).

  1. many of us have been raised with certain cultures/ dysfunctions / ways of thinking/ potentially even abuse. I know I have. Personally I allow none of my upbringing to excuse any existing behaviours. If anything, I do the polar opposite. And try and be very self aware. Anyone who uses the line ‘this is what I’m used to’ is using it as a mask to disguise/ excuse poor behaviour.

  2. There is a line (I feel) if step parents live in a home with their stepchildren. That line is to be decided based on individual circumstances and between the adults in the family. If there becomes a disjoint between parenting/ discipline styles then that can very easily fracture the step family.
    Personally? No one would get to speak to my child / ren in the manner this man is speaking to your DD. And if that meant he moved out? So be it.

  3. you’re modelling behaviours your DD will normalise. So however you allow this man to treat you/ her is what she could potentially go on to recreate.

He sounds intensely controlling and certainly financially abusive. Once you’re an adult, you don’t need to be told how to look after ‘nice’ things. I explain that to my children when they get nice trainers. And guess what? If they ruin them/ damage them, then the lesson is that it’s not replaced. I wouldn’t dream of dictating what my children did with something as every day as a coat or pair of shoes (and I honestly could not give a monkeys as to how much they cost).

I imagine this all feels very overwhelming to you. But start to take steps, baby steps. Figure out the sums. Start to get legal advice. But do something. He sounds awful x

MrsWashington · 24/10/2021 19:42

@candlelightsatdawn

You know I was feeling slightly like this could worked on as a couple, mainly him learning to control temper, little more compassion both side sect until I read he asked you for half of the maintaince you get for her and now grills you over bills. Now my perspective is that you need to run (god I hate saying that).

I'm a stepmom and discipline is and can be a source of a lot of arguments if both aren't on same page. You guys seem like your not on same book let alone same page.

I can also recall losing my temper over small things, because I didn't feel like I had any say in my own home, I wasn't being heard and it felt like I was a bystander in my own hone. This wasn't a step child thing (although it felt like it was at the time) my actual issue was with my DH and lack of him listening and communicating and getting a balance right. These things are normal to a degree, flexibility comes from both sides in blended families for them to work

However you cannot find compromise with a abusive person and from a relationship perspective, financial abuse is real.

I know this isn't what you want to hear. I suspect maybe some other posters may have better advice. Sometimes it's hard to see it from the other side of the fence (so well done posting here - it can be as tough as first wives board) but I suspect the collective still may tell you to run.

If you don't want to leave him and your ok with the financial control he has - I think the question is do you think somewhere your DH may have a point ? And if so have you really listened to him without fobbing him off or getting defensive.

No this is what he's saying he states he cannot say anything to her in his own home.

Which I have listened to, but I disagree.
I have absolutely no problem with him saying something to her if she's doing something wrong but he doesn't just say he moans and shouts over the smallest things in front of people.

OP posts:
MrsWashington · 24/10/2021 19:46

@sassbott

Oh *@MrsWashington*

Firstly well done for posting. Something inside of you clearly knows something is up here which is why you have asked others to post.

A few things (said with kindness).

  1. many of us have been raised with certain cultures/ dysfunctions / ways of thinking/ potentially even abuse. I know I have. Personally I allow none of my upbringing to excuse any existing behaviours. If anything, I do the polar opposite. And try and be very self aware. Anyone who uses the line ‘this is what I’m used to’ is using it as a mask to disguise/ excuse poor behaviour.

  2. There is a line (I feel) if step parents live in a home with their stepchildren. That line is to be decided based on individual circumstances and between the adults in the family. If there becomes a disjoint between parenting/ discipline styles then that can very easily fracture the step family.
    Personally? No one would get to speak to my child / ren in the manner this man is speaking to your DD. And if that meant he moved out? So be it.

  3. you’re modelling behaviours your DD will normalise. So however you allow this man to treat you/ her is what she could potentially go on to recreate.

He sounds intensely controlling and certainly financially abusive. Once you’re an adult, you don’t need to be told how to look after ‘nice’ things. I explain that to my children when they get nice trainers. And guess what? If they ruin them/ damage them, then the lesson is that it’s not replaced. I wouldn’t dream of dictating what my children did with something as every day as a coat or pair of shoes (and I honestly could not give a monkeys as to how much they cost).

I imagine this all feels very overwhelming to you. But start to take steps, baby steps. Figure out the sums. Start to get legal advice. But do something. He sounds awful x

Thank you very much that was lovely Smile

After reading the responses it's strange to me how much this is not the norm.

Do everyone's husbands not ask what they have spent on the bank card or don't moan and shout at little things?

OP posts:
Tattler2 · 24/10/2021 19:49

OP, your relationship sounds messy on so many levels. Having the lease in your name is only an advantage if you can afford to pay the full rent on your existing part time salary combined with your occasional child support. If not, you are left with expenses that you cannot afford, and he is free to find a place that he can afford on his own.

A reasonable thing for you to do is find living arrangements for you and your daughter based upon your salary and your occasional child support.

When people enter into relationships as mature adults with children and longer-term work histories, they are not building a life together; rather they are incorporating each other into the financial life that they have already built.

In many instances, it is far better to keep your romantic relationship separate from your life with your children and the financial structure that you have built around your life with your children.

If you a struggling to prove a decent life style for your child, go back to work full-time and become a self and child supporting adult. Compartmentalize your love life and meet it separate and apart from your home life with your daughter.

sassbott · 24/10/2021 19:50

Do everyone's husbands not ask what they have spent on the bank card or don't moan and shout at little things?

No.

But the important thing is this. Who cares what anyone else puts up with? This clearly doesn’t make you comfortable or happy. So on that basis alone, it’s not ok.

sassbott · 24/10/2021 19:52

Nb. I don’t have a husband. Or a partner.
The former is a great co parent (but never did any of the above)
The latter is now an expartner because he was an entitled dick who thought he could speak to me in ways that I won’t tolerate (clearly therapy only works for a short period of time on some people).

Life is too short for this. Honestly. Be alone. Wear your trainers and jacket with freedom!

Finknottlesnewt · 24/10/2021 19:55

@RaisedByPangolins

His opinion now is we should split up because it's absolutely ridiculous he cannot discipline her in is own home as I have told him to back off and let me do it.

He’s right. You should split up, but not because he’s not allowed to discipline her, but because he doesn’t know what is appropriate when dealing with a teenage DSD.

FWIW I still don’t live with my DP after 10 years together because our parenting styles clash - I’m more strict than him and I know it would drive me mad having his DC do as they please and me not being able to ask them to help for fear of being labelled the evil SM. He spends time with my DCs but stays out of disciplining them as the couple of times he’s stepped in it hasn’t gone well! (Turns out he can be strict but only with my kids). So we keep separate houses and separate families. Wouldn’t wish a poorly blended family on anyone - adult or child - so I can totally see where your man is coming from but he’s dealing with it awfully.

Wow ! We do the same !!

I got fed up of being the one in the middle and my kids not feeling comfortable in their own home.

Solution? Separate homes. Kidd and me in the house him in a flat. I see him 3-4 nights a week. The kids have a better relationship now because he isn't shouting about whatever thing it is that they have done that he finds unacceptable and I don't .

Turns out he just couldn't cope with teenagers. We now have a very happy marriage. My children have nearly all left home now so we may live together in the future .

It's the only solution OP besides divorce.

BrilliantBetty · 24/10/2021 20:01

If my mother allowed a man to behave like this to me. I would hate her. I would never forgive her and I would leave as soon as I could and not look back.

Sort out how you can leave quickly and without compromising your finances more than you have to. But leave you absolutely must.

Poor DD. Her mum is supposed to protect her from abuse not harbor an abuser in the household.

mommabear2386 · 24/10/2021 20:01

I think I can weigh in her with some future possibilities. Unfortunately not good ones.
My sd 15 moved on with her dad and myself almost 2 months ago because of her step dad of 7 years.
She's a good kid and doesn't a cause any trouble or attitude for the most part.
He was also very controlling especially financially as her mum only worked 8 or so hours he constantly had to announce that he paid for eve up and where would the entire family ( they had 2 children together)
He would pay for things for her then throw it back in her face. Mum always stuck up for him as he grew up in bad environment with no money much like you said your husband has.

He demands respect with some silly rules and would also embarrass SD with Friends over.

Since she choose to stay with us mum has fully sided with step dad and has been awful to SD at times with no support towards her or her feelings . almost as if you have dared say something negative about step dad you are no longer a member of this household.
It's been tough on her but she's thrived here... enjoyed the peace and freedom and laughs. She now really resents her mum we have tired so many things but mum won't make effort as it upsets step dad and SD won't make effort as she is so angry with mum and has openly stated if she were older she would choose to never go there.
We are trying to turn this around but please don't let this become you and your daughter it can't happen so quickly. We never saw it coming but it's so sad xx

Femnisaurus · 24/10/2021 20:02

After reading the responses it's strange to me how much this is not the norm.
Do everyone's husbands not ask what they have spent on the bank card or don't moan and shout at little things?

@MrsWashington I was married for over 25yrs - he earned significantly more than me and his income pretty much paid all the bills (to be fair he wanted a lifestyle he could afford but I wouldn't have been able to - expensive car, house, furniture etc. So the 50:50 wouldn't have worked for him) He didn't monitor what I spent from the joint account at all - in fact he sometimes challenged me to go out and spend some money on myself.

Finknottlesnewt · 24/10/2021 20:03

Actually I take that back OP... my DH and I disagreed on parenting styles . He wasn't an emotional and financial bully like yours. Your only sensible solution is divorce ! Now !

Cooper88 · 24/10/2021 20:08

Oh wow how sounds like a sick with the way he talks to you and your dd. Also the asking about the spending my DH has occasionally asked me what I have bought but usually cos he doesn't recognise the shop, or location. He doesn't grumble about it (unless it's another handbag 🙈).
I would definitely be looking at splitting, as you say you have tried talking to him and tried to make it all work, but it hasn't so the only option left is to leave.

MrsWashington · 24/10/2021 20:22

@BrilliantBetty

If my mother allowed a man to behave like this to me. I would hate her. I would never forgive her and I would leave as soon as I could and not look back.

Sort out how you can leave quickly and without compromising your finances more than you have to. But leave you absolutely must.

Poor DD. Her mum is supposed to protect her from abuse not harbor an abuser in the household.

There is no need for this at all! I am feeling extended low don't push me a little bit more towards the edge.

I wasn't aware this was abuse until things have stated happening and I've reached out for help but with comments like yours I can see why people don't reach out for help!

OP posts:
AhNowTed · 24/10/2021 20:24

He sounds horrendous.

You know I hear so often "that's how I was brought up".

Well, I was brought up in a controlled household by a bully, but I'm an adult now.

It taught me how NOT to behave.

There is literally no excuse.

No wonder your daughter is kicking off, poor girl having to put up with that wanker.

MockneyReject · 24/10/2021 20:33

It's not the case that OP would have to live just on her salary plus occasional child maintenance.
If her income from her job is low enough, she will be entitled to U/C. As the home is rented, she could get a housing supplement.

benefits-calculator-2.turn2us.org.uk/

JemIsMyNameNooneElseIsTheSame · 24/10/2021 20:37

100% LTB

AnneLovesGilbert · 24/10/2021 20:38

I’m glad you posted and have found most of the responses helpful and validating. Though strangers shining a light on what’s really going on in your marriage is obviously painful as well.

Take a few days, let in sink in, then work out what steps you need to take to end things with him, shore up your finances and plan the brighter future you and your daughter deserve.

You might find some of her behaviour changes once she’s not under the same roof as a man who shouts at her. You might find your anxiety lifts when you’re not treading on eggshells Flowers

MrsWashington · 24/10/2021 20:44

@AnneLovesGilbert

I’m glad you posted and have found most of the responses helpful and validating. Though strangers shining a light on what’s really going on in your marriage is obviously painful as well.

Take a few days, let in sink in, then work out what steps you need to take to end things with him, shore up your finances and plan the brighter future you and your daughter deserve.

You might find some of her behaviour changes once she’s not under the same roof as a man who shouts at her. You might find your anxiety lifts when you’re not treading on eggshells Flowers

Thank you that's kind Daffodil
OP posts:
BackBackBack · 24/10/2021 20:47

Do everyone's husbands not ask what they have spent on the bank card or don't moan and shout at little things?

No this is not normal. My H and I only have a joint account (no separate accounts). It works because we have similar attitudes to spending and we trust each other - I can see what he spends in our banking app and vice versa. He has never commented on what I spend money on, not even jokily. Likewise in 20 years together he has never shouted at me either.

BrilliantBetty · 24/10/2021 20:53

I wasn't aware this was abuse until things have stated happening and I've reached out for help but with comments like yours I can see why people don't reach out for help!

Sounds like you do need comments like mine. You have not taken action to protect your DD from abuse and that has consequences. You can change your situation if you WANT to.

Btw. As this sounds like emotional and financial abuse you and DD would be able to get assistance with housing via local council, you would be a priority case. Should you find yourself threatened with homelessness getting away from this man.

SpaceshiptoMars · 24/10/2021 20:58

Do everyone's husbands not ask what they have spent on the bank card or don't moan and shout at little things?

Not my experience either. If it was recent, I'd be kind and blame the redundancy, but it sounds long term from your posts.

MrsWashington · 24/10/2021 21:02

@BrilliantBetty

I wasn't aware this was abuse until things have stated happening and I've reached out for help but with comments like yours I can see why people don't reach out for help!

Sounds like you do need comments like mine. You have not taken action to protect your DD from abuse and that has consequences. You can change your situation if you WANT to.

Btw. As this sounds like emotional and financial abuse you and DD would be able to get assistance with housing via local council, you would be a priority case. Should you find yourself threatened with homelessness getting away from this man.

No I don't not being judgmental. I haven't purposely done it and I have taken steps today to get my finances in order. This is a very difficult time. Maybe you can offer your support on another thread.

OP posts:
MrsWashington · 24/10/2021 21:04

@SpaceshiptoMars

Do everyone's husbands not ask what they have spent on the bank card or don't moan and shout at little things?

Not my experience either. If it was recent, I'd be kind and blame the redundancy, but it sounds long term from your posts.

Things have happened recently but when I look back other things have happened also.

OP posts:
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