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Step-parenting

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If it's not my business then nothing is 😊

38 replies

HoopDaHoop · 29/05/2022 17:22

Have recently disengaged completely with doing anything for DSC due to an argument with DH.

Basically we had an issue recently with 12 year old DSS. Won't go into the whole thing but basically he'd gotten in trouble for speaking inappropriately/meanly to another child at school, there was more to it than this, involved WhatsApp and messages ect... It went on for a little while as school got involved. It wasn't all him, the other child was involved as well and it wasn't anything sinister but obviously stern conversations needed to be had, discussions about phone use ect.

Anyway, me and DH were talking about it and I had an opinion on something and shared that. I guess he didn't agree because he got cross and told me it was nothing to do with me and I seemed like I was 'only interested for the gossip '... Hmm gossip about a 12 year old falling out with a child from school?? 🤣

Anyway .. it pissed me off because I do a lot for DSC. Upset me in fact. I said as such at the time and said if things like this are 'none of my business' then nothing is. He doesn't get to decide the things that suit him that I do for DSC are my business but the other parts, the tough parts, aren't.

I work part time so tend to do most at home, tidying kids rooms, ours and DSC, washing clothes, changing beds and so on... Not anymore. He's been having to do it all.

I'm no longer free during the upcoming school holidays to help on my days off and so on...

He's annoyed, says I'm being petty. I probably am but I don't care. He stands by that I shouldn't have given my opinion so I'm standing by this. I don't see why he should get it both ways, he's happy for me to spend my time and money on his children but they apparently then become nothing to do with me during other times. That's not acceptable to me. It's either all my business of none of it is.

OP posts:
Magda72 · 29/05/2022 20:30

Well done @HoopDaHoop - stand firm - you are absolutely right & are making your point well.
And "poor kids" be damned! Nothing "poor" about having your PARENT having to do the grind for you!

SoggyPaper · 29/05/2022 21:20

People will reply ‘poor kid/s’ to anything on here. Seriously, I doubt it will harm them if their dad changes their bed and washes their pants.

WooNoodle · 29/05/2022 21:24

SoggyPaper · 29/05/2022 21:20

People will reply ‘poor kid/s’ to anything on here. Seriously, I doubt it will harm them if their dad changes their bed and washes their pants.

Haha that made me laugh becuase it's so true!

OhJanet · 29/05/2022 21:53

SoggyPaper · 29/05/2022 21:20

People will reply ‘poor kid/s’ to anything on here. Seriously, I doubt it will harm them if their dad changes their bed and washes their pants.

That phrase should be banned. My eyes roll back every time I see someone post that on this board

RedWingBoots · 29/05/2022 22:33

CuriousCatfish · 29/05/2022 18:56

Poor kid.

Yeah you are right - for having a father who doesn't take full responsibility, including cooking and cleaning for him, when he stays.

The OP is not his parent nor a relation. So she has fuck all duty to the boy unlike his shitty father.

SoggyPaper · 29/05/2022 22:37

RedWingBoots · 29/05/2022 22:33

Yeah you are right - for having a father who doesn't take full responsibility, including cooking and cleaning for him, when he stays.

The OP is not his parent nor a relation. So she has fuck all duty to the boy unlike his shitty father.

I mean, if their father isn’t keen on doing the room tidying, washing and bed making for his 12 and 9 year old, he could… and I know this is a crazy idea… apply some parenting skills and teach them to do it themselves.

I know: madness!

RedWingBoots · 29/05/2022 23:00

SoggyPaper · 29/05/2022 22:37

I mean, if their father isn’t keen on doing the room tidying, washing and bed making for his 12 and 9 year old, he could… and I know this is a crazy idea… apply some parenting skills and teach them to do it themselves.

I know: madness!

Stop!

Seriously stop!

Being sensible!

After all 12 year old boys (or girls) are princes (or princesses) and spontaneously combust if they are made to learn to take care of themselves. 😆

In my case it was my older aunts on both sides with older children, not my (non-evil) step-mother, who told my parents how much their children should do.

stepuporshutup · 29/05/2022 23:18

You are absolutely right op, let him get on with the parenting, you get on with your life

Starseeking · 29/05/2022 23:32

He says you're being petty because now he has to do all the grunt work you are doing for HIS DC! Some men really do think women exist solely to service them and their surrounds/environment.

justamushypea · 02/06/2022 16:14

You are 100% right
Either you are both in this together or you aren't. I bet your opinion would count if he agreed with you.
Sometimes us step parents can see things from a different perspective and our opinions are as valid as anyone else's.

beachcitygirl · 03/06/2022 12:07

Yanbu ! You are 100% in the right & as long as you're friendly & pleasnt to the kids which I'm sure you are, then crack on.

In fact you'll probably get along better with them - just being a pal.
All the nice bits & none of the shite. Your dh can deal with the parenting!

👆🏻 step parenting goals

LadyCluck · 04/06/2022 08:47

Well done OP. You’re not being petty - he’s having to actually get on and parent rather than cherry-picking.

I disengaged a couple of years back now. Best thing I could have done. I just wish I’d done it earlier rather than struggle on for the best part of a decade.

Beamur · 04/06/2022 08:57

Nicely played OP.
Either you're a team or a skivvy.

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