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Step-parenting

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

Dsc and dc arguing

255 replies

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 28/08/2022 12:22

Our family have been "blended" (or however you are supposed to call it) for almost 10 years, since our dc were very young. We get on nicely most of the time there are no big issues. Its usually really lovely all being together.

My dc is the younger by 2 years. They are 10 and 12 yeas old.

They get on for the most part but my dc sometimes complains that dsc says mean things, or takes his friends away, and gets upset about it. This has ramped up recently and myself and dh have been dealing with each time as a seperate incident. Usually dh speaks with his child and says the behaviour has to stop. A few weeks ago dsc punched dc in the arm. Dh dealt with that one, he had a very stern word and said of there wad a next time, there would be consequences. Dsc says dc is very sensitive...and yes dc is sensitive...but that's just their personality. Every time dc comes ro me upset I feel .. I can only describe it as really, really hurt. Like it physically hurts me, and each time, I become more and more distant to dsc and that worries me. I was so upset today I could barely look at them.

For background, I came from an abusive childhood and was tormented mercilessly by an older sibling. So I am massively triggered by this and have no way to know if I'm dealing with it correctly.

Myself and dsc have always been close and they have often come to me for help and advice, including when there have been issues between dsc and dh. I care a great deal about dsc.

This morning I had to speak to dsc again about upsetting dc. I absolutely hate doing this but I need dc to know I have their back. Dc is always further upset because dsc will call them a snitch (I detest this notion. Dc stopped telling me about their bully abusive father because of this term)

Anyway I've been upset about it this morning. Lack of sleep (newborn) and I've hurt my foot. Myself and dh started arguing about it for the first time ever, because i said i was sick of it and we should arrange with their other parents so that we don't have them at the same time anymore. If they don't have to see each other, problem solved. Dh agrees in principal but he's become quite defensive as he says my dc is over sensitive. Dh has begun to defend dsc, which I get, that's his child. Dh thinks I shouldn't get so involved and invested but that's not right because I don't get involved every time. Sometimes I leave them to sort it themselves but its become too often now and I am sick and tired of it.

I don't know what I am asking but some words of advice a head wobble, a talking down, whatever. Just someone to speak to about this would help, I hope.

OP posts:
DuchessDarty · 29/08/2022 14:32

No I get it OP about the drip feed once you explained. I was just too tired at the time you mentioned that info to pivot and basically respond all over again with that new info in mind.

I’m sorry your DH has said this again when you asked him not to. It’s especially shitty when you have a newborn. Flowers

pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 14:42

@DuchessDarty and some posters talk about this place being a supportive place and preach about not starting fights..

Talking of drip feeding is just fairly ridiculous considering OPs mental state andit isn't the mic drop people think it is. So what if op includes extra information in latter posts - she's clearly not doing it to hide anything. People would be complaining if the post was too long.

The post wasn't @ you. Usually although me and you disagree on many topics and thats fine and do it somewhat with getting personal, the above doesn't reflect well on you (and imo is unusual) I'm gonna assume you are having a bad day and let it go.

I don't think this is truly about the kids, I think it's about a pressure cooker situation and probably a conflict of personalities and a far amount of trauma clouding things

Also 🛎 end or 🛎 🔚 it means the same thing.

pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 14:43

Without** ffs

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 29/08/2022 15:07

Dh and dss are home. I've come up for a soak.

I can hear ds and dss training outside (boxing, a shared interest) and having a laugh. Dh is supervising. It's like nothing has happened yet I still feel foolish and sheepish, especially with dsc. I feel like the child, its odd. Like I want to avoid him because I'm embarrassed by the whole thing.

I really thought my 3 years of therapy had changed me. But I have slipped back 10 steps these past couple of days.

We are all considering swapping weekend and will make the decision as a family. Half of me thinks its for the best rhe other half is devastated

I haven't mentioned the threat since my response. Things have been so hearted and now its calming down I am loathe to bring it up. Not sure on that one because I know I will be mulling it over, I will find it hard tk let go. Even though I want to.

OP posts:
pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 15:15

@Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears I think you mentioned you apologised to DSC and they accepted it and told you they loved you. I think now that if that's the case you have to forgive yourself. Step mum or mum we have all been there, in terms of reacting emotively with kids. If your genuinely kindly towards your DSC which it sounds like it, they may understand more than you think.

Remember trauma isn't linear line and neither is the road to recovery. We all have has bad moments, and we shouldn't be judged by our actions on one bad day.

Believe me you haven't gone backwards, it's just a reminder that sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards (haha I'm talking in riddles again- hopefully you get what I mean)

Re DH - when things are a bit more settled and you feel more settled I would explain to him that, "when you say 'I'm gonna leave' it makes me feel like x" and maybe make up a fighting fair agreement (things you are and aren't allowed to do when you fight - because you can't stop arguments but you can learn to be a bit more kindly while you fight).

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 29/08/2022 15:24

pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 15:15

@Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears I think you mentioned you apologised to DSC and they accepted it and told you they loved you. I think now that if that's the case you have to forgive yourself. Step mum or mum we have all been there, in terms of reacting emotively with kids. If your genuinely kindly towards your DSC which it sounds like it, they may understand more than you think.

Remember trauma isn't linear line and neither is the road to recovery. We all have has bad moments, and we shouldn't be judged by our actions on one bad day.

Believe me you haven't gone backwards, it's just a reminder that sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards (haha I'm talking in riddles again- hopefully you get what I mean)

Re DH - when things are a bit more settled and you feel more settled I would explain to him that, "when you say 'I'm gonna leave' it makes me feel like x" and maybe make up a fighting fair agreement (things you are and aren't allowed to do when you fight - because you can't stop arguments but you can learn to be a bit more kindly while you fight).

Thqnk you yes it makes sense!

Yes dsc and I had words of apology and love. So yes it is all okay. I just feel deeply...I dunno...embarrassed and have no idea how to act. Because I really wasn't myself yesterday with him and he didn't deserve it. Maybe I feel ashamed. I wish I was better at being kind to myself. It's still a fairly new concept. I know me amd dsc have a strong bond. He has come to me for help above his dad a few times, even once because of his dad. He knows I have his back too and I love him.

I guess I need to stop hiding in the bath and join them. I just need some time on my own to think. Or not think. Just to be.

Yes to the conversation with dh. What you outline is pretty much exactly what we talked about before. This time when he said it I called him out immediately and he didn't drag it on like he usually does. So that's an improvement I guess

OP posts:
Padron · 29/08/2022 15:57

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 29/08/2022 16:14

Low spin cycle! That's exactly it!

If I can muster up the energy amd I get a minute alone with him I will bring it up for sure.

OP posts:
Padron · 29/08/2022 16:17

Hope you can and it's constructive OP.

Got to clean that laundry and put it out to dry, lol.

pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 16:35

@Padron you can't read what has been deleted, so you have no idea what I put or pp.

Please report away if you need to.

Padron · 29/08/2022 16:41

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 16:42

@Padron okayyy 👍🏻

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 29/08/2022 20:34

Tonight was really quite nice, although more quiet and subdued. We watched the boys training, had dinner together then watched a funny film. Then each boy went to spend time on their computers in their rooms. Me and dh spent time with baby, entertaining as always and we had a giggle. Again subdued. Dh is having baby tonight so I can catch up on sleep. Tomorrow we all decided the boys would visit a museum together. I gave ds a choice and dh gave dsc a choice but they both wanted to go together.

Mr and dh are being okay with each other but it's definitely not the same no goodnight kiss and cuddle, no closeness. But that's to be expected, we are still coming down from emotional heights. I didn't mention the threats because I couldn't be arsed. But I will, when I've more energy and once it's calmed completely, so we can be measured about it.

Thank you everyone for being here for me x

OP posts:
Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 29/08/2022 20:41

Also...I do think ds might have ...something going on. Perhaps ADHD? Maybe on the spectrum? I don't know enough about it but having spent the day with him on my own, I am completely and utterly exhausted. He is literally non stop. He doesn't stop talking, barely comes up for air. His energy levels are off the scale. He needs constant, constant attention. He has always been this way but I never stopped to think. There are other things about him too, but I'm too tired now and can't remember. I need to research.

OP posts:
pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 21:04

I have no advice re AHDA specifically but I do know a little about nerodiversity and early intervention seems to be key so I will leave more knowledge people to weigh in on this point. That said your coming down off all heightened emotion try not to go down to many rabbit holes just yet for your own MH sake.

I'm glad things have calmed down and also you have had a good day today. Sleep deprivation does funny things to the brain.

You will be ok OP, you got this (even if at times you feel like you don't).

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 29/08/2022 21:08

pitchforksandflamethrowers · 29/08/2022 21:04

I have no advice re AHDA specifically but I do know a little about nerodiversity and early intervention seems to be key so I will leave more knowledge people to weigh in on this point. That said your coming down off all heightened emotion try not to go down to many rabbit holes just yet for your own MH sake.

I'm glad things have calmed down and also you have had a good day today. Sleep deprivation does funny things to the brain.

You will be ok OP, you got this (even if at times you feel like you don't).

You're right about rabbit holes. I tend to do that. I think, judging by what I've just read up...I may also have adhd. But I'm going to leave it as a subject for a while. I need to heal from all this.

Thanks so much for your support it means such a lot x

OP posts:
Bleepitandbleepitagain · 29/08/2022 23:16

I hear and see you. You're clearly a caring a loving person. You've said nothing that was nasty regarding your step son. Jesus I use worse for my own at times! Main thing i got from my upset i ever worried and got scared about that, was my HV telling me its okay.

Asked me the simple question of if I loved them. Ofc I do. Including my stepkids. But sometimes, its okay to think this isn't alright. This is impacting one kid out of the group. Be it mine, or dhs.

Your dh is being unfair on you to ignore the added stress of a newborn into the mix and the hormones and lack of sleep that go with that. Youre both being unfair on each other for seeing each child on either side as one needing protecting.

Kids row. They are sods! And some carry certain behaviour traits that need sorting. Dh sounds like he needs to teach his kid to know who they can and cannot banter with. And how far they can go depending on who they are dealing with. You do also need to teach yours if you're going to give it, you can't be hurt when its given back.

That isn't a kid is at fault moment. Thats teaching them skills for life. No one wants an adult constantly ribbing them when they don't like it. Neither do people want someone who will give it out but kick off when its done back.

All that said, it is so clear to read how down you are. And its so easy to catastrophise when you are in that place. Add a tiny baby in the mix and its no wonder you're pooped!

Also and I mean this kindly - I speak from experience. Bht your life experiences doesn't mean your son will have the same. And sometimes over protecting can cause more harm than good. A scary road to navigate. I know. But you're doing him a disservice by overprotecting from what is general siblings squabbles. As you said yourself, they get on as a whole.

In time he will find this with friends. He needs to learn to instead to find his voice. And ofc come to you when needed. But also - if he is starting something he then can't moan when the same is given back. Unless of course it crosses a line.

As dh son needs to learn its not okay to push someone who doesn't enjoy that back and forth.

It all sounds like two parents lovinf their kids and forgetting the general dynamics between kids. So they are blinded by "us vs them" it isn't. Its kids being sods. Which can be resolved between you both.

That said the threats aren't okay. You should be allowed to speak your mind within reason without being told you'll be left unless you put up with it.

That is abuse to keep you in line. And that may not be meant on dh part, but isn't okay regardless.

For a happy family unit to work, you both need to be accepting of one sides kids downfall and work together to make it work. If possible.

And it should 100% be taken into account their individual needs too.

Dsc sees someone living with their dad. Hard. Ds sees someone coming into the home and changing the dynamics while both sets are dealing with a new siblings and the worry there.

Both are acting out. Both likely feel a bit lost. But considering you're own needs and history, dh needs to step up. You also need to stop comparing everything to your history. And I mean that kindly.

If anything it all screams a normal sibling relationship! My two are polar opposites so get along... until they don't. One is rough and ready. The other is calm and sneaky!

at times I've sat wondering if it was my sc would i feel so "needs to be dealt with but is normal" . And sometimes, that strong love for our own is harder to move past. Rather than when its just your own.

But we are the adults, and we need to do exactly that. But your dh should also remember your sons extensive history and be aware of how impacting that is on him.

DuchessDarty · 29/08/2022 23:31

As the OP is thankfully now in a better place, I’m going to address your last post to me @pitchforksandflamethrowers

Not sure why you felt the need to post this after the preceding nice exchange I had with the OP. Yes I know if responded to your (now deleted) post, but things had moved on.

I certainly don’t think saying drip feed is a mic drop, I’m not that basic. Nor was I trying to score points.

No your post wasn’t @ me. But your bellend comment definitely was. I’d respect you for owning that.

And no I’m not in a bad mood at all but thanks for the consideration.

pitchforksandflamethrowers · 30/08/2022 07:27

@DuchessDarty it wasn't, if it was I would have tagged you in it. But you do you 👍🏻

My previous comment when I responded to your tag - that's now been deleted (for the first time), was said in good faith (although the preachy comment was unkind and inflammatory, I apologise for that).

As I previously stated I'm not willing to derail a thread as mumsnet has dealt with it and it's simply not relevant to the op.

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 30/08/2022 08:38

Hi all

Woke up today feeling really anxious.

Last night ds vomited in the night and had slight temperature so my night off turned into another sleepless one.

Not sure why I feel anxious. Dh is downstairs cleaning the place and minding baby, he's left me to have a lie in...this happens at least once a week so all normal there. I think it was the distance between us last night. Makes me feel things are still unresolved. I hate when things are unresolved I just want to hide away. Why does it feel like things have changed forever? Am I catastrophising again? And if so, how do I stop?

OP posts:
Goldbar · 30/08/2022 09:05

In your situation (and I'm speaking without your background and experience of trauma so accept that my suggestions may not be entirely appropriate), I think your DH (and to a lesser extent, the kids) are probably slightly on tenterhooks around you waiting to see what happens next. This is not said in a critical way (and indeed your DH is at least partly responsible for the situation).

So I think you need to take the lead in helping everything go back to 'normal' (I'd still have a separate chat with your DH though) by just cracking on and being calm and cheerful around the kids. Go downstairs, say hello to the kids, put some music on, play with the baby and just be. And ignore any atmosphere - that will help it dissipate. You're probably all feeling a bit uncertain around each other still.

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 30/08/2022 09:30

Goldbar · 30/08/2022 09:05

In your situation (and I'm speaking without your background and experience of trauma so accept that my suggestions may not be entirely appropriate), I think your DH (and to a lesser extent, the kids) are probably slightly on tenterhooks around you waiting to see what happens next. This is not said in a critical way (and indeed your DH is at least partly responsible for the situation).

So I think you need to take the lead in helping everything go back to 'normal' (I'd still have a separate chat with your DH though) by just cracking on and being calm and cheerful around the kids. Go downstairs, say hello to the kids, put some music on, play with the baby and just be. And ignore any atmosphere - that will help it dissipate. You're probably all feeling a bit uncertain around each other still.

I agree with this. I really hope its not eggshells they are walking on. I know what that's like.

I spoke to dsc just now. I asked him if we were okay. I apologied again and told him I wasn't myself. I said I knew ds can be difficult to have around sometimes and that I understood. But that I became very overprotective because i cant protect him from his father. He thanked me a lot for talking to him and not brushing it under the carpet and that he loves me.

I spoke to dh. I basically said the same. Then dsc came in and we had a quick chat together and all seems okay. I just need to get out of this self hatred, guilty mindset that i can't seem to shake. That was the original problem..I fond it really hard to shake something off...that's why it escalated in the first place.

Dh has basically cleaned the house and now gone out with dsc to the museum. Ds still feels a bit unwell so he's staying with me.

Dh just called as he wanted to reiterate that we are all good, himself and dsc love me and ds and please try and shake it off (he knows me too well)

So I am going to post this message and shut the curtains, and literally shake my entire body. Then music on and log in to work to bang out some emails. Hopefully that will do the trick!

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/08/2022 11:33

Be proud of yourself for looking and your behaviour and emotions and moving forward. You have apologised and recognised your part in what is going on.

You will get there.

Short term when your DS comes to go listen, comfort, ask him how could the issue he is complaining about be resolved. I think a lot of time your DS needs to offload and "right now" - the joys of ADHD

Same with DSS - ask him if he has any ideas how to resolve X or Y. Tell him if DS is being particularly "annoying" to come and ask you for your help to resolve it - such as DS being firmly made to give DSS space.

Ask them both to problem solve - not necessarily in the moment. DSS can hopefully learn explaining his side of the issue isn't telling tales but helping work through sibling squabbles.

Cryinthepooltodisguisethetears · 30/08/2022 11:55

RandomMess · 30/08/2022 11:33

Be proud of yourself for looking and your behaviour and emotions and moving forward. You have apologised and recognised your part in what is going on.

You will get there.

Short term when your DS comes to go listen, comfort, ask him how could the issue he is complaining about be resolved. I think a lot of time your DS needs to offload and "right now" - the joys of ADHD

Same with DSS - ask him if he has any ideas how to resolve X or Y. Tell him if DS is being particularly "annoying" to come and ask you for your help to resolve it - such as DS being firmly made to give DSS space.

Ask them both to problem solve - not necessarily in the moment. DSS can hopefully learn explaining his side of the issue isn't telling tales but helping work through sibling squabbles.

thank you for saying that, sometimes I feel like an utter failure so its really great when someone points out when I am doing something right. I guess this is all part of my healing and growing.

Really good points about how to handle both ds and dss.

I have looked up ADHD and ds ticks every single one of these:

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity ADHD Symptoms In Kids
Constant talking
Feeling restless
Running around and playing, even in calm settings
Constant fidgeting or tapping
Frequently full of excess energy
Being excessively loud
Impatience and difficulty waiting
Interrupting other people

And some of these, to a lesser extent:

Inattentive ADHD Symptoms In Kids
Difficulty paying attention, e.g., listening in class
Disliking activities that require prolonged attention like reading or watching a movie
Frequently forgetting things like appointments, homework, upcoming tests, etc.
Not following through with tasks such as homework or chores
Being unorganized and constantly losing things like books, pencils, phones, etc.
Being easily distracted
Daydreaming, staring off into space, and not listening when being spoken to

If I am perfectly honest...I tick a lot of the boxes too - especially as a child, not so much now. Maybe I need a diagnosis!!

@RandomMess you sound as though you have personal experience of ADHD. This is a completely new thing for me. If you can....would you tell me the first things I should know or do to help ds? I am lost with all the info online.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/08/2022 12:26

Well my youngest got diagnosed a year ago at 15, then the penny dropped that it comes from me and probably my eldest does to although she is on the ASD pathway in her mid twenties.

The website Additude is very good but neither of us can sustain the interest to read much of it, plus she won't engage in self-help strategies 🙄 she would if there were classes to attend though.

She does a lot of sport and activities but will she F doing any of them at home such as for scouts or homework.

She's going to college where there is little sled study and lots of class contact time and practical stuff. I could have told her this before she attempted A-levels. I was just the same.

She is the youngest of 4 - 3 very close in age so we only noticed how exhausting she was when we had her one on one. We had her friends over a lot 😄

It was her that realised and when she remembers to take the meds says it really helps.

I think the biggest shift was in accepting who and where she is and not pushing her to change but to work with it.

Your DSC probably gets thoroughly fed up of him at times, same way DDs older siblings did/do. She is slowly maturing thankfully. That may be the case with your DS too - very immature for his age making a 2 year gap feel bigger to DSS?