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Step-parenting

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

Mum’s chaotic love life

95 replies

YeezyBreezy · 11/04/2024 12:38

I’m simply here to vent to anyone that can sympathise as I have no one in real life that has any experience with my situation.

DH’s exgf and mother to my SDs is a whole mess. On social media she looks like she’s living the high life… she’s pretty, has cosmetic work done, designer clothes, lavish holidays, always out etc. You’d be convinced she had her sh*t together and was doing well in life.

The reality is that she is incredibly lazy and lives a hedonistic lifestyle where she puts her own wants and love life above the stability of her daughters.

She flits between not working (through choice, she’s able bodied and capable) or working part time, never more than 2.5 days a week in her entire adult life. She dates men willing to lavish cash on her and support her lazy lifestyle, not choosing men who are good partners or actually care about her or the kids.

In the 8.5 years I’ve been with DH, she has had at least 4 boyfriends that she’s introduced to the kids or cohabited with that we know of. It’s a revolving door of new “stepdads” and we have tried our best to not interfere as the kids don’t appear to have been in any danger, but obviously it’s an unstable home life.

SDs are now 19 & 15 so there’s very little DH can do about it in terms of custody as one is an adult and we’ve been advised that kids over around 11/12 years old generally get to decide which parent they want to reside with and unfortunately they both idolise their mum.

Their mum’s most recent bf seemed pretty nice… good job, had a nice daughter of his own, my SDs like him, he treated them well. So when my SDs said they were all moving in together into a new house we were so RELIEVED.

Their mum has a history of lying, it’s bizarre and almost like she presents what she wishes would happen as factual. This has ranged from SDs being told they’re getting a puppy more than 5 times (and obviously it never happens), to declaring they’re going on a lavish holiday to Dubai for a month, to telling them she’s been offered a job paying £100k per year, and the latest lie she told the kids is that the house they were moving in to with the new bf was equally and jointly purchased by her.

Immediately I knew this was a lie, her house was rented previously and she would never have saved the £40k+ for her to be put jointly on the mortgage whilst being unemployed or working for NMW part-time.

She’s a complete fantasist but the kids adore her and despite her wild promises never materialising, they always appear to trust and believe in what she’s telling them.

Getting to the most recent sh*t show, they did end up moving into this lovely big new house. The kids were proudly telling everyone about their new home, how pretty it is, how lovely their new big bedrooms are etc.

We could not have been happier for them! Like I said, we were relieved things seemed stable and nice.

Until last night. SD15 came over for dinner and when DH was dropping her home she told him to drop her at their old house, not the new one. He was obviously confused and SD burst into tears and told him mum’s bf had kicked them and their mum out.

Mum and SD19 had behaved so appallingly and entitled towards the new bf that they lasted less than 2 months all living together.

SD15 is humiliated and embarrassed that her mum lied to them about co-owning the house, that she excitedly told all of her friends and family about their new home, and their mum has yet another failed relationship under her belt.

So now they’re back in their old rented house… which begs the question of why hadn’t their mum given up her tenancy (they knew they were moving for over 6 months) or any of her furniture? Did she expect this to happen? If so, why did she put SD15 through it knowing it was as likely to go pear shaped?

We asked SD15 if she wanted to stay with us for a while, she said no but we have her this weekend anyway and intend to spoil her with love and attention.

I just feel so bad for her.

OP posts:
SacreBleugh · 11/04/2024 16:59

You've had some unbelievably unhelpful responses here OP, but I get it. I am a step mother and had a similar situation in some ways years back. My only advice is to stay safe and boring. Don't voice any opinions about the girls' mum. Eventually when the girls are older they will be much more clear sighted about it all and will appreciate the drama free home you offer.

LadyRoughDiamond · 11/04/2024 18:00

As a teacher, I see the fallout from chaotic parenting choices like these. They manifest in behavioural issues, low self-esteem and the general uneasiness caused by knowing that that their home life is different to other people’s. Keep doing what you’re doing OP and be that much-needed stable presence - you’re an essential part of the girls’ lives and, by the sounds of things, the main people they can rely on.

TheSnowyOwl · 11/04/2024 18:07

YeezyBreezy · 11/04/2024 16:01

@TheSnowyOwl they were young when they got together but yes I do question his judgement with her. He said she’s very different to the woman he met 20 years ago but I didn’t know her then so who knows.

I’m not going to lie and say when I think about it I don’t think he was an idiot.

Tenancy was probably just that, I agree. But why keep the majority of your furniture etc? They had 6 months notice of the move.

Why let the kids move in if you’re half expecting it to go wrong? It would have been far more sensible to have a trial of staying over and slowly blending the families together surely?

SD15 told us that SD19 and mum’s bf have never spent a night under the same roof before they all moved in.

It just seems like poor choices have been made all around which have resulted in SD15’s feelings and wellbeing being collateral damage.

I think you are asking questions from a logical and sensible point of view and that’s why you can’t understand her behaviour.

Elektra1 · 11/04/2024 18:14

She sounds like a disaster and I'm sure as your SDs grow into their 20s they will start to see the situation for it is. I can understand your frustration but at 15 and 19 they really don't need you to be anything other than a listening ear if THEY want (sounds like the 15 year old does). She's never not going to be their mum and they will love her even if they don't like her.

You sound very caring.

YeezyBreezy · 11/04/2024 19:05

Minikievs · 11/04/2024 16:40

You're judging her for having 4 boyfriends in nearly 9 years? Get lost.

No I’m judging her for introducing 4 men, 3 of which have cohabited with her and my SDs in an 8 year period.

She can date who she likes but she’s been incredibly careless about the kids’ feelings whilst doing so.

Her boyfriend before this most recent one moved into their home only 6 weeks after being introduced to the kids!

It’s insanity!

OP posts:
YeezyBreezy · 11/04/2024 19:07

I think people underestimate how attached kids can get to their parents’ partners too.

I know that SD will be upset about the recent bf because she’s grown really fond of him and his daughter. It’s sad all around

OP posts:
Eggplant44 · 11/04/2024 19:18

Did the mother have any children with any of these four men?

YeezyBreezy · 11/04/2024 20:40

Eggplant44 · 11/04/2024 19:18

Did the mother have any children with any of these four men?

Luckily, no

OP posts:
EG94 · 12/04/2024 11:23

@YeezyBreezy firstly support for SM’s is rare. Here it’s clear you’re asking how to emotionally support the rollercoaster the kids are on. You’re wrong to care. If you posted that you didn’t want anything to do with it and wish they’d shut up about their mother, you’d be wrong. There is no right for SM’s 🤦🏼‍♀️

secondly, maybe a rhetorical question. Do you think and absolutely fine to have your own feelings before you get judged for that too! Do you think there is an element here of frustration and resentment that you are trying to provide safe spaces and stability and their mum is idolised and providing nothing more than chaos and damage and it’s fucking you off the kids can’t see through it? If so, they will see one day, so just keep being consistently supportive, everything comes out in the wash ❤️

YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 11:38

EG94 · 12/04/2024 11:23

@YeezyBreezy firstly support for SM’s is rare. Here it’s clear you’re asking how to emotionally support the rollercoaster the kids are on. You’re wrong to care. If you posted that you didn’t want anything to do with it and wish they’d shut up about their mother, you’d be wrong. There is no right for SM’s 🤦🏼‍♀️

secondly, maybe a rhetorical question. Do you think and absolutely fine to have your own feelings before you get judged for that too! Do you think there is an element here of frustration and resentment that you are trying to provide safe spaces and stability and their mum is idolised and providing nothing more than chaos and damage and it’s fucking you off the kids can’t see through it? If so, they will see one day, so just keep being consistently supportive, everything comes out in the wash ❤️

Thanks @EG94 I appreciate your reply.

Yes, I won’t lie and say there isn’t an underlying resentment that BM can seemingly do whatever she wants without a second thought for the potential consequences. And the kids love and forgive her unconditionally.

BM is also very vocal with regards to criticising decisions we make as a family or I make individually. One example is I paid for my daughter to go on a ski trip with her school last year, BM has promised SD15 she can go on her school’s ski trip next year. BM did not complete the online form in time (we offered to do it, she said no) and now SD has missed out as all the places are taken.

I’m now being criticised as my DD14 was able to go on hers so I am “treating them unfairly”. Even though I organised and paid for my own DD’s trip single-handedly, not from family funds. I am also not SD’s parent so not in a position to be able to agree to trips.

DH is currently pretty pissed off that BM hasn’t even spoken to him to let him know that they’ve moved back. It would be common courtesy to just say “We’re back at the old house for the time being, just making you aware”. No further details needed but I think it’s reasonable to expect that both parents should know where their minor child is living.

If SD14 had not spontaneously come here for dinner on Wednesday and opened up to DH he wouldn’t have known about their living situation for nearly 2 full weeks.

OP posts:
YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 11:39

SD15* sorry, typo

OP posts:
DaisyChain505 · 12/04/2024 11:44

As long as there is no concern of abuse or severe neglect keep your nose out.

you have no control over who she dates or how she lives her life. The children are both nearly adults now so your partner should barely have to even talk to her within the next few years.

as long as you and your partner are letting the children know that you are their safe space and they’re always welcome there’s nothing more for you to do.

EG94 · 12/04/2024 11:48

YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 11:39

SD15* sorry, typo

No worries. I’ve learnt I’ve become quite passionate about step parenting now it is my life!

I totally understand your frustration but for sometime maybe forever their mum will always be a hero. Depends on the kids I guess. As an adult even if I love someone I can still see them for who they are. I guess you just have to back yourself and fuck her, you can’t make her better.

is BM vocal to your husband or to the kids? If you’re finding out her comments via the kids I would collar get it. If the SC said mum said you’re treating us unfairly because Jimmy went skiing and I didn’t. I would say I’m sorry this is not correct. I paid for jimmys trip and your mum submitted the form too late despite us offering do it so you didn’t miss out. I don’t want you to miss out on opportunities and I did try to make it happen for you. Telling a kid the truth is not slagging their mother off. They are old enough to have the factual information.

DH is pissed off but did he drop a message to BM saying exactly as you had said? If not, the message should be sent.

we sometimes get snips of mum said this and it’s utter bollocks so I or their dad correct it with the truth. We are passionate about honesty. They ask sometimes say mum said they can do x y z so we say ah ok I’m not sure that it right, call mum and ask. Kids get outted for lying. We have only done thjs a couple times but it does make them stop and think before they lie. If their lying to us about their mum, you can be sure their lying to mum about us. We confront head on.

QueenBakingBee · 12/04/2024 11:50

OP this is similar to my ex - he promises all sorts to the kids, moves in with girlfriends very quickly and generally thinks of himself and his wants over and above their needs. They are getting older (mid-late teens) and are wising up to his antics.

All I can do is listen with as little judgement as I can muster! Previously I tried time and again to explain to my ex how his behaviour and actions were impacting them - it doesn't matter how I go about it, it falls on deaf ears.

My youngest has now voted with her feet and has reduced the time she spends with him. My eldest will be off to uni next year so I think is a lot more tolerant because she knows its only for a time limit now.

It sounds like you've got a calm set up for the kids to come to, if they want to. That is really all you can do.

MrsKeats · 12/04/2024 11:54

For a lot of people on here step mums are always in the wrong.
I think you sound lovely and care a lot about your step kids. All you can do is be as supportive as you have been.

YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 11:54

@EG94 the comments come directly from BM so there’s no “lost in translation” excuse unfortunately. I’ve had to block her.

DH has tried to call BM a few times since Wednesday but she isn’t picking up to him. She knows he now knows because he picked SD19 up from the old house last night and BM was home at the time.

@DaisyChain505 keep my nose out? Excuse me for being concerned and showing compassion for my SD who is severely distressed by the current situation.

How she’s living her life is directly and negatively impacting SD15 at least. I came here to vent, I am allowed to have an opinion on her thoughtless life choices when it is affecting a child I care deeply about and have a hand in raising.

No they are not being abused, but they are being emotionally damaged and have reached out to us for support. We are supporting them the best way we can.

OP posts:
MrsKeats · 12/04/2024 11:56

DaisyChain505 · 12/04/2024 11:44

As long as there is no concern of abuse or severe neglect keep your nose out.

you have no control over who she dates or how she lives her life. The children are both nearly adults now so your partner should barely have to even talk to her within the next few years.

as long as you and your partner are letting the children know that you are their safe space and they’re always welcome there’s nothing more for you to do.

Edited

Is there any need to be so rude!

EG94 · 12/04/2024 11:58

@YeezyBreezy written communication is needed with an ex like this. Have him text or email EVERYTHING. Especially for my next suggestion.. could you ask SC how they feel about living with you full time? If this of course is an option you want to consider

Illpickthatup · 12/04/2024 12:00

YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 11:38

Thanks @EG94 I appreciate your reply.

Yes, I won’t lie and say there isn’t an underlying resentment that BM can seemingly do whatever she wants without a second thought for the potential consequences. And the kids love and forgive her unconditionally.

BM is also very vocal with regards to criticising decisions we make as a family or I make individually. One example is I paid for my daughter to go on a ski trip with her school last year, BM has promised SD15 she can go on her school’s ski trip next year. BM did not complete the online form in time (we offered to do it, she said no) and now SD has missed out as all the places are taken.

I’m now being criticised as my DD14 was able to go on hers so I am “treating them unfairly”. Even though I organised and paid for my own DD’s trip single-handedly, not from family funds. I am also not SD’s parent so not in a position to be able to agree to trips.

DH is currently pretty pissed off that BM hasn’t even spoken to him to let him know that they’ve moved back. It would be common courtesy to just say “We’re back at the old house for the time being, just making you aware”. No further details needed but I think it’s reasonable to expect that both parents should know where their minor child is living.

If SD14 had not spontaneously come here for dinner on Wednesday and opened up to DH he wouldn’t have known about their living situation for nearly 2 full weeks.

You need to lower your expectations of her. Just because you'd do something out of courtesy doesn't mean she will. Stop expecting an irrational person to behave rationally.

At the kids ages your DH really doesn't need to be communicating with her at all. I'm longing for the day that DSD is old enough for us to cut all contact with her mum.

Illpickthatup · 12/04/2024 12:02

EG94 · 12/04/2024 11:58

@YeezyBreezy written communication is needed with an ex like this. Have him text or email EVERYTHING. Especially for my next suggestion.. could you ask SC how they feel about living with you full time? If this of course is an option you want to consider

At 15 and 19 do they really need their mum to be the middleman? I'd cut all contact with mum and just communicate with the kids directly. My DH has contacted his boys directly since they were about 13.

YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 12:03

@EG94 they wouldn’t want to. If I’m honest I wouldn’t be willing to take SD19 in full time due to past (and current) behaviour.

We have asked SD15 if she wants to stay longer than usual but she said no.
SD15 has said that she wants to come over more often for dinner and we’ve made it clear to both of them that they are welcome here any time.

Like I said, they both idolise their mum regardless of her choices.

OP posts:
EG94 · 12/04/2024 12:05

Illpickthatup · 12/04/2024 12:02

At 15 and 19 do they really need their mum to be the middleman? I'd cut all contact with mum and just communicate with the kids directly. My DH has contacted his boys directly since they were about 13.

im getting more and more envious of your husband each time you post 😂 I’ve been asking my partner to limit the contact with the ex and call the boys not her. Only discuss access with the ex nothing else.

EG94 · 12/04/2024 12:09

YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 12:03

@EG94 they wouldn’t want to. If I’m honest I wouldn’t be willing to take SD19 in full time due to past (and current) behaviour.

We have asked SD15 if she wants to stay longer than usual but she said no.
SD15 has said that she wants to come over more often for dinner and we’ve made it clear to both of them that they are welcome here any time.

Like I said, they both idolise their mum regardless of her choices.

Ok then you’re stuck between a rock and hard place. I think you have three options

1 - put up with hearing about the ex and it strengthen your existing feelings which are detrimental to you

2 - let them vent to their dad and their dad only. Remove yourself from the situation everytime it comes up and if hubby wants to discuss with you say I can’t hear this anymore, please do not discuss her behaviour with me

3 - discuss with hubby and if in agreement, communicate to SC that their mother’s behaviour is not your business and as you don’t want to stay longer to avoid it, there isn’t anything else we can do so we don’t really need to know about what mums getting up to unless you have any concerns for your safety.

Heidihi000 · 12/04/2024 12:09

The kids love their mum and still want to live with her but are embarrassed that they've lost a fancy house. Then remind them that a fancy house doesn't make a good relationship and you shouldn't stay in a relationship if it's bad for the sake of a social media worthy house. (Lack of empathy that the mum's relationship broke up the focus is on the house, but thats teens for you!). Don't fill in the gaps of why their mum does whatever. Reply 'I don't know, you'll need to ask your mum".

YeezyBreezy · 12/04/2024 12:12

@Illpickthatup I think it’s reasonable to expect mum to give dad a heads up over a big change in living situation, especially when she expects to be informed of our family circumstances.

She hit the roof recently because she suspected I was pregnant. I am not, my “baby” is 10 years old and I have zero desire for any more kids. But she was ranting and raving about how we shouldn’t keep secrets that affect her kids from her.

The hypocrisy! Also, I’m burning that dress I was wearing 🤣🤣 Pregnant indeed! I’d just had a big Sunday roast!

It’s also come to light that she’s been pressurising SD15 to not talk to us about her home life with mum. It’s ridiculous but when we make small talk with her such as “Did you have a nice weekend? What did you get up to?” we noticed her clamming up and acting uncomfortable.

DH talked to her about it in private and she said her mum is telling her not to tell us anything. SD does talk to us and we 100% are not trying to pry, just taking an interest in their lives. It seems excessive that she’s being told she can’t tell us that they went for a walk/to dinner/ to visit friends or whatever they did.

OP posts:
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