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Should I speak to my partner about his spoiled kids and particularly son's behaviour

61 replies

Pamalam · 08/03/2025 13:02

Hi, I would love some input on this as I'm really unsure how to proceed.

I (40f) have been in a relationship with my partner (45m) for a year and a half, before this I was alone for 8years. I have 4 children, 20, 17, 13 and 11 who are with me full time. He has 2 aged 11 and 9 who he has 2 nights midweek and every other weekend.

Theres a couple of problems I am having and I'm unsure how to address these or if I should even mention it at all.

Firstly, his kids are extremely spoiled, both from him and their mother. They demand and expect things and will 9/10 always get their way, only exception is if my oh doesn't have the money for whatever it is - then the kids will huff over it and complain, cry etc. he has said himself that they are spoilt, but he sees that as the amount of stuff that they have rather than how it affects their behaviour, if that makes sense. He doesn't seem to acknowledge their manipulation tactics or respond to their tantrums. His 11yo is rude and shouts demands at him through the house, my oh laughs it off and does whatever he's told. My kids talk between themselves about how his kids are spoiled, there's no jealousy there, more so they find it irritating to be around.

The next, and probably greater issue if I'm honest, is the behaviour of his son. Since we have met his behaviour has been a concern to me, specifically his language and way he behaves/talks. For example making r#pe jokes, being racist , using the N word, violently hurting his younger sister, calling her and my youngest b#tches, putting inappropriate content on the TV etc. I've spoken to my partner about this over the time we have been together, but he's never done anything about it than say "hey don't do that". I've considered that this behaviour could have been coming from a place of insecurity and that his son was trying to maybe appear cool/show off to my older children, or establish himself as being somewhat older than he is. I put it down to being exposed to content he shouldn't be (both kids are constantly on tictok) and thought that this would settle down over time/his dad would nip it in the bud. But nothing has changed. Although under all that there is a sweet and affectionate boy, he does genuinely believe he is superior to everyone and I am finding him difficult to be around. My children don't enjoy being around him to the point they don't want to go if he's there and they don't want him to come to ours. I've said to my partner before that my kids don't want to come because of his language and behaviour, and he said he's spoken to him about it but then next time we are there it's just the same. At first my kids were shocked and offended, now they are just tired and bored and becoming resentful.

I don't know how involved I should be with this, obviously I don't want things to continue as they are, but Im also aware that if it's not handled properly it could come across as a personal attack on his kids, which would understandably most likely be a deal breaker for him. Is this behaviour a deal-breaker, should I be walking away? After all, it's not ok for my daughter to be called a b#+ch, what kind of example is that setting for how she should expect to be treated...

Any advice gratefully received xx

OP posts:
BettyBardMacDonald · 09/03/2025 09:38

Isometimeswonder · 09/03/2025 08:21

Another woman who cares more about her relationship than the damage being done to her kids.

Spot on.

Women who can't lead their lives without a man, no matter how poor a specimen, are reprehensible when they prioritize that over decent parenting.

BettyBardMacDonald · 09/03/2025 09:41

autisticbookworm · 08/03/2025 23:12

I would walk away. Your children shouldn't be subjected this they are not benefiting here. Yes you can keep them separate but only if the relationship doesn't progress and if it's not going to progress then what's the point?

I also agree with others your dp may not share his sons views but he's colluding in them which is appalling parenting.

Not all relationships need to "progress."

Particularly among people whose primary responsibility is to be decent parents.

There's nothing wrong with extended dating when the kids are with their other parents, or otherwise away. Companionship and sex but none of this "blending" bollocks which is so utterly selfish.

autisticbookworm · 09/03/2025 10:08

@BettyBardMacDonald fair point if the op and her partner are happy dating long term and not involving kids it could work.

I'd still not be keen due to his tolerance of his son's behaviour.

orangewasp · 09/03/2025 10:20

I wouldn't want a daughter (or a son, for that matter) exposed to this language and behaviour. At the very least you should only see your DP when he doesn't have his kids. He's a very poor parent and that in itself would put me off him.

MrsSkylerWhite · 09/03/2025 10:23

Don’t see him on the days he has his kids.

BettyBardMacDonald · 09/03/2025 17:21

autisticbookworm · 09/03/2025 10:08

@BettyBardMacDonald fair point if the op and her partner are happy dating long term and not involving kids it could work.

I'd still not be keen due to his tolerance of his son's behaviour.

Whether or not they are "happy" to do so, they owe it to the best interests of their children.

IsThisOneFree · 09/03/2025 17:57

Anyone’s kid can experiment with racist or misogynistic attitudes. What’s not okay is tolerating them. Is there a mum/step dad on the other side who is condoning this? Is dad worried about being the bad guy and scared of being a disciplinarian because his time with them is limited?

If you are invested in this relationship you need to have a serious talk with his dad and agree a game plan to challenge unacceptable behaviour. You should be able to correct his kid on this and expect his full support. Your older kids could help too by letting the boy know they are not impressed.

MeridianB · 11/03/2025 20:38

making r#pe jokes, being racist , using the N word, violently hurting his younger sister, calling her and my youngest b#tches, putting inappropriate content on the TV etc.

What on earth have I just read? This child and his condoning, enabling father would be out of my life the first time this happened. Please protect your children by walking away and make sure he knows why!

Molstraat · 12/03/2025 07:51

Unbelievable you would expose your children to this repeatedly.
Is he more important to you than your children?
Your poor children being exposed to such vile behaviour.
I hope your daughter confides in a teacher and SS get a referral.
They shouldn't be forced into such toxic company.

JenniferBooth · 12/03/2025 19:16

What have you decided @Pamalam

user1492757084 · 15/03/2025 09:11

As a responsible adult, if any person uses racist or violent language near me, I will always comment.
You need to respond at the time that the very poor behaviour occurs. Do not put up with being in the same room as such thugs - no matter their age.
If you don't see huge changes in how the vile language and bullying is treated by their father, leave the relationship.

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