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Step-parenting

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First time Stepmum, no kids of my own.

30 replies

FatParrot · 14/06/2026 09:22

Guidance pls, interwobble.
I’ve become involved with a man whose 14yr old son lives with him full time. The situation with the child’s mum is (v) complicated, although that’s not why I’m posting.
I’ve had a stepmum myself since I was 11, so I know how things work, but never done this myself.
I’d like some guidance, pls, on how I should boundary myself with his son. With my nieces and my friends’ children I have a longstanding auntie role, including telling them off for doing silly/dangerous things, not being cheeky, manners, refereeing arguments, etc. I understand that this situation is very different, however. I don’t want to ‘mother’ him; he has a mother that I’m not trying to replace. What should/shouldn’t be my responsibility.
We don’t live together, but I stay there multiple nights a week. TY in advance.

OP posts:
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GahGahGahGah · 17/06/2026 09:21

I’d pick your battles OP. If he’s a rude and inconsiderate little shit then at least he’s not your little shit. Just limit the time you spend with him and hopefully he’ll leave when he’s 18.

CoverLikelyZebra · 17/06/2026 09:22

It can (sometimes) be horrible living with a 14-18yo son even when he is your own flesh and blood. It's a really difficult time. Even a well-balanced teen living with his own parents will regularly be stroppy, resentful, resistant to any kind of rules or regulations, selfish, careless and arrogant. And then they grow out of it. Even during the worst of times you do get occasional glimpses of the sweet and vulnerable little boy he used to be and the mature and independent young man he is becoming and the confusing changes in brain and body that are at work in him to achieve this change cause chaos that everyone around suffers from. Whatever you do, do not move in with your boyfriend. When you are staying over, be prepared and able to leave at a moments notice if necessary. Do not try to be his mum. Expect and require civilised behaviour but if you don't get it you leave and go back to your own place and let his dad deal with him.

Malasana · 17/06/2026 12:41

Meant kindly but you are not his stepmother. You are his father’s “girlfriend” for want of a better word.
It’s not your business in any way at all to intervene in anything.
Leave his father to parent his child and you’re basically dating the father. Thats it.

GruffGoatie · 24/06/2026 19:03

My advice is don't do it, don't get involved. Get out now. Please see Reddit step parenting forum for reasons.

Sinescure · 04/07/2026 12:53

FatParrot · 16/06/2026 09:40

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

We are not planning on having any children together. I have no children of my own by choice, and he doesn't want any more.

I used the term stepmum for ease in the subject. I don't call myself his stepmum, but he has called me his parent (when talking to his friend on the phone).

What I'm struggling with is his lack of manners towards his father, and the fact that everything is all about him. I obvioulsy understand that he is a 14yo boy and that is how they can be, but it's difficult to watch and say nothing. This is particularly true when he is ungrateful for all his father does for him, and complains about what he feels should have been done in addition.

To my nieces and my friend's children I'm an auntie who reminds them to say please and thank you, asks them to tidy up after themselves, and doesn't let them be rude or cheeky. I've very deliberately not done this with the 14yo and wanted reassurance that I was doing the right thing, so thank you all for confirming it's none of my business.

Interesting because that is not universal or maybe even as common as you think. I am super close with my siblings but I don't reprimand their children or tell them to tidy up.

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