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DH/BF and Stepson vs me

Guinness815's picture

DH and his BS and I are at odds re: cleaning room, picking up, etc....This has been an ongoing battle for months since we started living together. BS is 13 years old and lacks any skills to take care of himself. Has to be reminded daily to brush teeth, eat breakfast, etc...doesn't know how to wash dishes, fold a towel, make his bed, but laundry in laundry basket. I have asked to create some simple, repetitive chores so he not only takes pride in home but gains life skills but get shot down by DH. To top this off, I even have someone who comes in an cleans the house so this isn't like we clean the house. I am at a loss as DH feels that he needs to be able to relax and have fun when he is at our house. When he is at BM home she is a hoarder and dirty and I am trying to not go to an extreme but show him that he should have respect and pride in his home even if it's a part time home. Suggestions?

Dizzy's picture

Don't do anything for him. Make your DH be completely responsible for his son. He'll either step up and show his son, or he'll keep his head in the sand. Either way, not your kid, not your problem.

AllySkoo's picture

"DH feels that he needs to be able to relax and have fun when he is at our house"

That's fine if DH wants to go that route, but he's DH's guest which means DH has to be the one doing all the work of hosting. NOT you. Don't remind him to brush his teeth or eat, and don't clean or do laundry for him either. That's DH's job.