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Setting New Boundaries for SS & BM

Vee00's picture

***First post alert*** My 12yo SS and his BM moved from another state a little less than a year ago to be closer. This is a decision that BM decided on her own without much conversation with us prior to the move. She also decided where she would live which is walking distance from my DH and I. Overall we don't have a bad relationship but it could definitely be better. Throughout this past year we have been trying to  adjust to the changes while trying to do our best to keep the peace. My DH and I have been together for going on 6 years and married for almost 2 years. For the first 5 years we have had 7 hours separating us and only needed to communicate for exchanges, issues with school etc. So being walking distance from each other has been a lot to deal with because we have never had to address boundaries because we simply did not live close. 

So now that we are living around the corner from each I feel like there is a major issue with boundaries and they need to be addressed. BM has dropped off SS on one occasion at a random time in the morning. She has also recently come to our home and asked to speak with my DH in which I promptly let her know that she needs to let one of us know before she just shows up and that turned into yelling and her saying I needed to stay in my place.  Keep in mind her son was NOT at our house at the moment. She was upset that my DH had not answered a text fast enough so she came over. It was minutes in between the time he didn't respond and she came over. 

We have SS every other weekend. And we put him on the bus for school on Monday morning. This past Sunday BM simply asked SS if he had his things together and if he was ready for school. SS said he needed to wash clothes. BM then said she would bring him clothes. This entire conversation took place on SS iPad. DH was busy washing clothing and was unaware of the conversation. SS simply went to the door without telling DH anything  when BM came and she brought him the clothes. A short time later, after she had already dropped off clothes, SS and BM were discussing her coming back that night to bring his medicine he had forgotten but THEY opted to wait until the morning. 

A few things to note:
1. I am aware my DH needs to be more proactive about making sure SS has all his things for school so that BM doesn't feel the need to have to and I have spoken to him about this fact. 
2. There is no order in place for custody or visitation 

3. I do believe that the reason SS goes to BM for the things he needs is because he has spent the last 5 years depending on her for things because of our distance so I realize it's hard for him as well. 

I need to know what is the best way to address this situation. Thus far DH asked BM again to let him know before she comes over and she simply said ok. Would it be wrong to have DH talk to SS about making sure to notify the adults of the house BEFORE BM comes over. Or if he needs anything to let us know. (Note: DH has previously talked to SS about letting him know if he needs anything).  I don't want him to feel like he can't talk to his mom or that it's necessarily an issue about him. Or even that we're mad at him for anything.  But how do we address the need for him to not just have BM come over without telling us first. Its also very obvious that BM feels like she has the right to come over at any time whether SS is there or not so long as she is bringing SS something or even wants to discuss SS with DH.  We do not have that kind of relationship. I wanted to be that comfortable but the fact is I'm not ok with her just showing up nor does my DH. Am I being unreasonable for not being ok with this and not being ok with a child just walking over to my front door and opening it for someone and I have no clue who it is?

This also creates a lot of tension between myself and my DH because he has repeatedly said "what do u want me to do if she/they keep doing it?" when I bring up boundaries. He's tired of hearing me talk about it and tired of BM crossing boundaries that would seem to be common sense and I'm tired of bringing it up. This is something they have never done before in the past. Am I wrong for feeling like something has to change? Who should be addressed if this happens again after we have asked to be informed? I desperately wish this situation wasn't the way it is. It doesn't have to be this hard but it is and I hate it. I feel like I'm picking but if I don't say anything I feel like I am a prisoner in my own home because regardless of who it is I am not ok with ANYONE just showing up at my home without my knowledge. 

Thanx in advance for the feedback

Comments

decofru's picture

You are not being unreasonable at all. I understand you very well because this was once an issue in my home when I first moved in with DH. 

 

BM would just pop up unannounced at anytime and she would call anytime she pleased even at night for stupid reasons. I then told my DH to deal with her but it seemed like he didn't have the heart to do so. I told him our home is not a public toilet where she can just pop up anytime she pleases without checking with us first. She has to show us some respect and call first to ask if she can come and if so we can agree on the convenient time, not her own time of choosing. Its our house after all. I told her if she wants to see her son whenever she pleases then she is free to take him and live with him but she did not want to house him. 

She shouldn't call when it's unnecessary and when she calls it has to be at decent hours not too early in the morning or too late at night unless if it's an emergency. 

 

There is time she came to our house at 8pm and DH and I were making love, imagine my anger when I had to dress up to attend to the door only to see BM's provoking face and she actually had no good reason for being there.

 

You have the right to speak to your SS about not bringing his mom over to your home anytime he pleases, he has to understand that its his mom but she is not a relative or a friend of yours. Since the mom lives so nearby why doesn't he just go to her house instead? 

 

And if your DH says he has told BM to stop showing up unannounced and she won't listen that's because he wasn't loud enough. He should change his tone, his facial expression and sternly tell her she needs to show maturity and civilization by learning to respect his home and his wishes, if she feels she can't then she must take her son and live with him. 

Does the DH show up unannounced at her doorstep?

 

And your DH shouldn't let her disrespect you how dare she tell you that it's not your place? Does she not know who you are? You are the owner of the house as much as your husband is because the two of you are regarded as one.

Vee00's picture

Its incredible how some people just don't understand you can't just pop up smh 

SS wasn't at BM house because it was our weekend. She has stopped mainly on her own. SS doesn't actually tell her to come but he honestly doesn't really know how to either. Which is why we most definitely will be talking to SS. He honestly doesn't know because he's still adjusting  as well. 

& DH never shows up unannounced. We stick to the schedule she wanted and pick him up promptly at 6pm Friday afternoon from her house. And there is never any reason for us to come to her house otherwise. 

Aunt Agatha's picture

From your lawyer wouldn't fix.  A few calls to the police for her trespassing would also be in order too. 

Butvthe bugger problem is there is no custody agreement.  It should be clearly outlined in one that all communication needs a 24 hour response time, she is not to make any arrangements with the SS about her coming to your house, etc. 

Honestly, though this sounds like a nightmare.  Good luck to you!

Vee00's picture

That is most definitely an option. I'm hoping it doesn't have to go that route but we definitely have agreed that it would have to happen. Thanx! 

tog redux's picture

Yes, you are right to set boundaries. This will be an adjustment for everyone. Start with kind and pleasant boundaries and go from there. 
 

Tell SS that now that he lives so close that he can visit every other weekend, he should ask dad for help in your home if he needs anything  before he calls BM. And to please let dad know he needs something from BM so DH and BM can arrange for him to get it. Say it all kindly (DH should say it, not you), and let him know you both realize this is an adjustment for him. 
 

It sounds like they've worked together pretty well for years, and she actually moved to get closer to you, so I hesitate to say she's high conflict, but her reaction to you asking her to not just drop by is a concern. Keep that in mind as you move forward. 
 

Hopefully with gentle boundaries you can get into a routine and move forward. 

Vee00's picture

I 100% agree. And I wouldn't consider her high conflict either but I know my limits and for the most part my husband does also. Our responses are just different but I think he will get there. We're also still learning each other and our own individual parenting styles.  

And DM will talking to him about this situation because I wasn't there for it and I feel like it was something that needed to be handled by DM only. But I'm very involved with him so if I were here and it happened I would've addressed my SS in the moment. 

We will definitely use the gentle boundaries. I love that idea

thank you 
 

Winterglow's picture

"Well, here's the thing, BM. Even my friends call before coming over. You are not my friend."

NoWireCoatHangarsEVER's picture

HE and his new wife have lived up the street from me for years.  Due to the housing market boom they decided to sell their house to make a tidy profit and moved into a one bedroom AIR BNB while the house sells and they look for a new house.

This means I have my three with my ex all the time instead of 50/50.  They have no bedroom at his temp Air BNB.  So he's just been willy nilly coming for the kids cause he misses them etc.  I'll go to tell them dinner is ready and all three are just gone.  I text them and they are at their dad's for just dinner with no word to me.  

So I left them babysitting DD6 while I ran some errands.  The next day I was scrolling on instagram and there on their SM's page is a picture of DD in the back seat of her car with a Sonic slushie.  They just stopped by unannounced and grab the kids and my DD without any word to me and I didn't find out until the next day and not because any of them told me.  DD6 doesn't belong to my exhusband.  She has a different father.   

Our routine is upset and different due to their moving but I agree with you.  I just want notice and consideration.  There is nothing wrong with that. 

   

Vee00's picture

I sorry this is happening to you because it's definitely not right. And just like you said you want notice considerance that's all I want. Because I'm definitely reasonable. Hope things get better for you! 

Winterglow's picture

I think I'd have taken that photo to the police station, explained the situation and asked them how to stop it happening again. Hopefully, they'll drop in on your ex and give him a lecture on kidnapping other people's kids and what can happen to him if he does it again.

It's time you make it clear to your kids that if they're at your house and they want to go to their father's, they don't just up and off, they clear it with you FIRST! If they don't, there will be consequences.