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Confused Young Step Dad

Confusedguy's picture
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Im 24 my gf is 37 shes great love her with everything i have we have a really great relationship. I couldn’t ask for a better half. But...she has 3 kids 18, 12 & 6

Thwre great kids but very spoiled i dont really have to deal with it because we live apart i travel
For work so I probably visit them once or twice a month for 4-5 days this has been going on for a year now..whe im around for the most part there cool ..sometimes they act up but they’re pretty respectful kids but there is times when we go places and they want things they turn into apoiled brats and my gf instantly gives in..even at home she will ask them to do someyand they always have a response wither why? Or an excused on why it cant be done at that moment...when im there i back her up and say like “hey listen to your mom” or like “hey do it now no questions asked” type of stuff. I tried to tell her hey maybe u need to change this or that dont give into them dont give them what they want dont cater to them except for necessities like the baby dont need a toy everytime we go to walmart or we sont have to eat out everyday because your kids dont want home food...But when i talk to her about it she gets very defensive and says “is it affecting our relationship?” Or stuff like it works for me so dont worry about it..it gets annoying and i tell her im just trying to make them better kids when i correct the soiledness or when i tell her dont give into their shit. Im tired of it but i dont want to leave her..what do i do??? Is its always gonna be like this??? She had been single for a long time before me...also all 3 kids come from different dead beat days that have nothing to do with the children..is she just being over protective?? Idk im lost

hereiam's picture

The kind of parent she is, is part of the person she is. Accept it or leave it, she's not going to change.

It absolutely can affect the relationship.

And you only see them once or twice a month? If you stay in this relationship long term, I hope you travel for work for the next 12-15 years!

Aniki-Moderator's picture

Wow, you are NOT in an easy situation.

First of all, you are not (yet) a stepdad. You are the boyfriend. Don't rush into the stepdad role. You may find it's not for you!

Secondly, your gf may resent you giving her parenting advice when you do not have any kids of your own. Believe me when I say this is a common issue. Unless you two AGREE to co-parent her children, let her handle her kids. A popular phrase to remember is "Not my circus; not my monkeys."

It might always be like this. ALWAYS. The kids have deadbeat dads and she may be trying to make up for that by spoiling her kids. Which is her right, regardless of the problems it may cause them in the future.

Is it affecting your relationship?? YES. Because you are here. If things were awesome, you would not be looking for answers.

Seriously consider taking a few steps back and let her handle her kids HER way. You are only 24. Taking on 3 kids (one who is half your age) is a big step and there will be, I promise you, MANY headaches and heartaches along the way.