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Disengagement update - Slow but steady

FedupAJ's picture

Well I have come to terms with letting go of some control over everything.  Meaning...I have slowly been making changes.  Not saying they are right or wrong but they seem to be working for me a little.  I do try avoidance whenever I can.  But when that is impossible instead of me saying something to my SS10 myself...so he doesn't think I'm picking on him... I simply ask my husband to. I mean - not if SS is directly in front of my face but if it's something I can be like..Oh DH can you please ask why your son isn't wearing any shoes out in the back yard (where there is dog poop residue everywhere and he knows to wear shoes out there - we have 5 dogs so there is always something icky out there no matter what)..DH gets the point and then deals with it. Or could you please ask your son to do this .... etc. For me I'm trying to make my DH realize things and for him to be more aware on his own. 

Mind you - I'm having to treat my DH like a child a lot too. When he doesn't do something that seems pretty common sense to me I ask him if he could please do ___ whatever it is. I know he knows my point.  I have realized he had lack of parenting growing up too.  But I do not want to be with a 40 year old child so I am hoping he can adjust to becoming a real live adult soon. Otherwise this whole step parenting thing isn't going to matter. 

I will do laundry...but I am done turning clothes from inside out back to the correct way.  So my SS will find that out when he gets over tonight.  He will have to fix them and then put them away. He's been told many times to make sure his clothes are the right side out.  Yes - this is a petty thing...a little OCD I have.  Will see how this goes. 

I have told my DH that he is in charge of making dinner Wednesdays & Thursdays (that's our full time permanent days with SS).  Which will consist of hamburger helper and frozen pizzas.  I did advise him that he could put a side of veggies with it. So we will see how that goes.  I won't be eating any of it. So this will also mean he will have to deal with the clean up. I would like to see improvement on what he makes so maybe at some point I could actually eat with them. 

(Today) we get SS from Wed PM -Mon AM.   So I am really going to try to be calm and not let things get to me.  I do have to get SS up in the mornings and make sure he's ready in time to go to his Grandma's before I leave for work. Because my DH works super early.  Other than that...I really have disengaged from many responsibilities. The next 5 days will be a big test. 

 

 

Comments

Cookie89's picture

as you. I even make DH do it. Because I’m tired of fixing it for SS and DH. So far it didn’t change anything. Hopefully it will for you Smile

ESMOD's picture

Sounds like you are definitely making some progress.

While I know you have OCD on the clothing thing... honestly, that is something that you need to not even worry about him fixing.  For a couple of reasons.

1.  Actually some clothing is actually supposed to be washed inside out!  yes...it's probably not kid stuff, but it is true..lol.

2.  Once it's in his drawers or overnight bag... who sees it?  no one.  To a certain extent, I think it's ok to let things go as long as they are not health hazzards (like the dog poo walking.. the kid could get worms) or not something that is injuring another person or impacting them.  The clothing once washed go into his drawers.. it's not on display in the living room and no-one is hurt if his clothing is rumpled up.  Just him.. While it might be nice for his dad to encourage him to keep his possessions organized.. well.. in the end, this is one thing that is unlikely to cause lasting damage to his life.

Gracefulsilver's picture

I have completely disengaged from SD 15.  I do nothing for her and will not do anything for her in the future.  Even though I am disengaged it still bothers me to sit there and watch SD disrepect her father and just plain be cruel to everyone else.  I say nothing to SD beyong what is necessary to be considered civil.  I'm tired of watching and dealing with the fall out.  As a typical man my SO will not cry in public but when we are alone in our room at night he feels safe to let his emotions show.  I am his shoulder to cry on, his emotional support, and his partner in life in every way except for with his daughter.  My children do not particuarly like my SO but they do respect him enough to not give him and lip or drama.  It is getting very old to watch my SO get hurt this badly on a regular basis.  I support his decisions for disciple while not getting involved.  But no matter how far you disengage I am finding out i will still be affected in some way.  Weather it's being your SO's partner in life or just plain withnessing all the crap.  I love my SO but I really just want to see SD go back to living with BM.