Not sure what to do
I have been a step parent for 15 yrs to 2 boys and 1 girl. I came into their live when they were pre-teen/ teenagers. I have 3 three children too. 2 were adults and one was a teenager when we got together. Now we have 12 grandchildren. I have always tried to treat my skids as I would my own. I've been good, fair & loving to all. It's been a hard 15 yrs. My husband's x wife is a horrible manipulative women who has caused so many problems for me and has messed up her childrens lives. She sucked 2 homes up her nose, cheated on my husband, left her children, and tried to get all her children to do drugs with her. She is a very selfcentered woman. She has slandered my name to everyone in her path including the kids. She has the kids heads so messed up they don't feel like I can be trusted and feel I am not family. The skids are nice to me but treat me like I'm not family. It plays over and over in my heart and in my mind. I create special events for special memories for all, I watch kids whenever someone asks, the kids love me. I provide a safe fun place for them all. I've even cleaned there houses to help them. But I'm not good enough to be family. My husband is a wonderful mad who loves me so much but he will never stick up for me. He has even turned on me. Ugh. There are so many hard feeling and resentments. I want to continue to be me and not change because that's not who I am but I just don't know how to just accept their way and not feel hurt. Any help or suggestions?
Welcome to the site!
In your place I would start putting less effort into family life, and also resign yourself to the fact that whatever you do, your stepkids won't treat you the way you think they should, the way you deserve. You sound like you also need a come-to-Jesus meeting with your husband, who, despite his great love for you, "has turned on you", and will "never stick up for you.". He needs to start putting you first, but more importantly, so do you.
Thank you for your response.
Thank you for your response. I have pulled back some it's hard though because I don't ever want it to be me. They have enough emotional issues from their parents. their mother who just hurts and confuses them and their dad who doesn't say any different. They honestly never talk about issues together. I've asked my husband to talk with them about things even unrelated to me even and he won't. When it comes to his kids he will always side with them. If they say something it's the truth even if I have proof. It is weird..example..8 yrs ago My daughter had premie twins. She lived 3 hrs away. It was Super Bowl Sunday and she was coming to hang out. His son brought his new gf over the night before to stay the night and she was sick. She woke up and told me she was so sick while she was hacking and coughing all over. I told my husband she had to leave because the babies were coming. My husband said his son said she wasn't sick and she was fine! I said she told me while she was hacking and coughing she was! But because he said she wasn't sick, she wasn't. I was the one causing problems and they weren't leaving. My friend couldn't believe what she was witnessing. I had to tell my daughter not to come. I have multiple stories similar. I know it makes My husband sound bad and me like a push over but outside his kids he is good and nice to everyone.
hunting, fishing and the weather.
Give yourself and them a
Give yourself and them a break from your special efforts. Focus on you and your bios. Heck I'd even give DH a taste of less of me. Turn on you? That's a hill to die on, it sounds as if nobody has your back. Time for the 180 , it's where you focus on yourself, if they want to join you, (your choice ) great but no more bending over backwards to keep the peace or serve them. You are not a doormat so stop acting like one.
Ya, I think you are right. I
Ya, I think you are right. I need not to bend over backwards to keep the peace. I have been taking simple steps back. It's hard though. I want to be like and I care about them. But do need to not try so hard.
I am so sorry. That was
I am so sorry. That was painful to read, so I can't (well, I can) imagine how you are feeling. First, have you tried talking to your skids (individually) about their behavior (asking them questions)? (I will say that I tried this with SD a long time ago, and she clammed up then posted on social media something about how she wished she had told me off. . . *ok*. . . but at least I attempted to fully open that communication door to "clear the air.") Of course, I would talk to DH about this, not asking anything but TELLING him what has gone on, what is going on, and how you need to start protecting your own heart, so you will be backing off/backing up. You deserve respect. And, in reality, his kids are disrespecting him by treating you disrespecfully. If there's no movement, understanding, communication with the skids and DH, I'd then seriously back up: No cleaning their damn houses; no special get-togethers for them; no babysitting. None of it.
I've been through this--not to the extreme that you have--and one day I really had to say "No more." I completely withdrew. I was tired of being treated like crap in my own house. No more gifts. No more cards. No more social media "likes" or comments. Life is much better with DH visiting his skids and the grands outside of our home (I've never met the grands and, honestly, don't intend to). I concentrate on my own family members who care for me and my DH and who are decent human beings, not angry s***-throwing orangutans.
If this doesn't work at all, I'd suggest couples counseling with a therapist who is familiar with step situations. A good therapist will tell you all that your marriage comes first and will probably help to open your husband's eyes. . .and will suggest that you set firm boundaries.
Thank you so much for
Thank you so much for relating! It's nice to feel like I'm not a lone. Ugh.. I have talked to them somewhat about stuff. It's a tangled web. My husband took on his x-wife daughter when she was a baby. I totally respect that and had treated her great as well. Unfortunately she was drug down the dark hole with her mothers influences. She is homeless and on drugs. I fought for her for so long but had to wash my hands of her. She will say to my face she loves me then slander my name and talk mad shit about me while stabbing me in the back. ( this was before drugs too) My husband traveled for work and I was home raising his kids because their mom wasn't able to due to drugs and lifestyle. I worked and took care of teens while he worked on the road. The daughter lived with her mother but she was working and going to school trying to be productive. I gave her my car so she could go to school and work while her environment was so bad. Her mom insisted she should be able to drive it. I gave the daughter anything I could to keep her productive and out of the drug life. She was living with her bf at one point and didn't want to go back to her moms. I let her live with us ( when her dad said no, no ,no!) she had her mom there every day. I would come home from work and she was there. They would say hi but treat me like I was invading there space. She finally moved out went back to her mothers. She would come over and make sure I knew I wasn't family while she was telling me she loved me. Like bringing her dad a gifts with comments about it for him and he was great and wonderful. She worse pics the whole time and send to her mom or put her mom on FaceTime while there. Just so much.. Then got in heavy with drugs and blamed me for not getting help. She asked my husband if she could live with us. He said he would talk to me then never got back to her. He never got back to her and so it was my fault. She wrote me a big message. She ended up over dosing and I got invited again so I would have no regrets. I wanted to make sure I did everything I could for this young soul. In spite of her accusations and comments. I drove 50 min every morning to take her to her community time to pay off fines. She went to jail. I got her out of jail and took her for a family meeting to get her to rehab. We took her home 3 hrs away for a month whiskey she ransacked my house for any substance she could get, took her for a massage, hairs done, drivers license so when she got done she could work etc., bought her over $600.00 of stuff to take to rehab and anything else she needed. She was so ungrateful.. took her to rehab 6 hrs away and her mom went and told her everything was bad with the place and they were to into religion. Talked her out of being there. She had to call me a couple of times because of the head people and she would say this isn't my call right? She wanted to call her mom. She asked for a ticket to visit her home town for just a visit. I begged my husband no he did it anyway. She could come to us just not there yet. He refused to listen. She got home and said I'm not going back. Her and her mom slandered my name all over town saying what a b I am and how I sent her away etc..no one else would help her in any way! Not her mom, not her dad, not her siblings, aunts, bio dad.. just me and I was so good to her I wanted to throw up: ugh so I finally had it out with her. Done and done! She was mad she wasn't invited to my 50th bday party. I told her it was given to me and I didn't invite but means she had not attended any of my past birthdays ever when she was invited I wasn't too worried and after everything she had said about me I didn't want her there anyway. I was done being her excuse and verbal punching bag. I haven't talked to her since. That was almost 5 yrs ago. She is not welcome here. My husband is ok with that right now because she is not his bio daughter but if she came he would fold. Sorry the rant..
I like MOST of the advice
I like MOST of the advice above about disengaging (minus the address the SKIDs directly...which is VERY tempting, I've wanted to address my SKIDs many times hoping they would understand the pain they have caused..more on that further down my comment)
I LOVE that morningmia does not feel burdened do ALL the things she used to do - no cards, gifts, social media love- none of it - that's the right thing to do when you start to realize its a one way street with these people.
However, the first part about addressing the SKIDs directly -I am really really certain if the stepparent brings her grievances to the SKIDs it will be met with blank stares and unable to understand/relate/care about her feelings and experience. I highly doubt it will lead to a coming to jesus situation expecially with her partner/DH NOT backing her up or recognizing that she is not being treated as family.
Cavaet: There's always the slight chance that a SKID may actually listen, understand, change and NOT turn the situation around and play the victim but it's probably 1 out of 20 trillion chance. I have always been a bit of a math wiz and go with probabilities. For me, I doubt I am going to be that one chance - thus disengaging and allowing the circus to fly around on its own works for me.
Let me clarify --
Let me clarify --
However, the first part about addressing the SKIDs directly -I am really really certain if the stepparent brings her grievances to the SKIDs it will be met with blank stares and unable to understand/relate/care about her feelings and experience. I highly doubt it will lead to a coming to jesus situation expecially with her partner/DH NOT backing her up or recognizing that she is not being treated as family.
I wasn't clear. I didn't mean take SM grievances to skids but address that there seems to be a problem . . . ask questions. Statements like, "You seem to be angry. Can you tell me what's going on?" or, "If you need to express something that is bothering you to me, I'm listening." God, I believe in that, but, OF COURSE, I tried this and did get the wide-eyed blank stare and nothing but bitching behind my back, so your point is, after all, well-taken. *wink* Because, it's true: They don't give a crap about our feelings or experiences!
Right on MorningMia! Wise
Right on MorningMia! Wise words.
It sounds like you are a very
It sounds like you are a very caring woman. It's difficult for kids (of any age).. when they have a parent that is selfishly putting their own bitterness in front of their children's ability to live happy lives.
But.. you say that they treat you nicely.. but don't treat you like family. I'm curious what kind of situations make you feel this way? are you excluded from events where the EX will be present? (which I would be happy to avoid..lol). Or is it in some other way.
I mean.. the reality is that these are your husband's kids.. and not your bio kids... they may feel they are in a loyalty bind.. and they may just be jerks.. or immature.
Your choice at this point is to decide how to respond. Perhaps you don't put yourself as far out there for people that don't consider you family? Maybe disengage from them a bit.. and spend more time and effort on your own bios.. and let your SO step up for his? You don't have to watch kids or clean house if you don't want.. and maybe that is the route you want to take. I would hope that you would continue to treat the grandkids with kindness.. because they didn't create this situation..
But.. if the kids are treating you nicely.. perhaps accepting your role as "dad's wife" and as such his support system.. and having a friendly relationship with his kids.. is the best that it gets.. and focus on your own kids more?
The kids are nice to me in
The kids are nice to me in the ways that they say hello and good bye. They don't ignore me and if I ask for help they do. They could careless if I'm not around. They say they appreciate me creating fun events for holidays and I do photography so I make sure I have gotten family photos for them etc. But they don't invite us over to their homes because of me. Idk, something about their mom. But the one son doesn't trust me. He told me he likes me I'm cool and everything but he doesn't trust me. Him and I have a shaky past due to him becoming a teen daddy with a very young mentality damaged girl. I had to intervene because he was abusive, and she was crazy and manipulative. Long story that's tangled too. Because his mom and dad didn't support the truth and get him the help he needed to be a good dad and partner. He is not a verbal guy and hadn't even talked about his mom leaving him for drugs and a abusive bf and how he felt abandoned and hurt. He felt trapped and confused. My husband didn't help matters at all. He actually made a huge mess for me and so did his ex wife.. ugh thing were very ugly and I was fighting for the baby and his daddy and mommy. Sucks and sad! They all blame me for the problems and their bad choices. I'm very resentful and can't seem to get past it. Now the baby then is 13 now and some big issues. But thankfully he had a good step mom who has helped a lot. His bio mother is dead due to drug overdose. She was so unattached to him and was never able to be in his life due to her own choices. My heart hurts.
It sounds like toxic mom has
It sounds like toxic mom has made it difficult for these kids... they know they will get her "wrath" if they are percieved to be nice to you.. so they can't have you over. I would hope that means that your husband also doesn't go over.. if they want to see you..or him.. they should be coming to your home.
I do kind of get where you got scape goated with the son who had the pregnancy.. to be fair.. while you tried to help.. it was not altogether supportive of him in his eyes... even though we know you were trying to make sure the right things happened. In hindsight.. I guess this would have been something your husband dealt with more head on.. vs you having to get involved..
At this point, I would try to come to some point of acceptance. I get it hurts that they don't appreciate or appear to appreciate all you have done.. I might protect myself... not in a petulent way.. but more of a .. "well... they are your kids.. DH.. what do you want to do?" and make him do the stuff.. stop overfunctioning for hiim..
You can stil be his wife.. without being their mother.. and while it might be nice to hear him say.. "she may not be your mother.. but she is my wife... I'm guessing toxic ex and he feels like if he says the wrong thing it may hurt his relationship with them.. but of course they never worry about ours.. lol..Idk.. I think quietly backing off and not overextending yourself is the best way to not feel taken for granted.
Yes , very toxic mom! Just
Yes , very toxic mom! Just the other day her son said happy birthday to a family friend on fb and his mom seen it and let him have it. So sad! He is 28 yrs old.
ya, the other son with the teenage pregnancy. I wanted dad to be the one to take care of it but he just made a mess. The young mom and baby were in danger. She lived with us for almost 2 yrs I was like her mom and she was a mess. (She had been in foster care most of her life and adopted by a family, raped by her adopted brother and had a child at 12yrs old that was given away) she was disassociated, and all she wanted was my stepson. She purposely got pregnant, and he felt betrayed by her because that's not what he was thinking, but he was young and dumb. He became very angry, not being able to express himself and hated her with a passion. All she could do is follow him around and just be overbearing with him. She was nice to everybody most everybody liked her. She was very manipulative after the baby was born he was frustrated not knowing what to do because she would wake the baby just so he would spend time with her, she couldn't do anything on her own. He would do it on his own, but she wouldn't let him. He went bananas we had left an overnight trip and he beat her up. Stuck a gun in his mouth said he was going to kill himself and your going to watch. Then he put the baby in the car and took off and said he was gonna kill himself somewhere else. We had to have the girl leave and move with her brother. Her brother changed his mind after she left. She took off got in a fight chased a lady and It was ugly CPS was involved the courts were involved it was really bad. My husband would not get guardianship of the baby so my daughter-in-law got custody per my husband's request but my husband never said that it was his idea then he wanted my son and daughter-in-law to adopt the baby and I said no this is not the direction we need to go right now. We just need to get him help counseling everybody counseling he doesn't know what he's doing. He doesn't know what to do and see where we go from there but he hast to comply. He must to do what he's supposed to do before . my husband's ex-wife was not OK with this. There was nothing wrong with her son. Her son did nothing wrong and went running to my husband saying it was me. I was trying to take the baby . I was trying to give my family the baby and my husband didn't say that was wrong my husband didn't take responsibility for his part and then all of a sudden they turned on me and said I did all this. My bio son was in boot camp for military and his wife was trying to help. I almost lost my family over this too. My husband and his his ex-wife got guardianship together and let him have his son back. The court investigator said there's lots of bad parents in the world, and the courts want the child to be with the dad which was my ultimate goal for them with education, compliance with councilors and support. My stepson's mom just wanted money for guardianship and food. She got the money she got the food stamps didn't help with the child which is fine because she shouldn't be around them as she just overdosed and we had been on a ventilator the month before she got guardianship. But I told my husband that if she got money that our stepson would be responsible for paying that back and that would just be an extra step for him moving forward, but my husband didn't care . He wanted her out the money so ultimately when it came down for money to be paid back to the county, my stepson owed it and we paid it back for him. But yeah, I shouldn't of been in the middle of all that, but I was the parent with custody and my husband was gone so ultimately, I was responsible for all these kids I had no control over. The mom of the baby was equally Irresponsible and could not have that baby in her custody.
but my husband's ex wife to this day will tell her son look what I did for you. If it wasn't for her I would've stold their baby and everything that she did for him when he needed it. She saved the day! And she tells everybody that I was trying to steal the baby and all this horrible stuff. But she knew all the abuse. She had also called us screaming and crying to help because the kids were at her house, and all the shit was going down.
sorry it feel good today all this in a safe place!! I want to let this go and not worry about their words.
I know the truth but still feel like I'm the bad person and I shouldn't. I walk on eggshells with them. My husband and o don't ever fight or disagree except with this. We have fun and enjoy each other always unless there is an issue with the kids. My kids aren't perfect but I don't act like they are. They are great adults. I'm very proud of them. I'm proud of his two sons too but they definitely have some head issues.
Jesus. There's a lot of
Jesus. There's a lot of toxicity in this family. And there are no awards for getting involved and trying to help, but as you have seen, there are punishments. You may have to back away for your own sanity.
I'd step back - stop doing
I'd step back - stop doing things for the skids that you, knowing you'll never be family to them, don't want to do. And your "wonderful man who loves you so much?" In my experience, such men don't turn on their spouses and fail to back them up. Expect better of him, and let him know what he needs to do better.
I would be curious what she
I would be curious what she asked of him and how he turned on her.. He cannot demand his kids see her as their parent. He can demand that they are respectful of her.. but she already said they treated her well.. so maybe he is frustrated because he cannot make them "love her".. and her asking that isn't reasonable?
Agreed
I agree he can't make the kids love me like family. I would never ask him to have that conversation with them. But if they should ever say I'm not I would expect him to let them know I infact am and should be supporting the relationship. Not sit and say nothing.
He has turned on me when I'm helping his family.. example there are some in other replies and here's another.
When the boys were teens they were growing pot in their moms back yard and and they were going down the wrong road. They were doing other drugs and smoking pot and cutting school. Their mom would call them out of school. I'm at work and the boys are living with him and I and he's working on the road. They are getting high and fried as they said and taking the guns out hunting. I'm not of with this behavior and am anti drugs and fighting for this kids to have a great life. I show him proof of what's going on and I need his support behind me. The mom says it's not true and kids play dumb and he says it's not true. I'm showing him their phones with pics and messages. My daughter has called me when their mom is at the house calling them out of school. Friends are saying it's true, I found out at 14 the moms trying to get son in psych meds because he is on drugs. A kid who has straight A's never missed any school goes to never going to school failing. But my husband said it wasn't true. And says I'm the problem. Ugh.. This maybe be true because their mother was not around for three years but we got together then when she found out we were together she wanted to make sure she marked her territory and went there all the time and not in a positive loving way. Out to seek and destroy. I tried to be good to her and she wasn't having it. I'm very close with all the ex's in my life.
Thank you, yes I do need to
Thank you, yes I do need to step back more and not try so hard. I put 110 % in for the kids and want so much to be fair. So they feel the love and support. But I'm not getting it and feeling hurt. Definitely need a balance of some kind.
The reply I posted to your
The reply I posted to your reply was meant for you.
Thank you, and I do need to step back and not try as hard.
You sound like me "Initially"
When my DH and I first got together/then married, I tried very hard to make the 5 kids a blended family. I treated his 2 boys the same as my 3 kids. Eventually, I saw that the OSS didn't see me as a family member (I wasn't trying to be a 2nd mother to him) and neither did/does his wife. Approximately 5 years ago, I went Gray Rock with him and his family and it's been a lovely place to be. DH now makes all the effort and plans with OSS or they don't get made. Therefore, they don't get made. DH makes very little effort. I've had to be the one to set boundaries and I'm not afraid to voice them when necessary. It sounds like you need to take the reins if your DH isn't going to man up and tell his kids what they need to hear. Who cares if you're made to look like the bad guy. It sounds like they don't respect you anyway. OSS and his wife brought their youngest to our house one Christmas and the poor baby was sick. I asked him what was wrong with the baby and if it was contagious. His ignorant response was 'it's a bad cold, it'll build up her immune system. My oldest daughter (who had 2 little ones herself) said 'is it RSV??" Idiot OSS didn't have an answer. Going forward, I let them know if either of the girls were sick to please not come. A runny nose is one thing, what this baby had was beyond that. OSS doesn't spend much time over here anymore BECAUSE of some of the simple, common sense boundaries I've set. That's a win for me.
I wish you luck. As much as I love my DH, I wouldn't have gotten remarried if I knew how tricky step parenting was.
I'm so happy for you that you
I'm so happy for you that you stood your ground. It sounds like things are much better. It's hard I know. I do voice my opinion it just get over ridden sometimes. They all seem to say the kids always have allergies never sick here. I'm like pretty sure they are sick if everyone has the same thing right? I was caring for my elderly mother and a grandson who had issues from having RSV and they would bring them over with fevers etc. I'm like nooo it's not allergies. Fevers and allergies don't normally go together. Didn't mind as much if elderly mother and baby with lung issues. They don't care..But this goes for my own kids too. lol I'm trying to understand and put in place healthy boundaries and balance in my life. I think I'm a mess.
My opinion
I didnt read all the responses so not sure if this was covered..
Your DH is a total prick if he doesnt stand up for you and even worse has turned against you. Period.
Your problemo lies with him. Thats not to say though that your skids arent the problem, cause they are. BM may have worked them to dislike you, except as adults they make their own choice how to behave. I hate when people excuse rude ass ADULT skids because BM brainwashed them. Nope that doesnt fly as adults...otherwise we will never be held responsible for our own actions. Thats just IMHO.
Id do nothing "family like" for them if they dont treat you like family. Give what you get the same goes for your DH. This life brings out the worst in people. Life aint fun living with resentment.
Id tell your loving DH that he has to stand up for you. If he doesnt stand up for yourself. If your skids treat you off tell them you dont appreciate it. Let em know that you are aware of their actions. Let er rip , thats just IMHO
Blessings hun
I have been stepping way from
I have been stepping way from the skids but being involved with the grandkids. We have 12 grandkids that are around the same age except the oldest who is 13. So I do things to pull them together so maybe they can have a good relationship in their future. I want to let the adult skins/kids be who they want. I tried so many years to pull the family together as a whole but it's not working. I just want to make sure I do the right things moving forward for all. I want to put myself in there too. But I want a relationship with them all. I just question myself and wish I was more confident!
thank you
Any help
Does anyone have a nice way to approach a conversation to my husband about what's ok and not ok for me? I have a hard time saying things the right way. I was raised with a sharp tongue. I can say things that cut deep and I'm not the person who will be understood.l or forgiven. But I would like to set new boundaries and understanding in a healthy way. I love my family but know I can't control how others are and I get hurt easy. I want to let things roll and not help as much. I'm a fixed. I want to be authentic me!
Id give you the same advice...
That has been given me - seek counseling for yourself. Vent here as much as you need to - it really and truly helps to write it all out - and 15 years with 3 kids and 12 grands! And that history of all that you have done.
Youve tried to help everyone, their mother, grandmother, and great grandmothers dog, plus the fleas on the dog. Stop doing that. Counselors will tell you that you are probably co-dependent. You cannot fix everyone.
Help YOU. Take care of YOU.
Having that conversation with husband...well it sounds like it might need to be more than one convo...try a few small ones. I always have the best responses when I make my language more on the positive side, about small things. Keep your language short and sweet. He sounds like he might be a bit of a gaslighter, and he sounds like maybe he parents out of guilt because the mother was so horrible, and he feels like he has to make it up to them.
"You know I love your kids and always want the best for everyone" (its not that I hate your kids, they just arent that likable)
"Ive tried so hard, but I really feel like maybe I tried too hard and its just not wanted" (try being a little bit of a victim...so you wont seem like the bad guy attacking his precious spawn, er, children)
"You know what, Im thinking that we could use some counseling because Im having a tough time handling my FEELINGS" (you have not had my back, youve gaslighted me, you are not on my team, and Im fed up and feeling some kind of way after 15 years sacrificing myself...)
As for the stepping back and disengagement, "You know what, I think after raising all these kids, all this time, I really just need time with MYSELF to figure things out" (Im going to book some time alone with myself, my friends and bios...and your kids can go fly kites for all I care...have fun!)
Hopefully that helps (at least you get a few laughs!)
You nailed it! Lol.
You nailed it! Lol. Everything that goes through my head. I do need counseling but can't seem to find a good one. This place has been great to vent off my feelings and read what everyone thinks. I appreciate the honesty. I like the way you've said everything it's spot on.
Any counselor to start with is ok
Gives you time, to know what you need looking for , in a new counselor. You have to disengage from this mess of a life . His kids are not going to get better. They will always be in the middle of drama. Your SO doesn't have your back. He so uses to drama he fits in.'
Disagreement means , not getting involved with SK, and there drama, if they get thrown out of there apartment , there is motel 6 not your home. If they have no money. There is welfare. Not you support them.
Harden you heart and harden
Harden you heart and harden your mind. Life is not about what you hope, it is about what is.
Guage people by their actions and never be fooled by their words.
Embrace those who are quality and contribute quality to your life. Conversely, you know what to do with those who are not and do not bring quality to your life.
Flush them with the rest of the crap.
You and the people who bring quality to your life are owed your care and love. The crap, deserve nothing.
Take care of you.
Keep doing you, just stop embracing the delusion of what you hope for and embrace the facts. Make sure that everyone knows those facts. Facts are not mean, they are not manipulative. Facts are neither good nor are they bad, they are merely facts.
BM needs her cocaine rotted nose scrubbed in the stench she has created. Her kids, need to see that happen and they need to have their own noses scrubbed in any BM related stench that they delusionally embrace. Your DH, needs to keep his X in her place and deliver clarity to the children he sadly chose that nose candy skiier to be the mother of.
Keeping the facts forward and everyone grounded in the facts, is a foundation for living well for everyone unfortunately having to live at some level within this trainwreck.
This is such good advice. I
This is such good advice. I wish I had heard it and taken it to heart years ago. It would have alleviated so many hurt feelings and so much pain, especially during those first 5 years of our marriage. It feels so good to embrace good, caring, and nice people and discard the trash! We so often live on hope and what could be rather than see the garbage right in front of our faces for what it is.
Unfortunately many people
Unfortunately many people live life on how and what they feel. Kids are raised with a huge focus on legitimizing their feelings. Feelings are of course important. They in many ways are the spice of life. However, what someone feels really does not matter. What matters is what they think. Most importantly, what they do and how they do it.
"Mommy/Daddy, you hurt my feelings." Ummm. "No, you are choosing to feel hurt. Why is that?"
Engage the conversation and the analysis. Discuss why they are choosing the feeling they are having. Because, IMHO, how someone feels is purely a choice. Don't like how you feel, choose to feel differently or.... address it with analysis and action rather than feelings.
IMHO.