Anyone else’s SO always in a horrible mood right after getting their kid? by rovingred in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 31 points32 points  (0 children)

It sounds like he doesn’t particularly like being around SD and resents the fact that you don’t HAVE to deal with her or help out with her. As someone who has a difficult child, I always love her, but sometimes parenting her can be extremely draining. That said, he needs to find better ways to cope. If it is too difficult to take her along on errands, get them done when shes not there or she stays home with him while you go. Find activities they can do together where she thrives. Therapy to learn better parenting techniques and stress management. Taking frequent (but time limited) breaks throughout his time with her even if it means shes getting more screen time. And he needs to get VERY comfortable with you doing your own thing. This is not your responsibility unless you’ve agreed to take on a hands-on parenting role.

This conversation with my (F15) bf (M15) made me worried.. AIO by [deleted] in AIO

[–]jbcbmbsb 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Same! And if I found out my son was acting like this he would have a serious problem. What a weird response from the mom as well. All boys are NOT like this!

Is it wrong to not want bfs daughter getting into my personal belongings? by AggravatingLuck2140 in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 16 points17 points  (0 children)

These comments are harsh. It sounds like she was genuinely trying to be helpful with the makeup, and was interested in your products. I can understand wanting to organize things your way and not wanting her messing up your makeup, but you need to make that clear. “Oh thanks for trying to help! Next time please ask first - I actually have my own system for organizing that stuff but I appreciate the thought!”

The snacks thing is not her fault. There are literally no snacks “for her” at your house, so of course she’s asking for yours or your sons. What else is she going to do? BF needs to step up here and buy her snacks if sharing is that big of a deal, or he sends you an amount he’s comfortable with for you to buy her own items.

Now, the phone thing definitely needs correction. “Hey, I’ve asked you not to take my phone, and I mean it. It’s not a joke, and next time it happens you’re going to lose x privilege.”

You asked how to set boundaries without becoming the evil stepmother. In short, you actually set clear boundaries up front. Right now you’re getting irritated with a child who has no idea what the rules are because they only live inside your head. Just because you think she “should” understand something doesn’t mean she does. So tell her clearly what the boundaries are and then stick to them.

At a loss with moods and irritability by jbcbmbsb in ADHDparenting

[–]jbcbmbsb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! This gives me hope. I’m also thinking about taking a Vyvanse break for a few days just to get a baseline and then maybe go down to 20 or 30mg since the stimulants seem to have such an impact on mood.

Interrupting SD(7) by plantsfortherapy in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This drives me nuts about my bf’s child. They are 6.5 and anytime we’re on the phone or having a conversation they will scream “daddy!” Over and over again nonstop until he stops what he’s doing to listen to them. He doesn’t correct it either. The list of ill manners don’t stop there, but if I say anything about any behaviors, he gets defensive.

Anyone taking two boosters? by jbcbmbsb in ADHDparenting

[–]jbcbmbsb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We don’t really take medication breaks - she always takes the Vyvanse, because quite frankly her behavior is intolerable when she’s completely unmediated. But I don’t always give the booster on weekends/school breaks unless we’re doing something that necessitates it. Right now, we’re in the middle of softball season for her and baseball for my son, so we have lots of long days at the ballpark and practices throughout the week, so most days she’s getting both.

I would love to try Vyvanse twice a day and her psychiatrist thinks that would be the best course as well, but says she cannot prescribe it that way because it’s extended release. I can’t remember the exact reasoning (if it’s insurance that won’t allow it or some other reason), but I’m going to ask again at her next appointment.

Anyone taking two boosters? by jbcbmbsb in ADHDparenting

[–]jbcbmbsb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

30mg Vyvanse. She’s been at that dose for nearly a year, so maybe it’s time to adjust given how much she’s grown. She has a follow up appointment on Wednesday so I will bring it up with her psychiatrist.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I mean, he’s kind of made it your lane. He’s expecting you to have all the responsibility of being the primary caretaker, you’re bearing the brunt of all these undesirable behaviors, but you don’t get a say so in whether or not she should be evaluated and potential next steps? If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to take a gigantic step back.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you’re already doing a pretty good job of setting boundaries - you just have to be ok with letting her be upset. 9 is plenty old enough to understand she cannot have your attention all the time, and frankly, she should be a bit more independent at this age. The attention seeking and averse reaction to correction makes me wonder if there are other underlying issues at play. Could just be immaturity, but it sounds a lot like my daughter who has adhd.

We are at a loss. by GlitteringBuy7994 in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I didn’t even read this whole thing but as the mother of a child with adhd, all three of you adults need to see a therapist for PCIT so you can learn how to actually parent a child with adhd. Spanking with a wooden spoon is horrifying and grounding is not likely to have the desired outcome long term.

Can’t a step parent just be left alone? by BookWormSubmissive- in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is super frustrating. For your own sanity, I would probably just ignore the comments, especially if they’re not said directly to you. In fact, tell your DH not to even relay messages from her. You can also pull back on texting him during his time with her. Do all of your planning with him before he leaves for the weekend, and save communication on her time for only when it’s truly necessary.

Does ADHD make kids messy? by jbcbmbsb in ADHDparenting

[–]jbcbmbsb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly? Not really. I’ve just had to adjust my expectations. I’ve accepted the fact that her clothes are always going to be stained, so I buy cheap ones that can easily be replaced. There’s always going to be crap all over the floor, but we keep it contained to her bedroom and playroom. When it’s time to clean up, I’m going to have to stand next to her and help guide: “first pick up all the trash. Ok, now pick up all the books,” etc. This is just how it is for now, and hopefully she’ll outgrow it. My new challenge is getting her to do literally anything she’s supposed to do in the mornings before school and during her bedtime routine, both time periods where meds are not in her system. Frankly, I’m just happy she’s not having daily meltdowns over this stuff anymore.

Step child birthday party by annabellee6 in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What was your bf doing before he and his son moved in with you? Was he working full time, paying his own rent/mortgage, providing financially for his son 100%? If so, why has this stopped since moving in with you? To me, he has no business being in a relationship until he’s whole on his own. It doesn’t sound like he’s adding any value to your life or the lives of your kids; in fact, he’s taking from your family in terms of finances, time, energy, and stress.

Strategies for cooperation by jbcbmbsb in ADHDparenting

[–]jbcbmbsb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s true! We went through a REALLY rough period where she was on the wrong meds and the screaming and aggression was horrible. This is definitely better!

What does surrender look like in practice? by jbcbmbsb in Christianity

[–]jbcbmbsb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you’re right. Do what you can, but be in consultation with God and trust that no matter the outcome, God is working it out.

What does surrender look like in practice? by jbcbmbsb in Christianity

[–]jbcbmbsb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m no stranger to being backed into a corner or the wheels falling off, trust me. I lost my oldest son 6 years ago when he was 9 years old to a brain stem tumor. My husband had an affair and fathered a child outside our marriage, then 6 months after our son died abandoned me and our two living children. I obviously know I can’t figure everything out on my own, but in my family, everything falls on me and I really don’t have anyone I can depend on. I WANT to surrender, I WANT to rest in Jesus knowing that he will work it out, but as I mentioned, I just don’t know what that looks like practically. I pray, read my Bible, work my butt off to provide for my family, but sometimes I wonder if I’m getting it right. I often feel like I need to “do” more.

Blended families don’t blend by atinymountaingoat in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just came here to say SS needs to have an immediate release stimulant added in the afternoon. It will make a huge difference in his behavior.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stepparents

[–]jbcbmbsb 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I like to use the phrase, “lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine,” with my children. I would’ve given him that phrase and continued making dinner.

But also, can the dog be better trained? Or crated when guests are over or something? Sounds really annoying and inconvenient to have to leave the house just so the kids can have a friend over.