Hello Everyone,
My bf (Marc) and I have been dating over a year and a half. We both feel this relationship is leading to marriage. Our biggest struggle is Marc's 7yo son, Austin, who he has full custody of. Austin's mom is for the most part out of the picture (she lives in Utah), and only talks to him on the phone when she feels like it.
Marc is very laid back as far as discipline, manners, etc. go. I on the other hand have worked with children in preschool, daycares, and have even been a nanny, and feel structure and rules are very important.
Austin also had ADHD so structure and routine are even more important, not to mention what foods, etc. he eats as well.
Marc lives about 70 miles from me, so we tend to only see each other on week-ends, and stay at one another's homes, but sleep separately.
Things with Austin have been a struggle for me since the beggining, but lately it seems things have gotten even worse. I love him, but I am to the point where I really don't like him. I know that he is seeing me as the evil villian, and I've really just tried to step back and let Marc handle discipline, but honestly it's made me like Austin even less, because I just see him as a very unruly, manipulative child.
I have been praying for Marc to step up in the Authority over Austin, but it seems that he oblivious to Austin's behavior most of the time. Since I've stepped back, Austin's manners are non-existant.
In short he (Austin) drives me nuts to be around. I handle it better when they are at my house, because at least he knows and obeys some of the rules... but when I'm at his house, he eats whenever, whereever and whatever he wants. Everything is sticky in their apartment. And yes, I know that Marc is a man, and that men tend not to be as clean as women, but I still really struggle with it. Bottom line... Austin has the complete run of Marc's home.
Marc & I have talked about this A LOT, and he steps up to handling things for awhile, but only while we are together. When I'm not around he doesn't enforce most anything.
*Sigh* I'm burnt out, and really need some uplifting advice and prayers.
I love Marc & Austin, but I really need some insight...
My bf (Marc) and I have been dating over a year and a half. We both feel this relationship is leading to marriage. Our biggest struggle is Marc's 7yo son, Austin, who he has full custody of. Austin's mom is for the most part out of the picture (she lives in Utah), and only talks to him on the phone when she feels like it.
Marc is very laid back as far as discipline, manners, etc. go. I on the other hand have worked with children in preschool, daycares, and have even been a nanny, and feel structure and rules are very important.
Austin also had ADHD so structure and routine are even more important, not to mention what foods, etc. he eats as well.
Marc lives about 70 miles from me, so we tend to only see each other on week-ends, and stay at one another's homes, but sleep separately.
Things with Austin have been a struggle for me since the beggining, but lately it seems things have gotten even worse. I love him, but I am to the point where I really don't like him. I know that he is seeing me as the evil villian, and I've really just tried to step back and let Marc handle discipline, but honestly it's made me like Austin even less, because I just see him as a very unruly, manipulative child.
I have been praying for Marc to step up in the Authority over Austin, but it seems that he oblivious to Austin's behavior most of the time. Since I've stepped back, Austin's manners are non-existant.
In short he (Austin) drives me nuts to be around. I handle it better when they are at my house, because at least he knows and obeys some of the rules... but when I'm at his house, he eats whenever, whereever and whatever he wants. Everything is sticky in their apartment. And yes, I know that Marc is a man, and that men tend not to be as clean as women, but I still really struggle with it. Bottom line... Austin has the complete run of Marc's home.
Marc & I have talked about this A LOT, and he steps up to handling things for awhile, but only while we are together. When I'm not around he doesn't enforce most anything.
*Sigh* I'm burnt out, and really need some uplifting advice and prayers.
I love Marc & Austin, but I really need some insight...
