Blending households with stepchildren can bring unique challenges that test the limits of patience, love, and personal space. For one man in particular, the pressure became so intense that drastic measures seemed like the only solution. He explained what happened.—>My wife passed away in November 2022. She left me three adult stepchildren who have all been very clear that I am not their parent despite being in their lives for over ten years. Their father has retired to the Philippines. They are 21, 22, 25. Their mother and I have been helping them out with a place to live because our city has a very high cost of living.
They pooled their money and got an apartment, but if they count on only the money I gave them, they will have nothing in a year. People stood on his side.—>”Raise your hand if your parents gave you $10k when you moved out? No hands? You separated from leeches.””They were disrespectful to you and your home, and you weren’t obligated to continue providing for them, especially after they became adults.””You gave them nearly two years to start picking up after themselves and acting like they wanted to live there. They didn’t. If seeing for sale signs and open houses didn’t get them to realize that that’s not really on you. You also didn’t have to give them money to be on their own, but you did. You’ve done enough, considering that they’re adults. It sounds like if they had been picking up after themselves, you probably wouldn’t have wanted to sell.””You’re right – their mom would be disgusted with how her children behaved in your home, in which they were, ultimately, guests. Enjoy your newfound freedom from entitled adults.””I sold my house to get rid of a freeloading, lazy brother, and my siblings blamed me for making him homeless. He was 59. Yet they wouldn’t take him in. Some people will take advantage of you rather than standing on their own two feet.””These people are adults. They have made it clear that you are not their father, presumably meaning that you can not tell them what to do. Not only have they been living in your house rent-free, but they haven’t done their share of the housework, expecting you to do it or pay for it. However, since you are indeed not their father, you don’t owe them anything. You were generous to let them live in your house for over a year, and very generous to give them money to start their independent life. Now they will have to take responsibility for their own finances and housekeeping – or experience homelessness and realize that they indeed have to take responsibility.”Blended families come with their own set of challenges, and while many find ways to navigate them successfully, others find that separation is the only viable path to happines.