“Ask Permission To Get A Snack”: 17YO Refuses To Live With Dad’s New GF And Her Strict Rules

Every stepparent desires closeness with their stepchildren. However, imposing oneself to get there might be the worst thing anyone can do. It leads to no good outcome. 

That chaotic situation happened to this teenage boy, who had to deal with his dad’s domineering girlfriend. The woman wanted to take on the role of a parent so badly that she demanded the respect a mother deserved. 

The boy was rightfully upset and moved out of their shared home, which prompted division within the family. 

Trying to impose oneself on someone’s life never ends well

Middle-aged man and teenage boy smiling and embracing, illustrating family dynamics with boyfriend’s son at home.

Image credits: The Yuri Arcurs Collection / freepik (not the actual photo)

A teenage boy was forced to move in with his grandparents after growing tired of his dad’s domineering girlfriend

Teen refuses to follow family rules set by dad’s girlfriend while staying with grandparents instead of dad’s home.

Text on white background reading My dad and grandparents had the same household rules and I never had an issue with them about family rules enforcement.

Boy shares experience of woman trying to enforce family rules on boyfriend’s son who doesn’t live with them.

Teen boy explains refusing to follow woman’s family rules and choosing to live with grandparents instead.

Teen explains living with grandparents while woman tries to enforce family rules on boyfriend’s son who doesn’t live with them.

Frustrated woman at home trying to enforce family rules on boyfriend’s son who doesn’t live with them.

Image credits: user25451090 / freepik (not the actual photo)

His decision sparked division in the family, as he now wonders whether what he did was wrong

Text excerpt discussing family rules and obligations related to planned family time and helping with a family move.

Text post discussing a woman trying to enforce family rules on her boyfriend’s son who lives separately.

Image credits: SlowAnon77Yx6

Forcing a connection within a blended family isn’t the best idea

Woman enforcing family rules on boyfriend’s son who does not live with them, both appearing frustrated in kitchen.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Based on the teen’s account, it appears that his dad may have forced him to build a parental connection with the girlfriend. As expected, it only created tension and likely resentment that they could have avoided in the first place. 

Blended families may face challenges due to unrealistic expectations, which the dad seemed to have. The lack of negotiation skills is also a source of tension, especially when someone imposes their rules. 

The lack of clarity in the roles can also lead to problems, according to marriage and family therapist April Eldemire. She says expectations about what discipline looks like and how involved the stepparent must be are among the top sources of conflict. 

“Let’s start here: Ambiguity breeds resentment,” Eldemire wrote. 

Entering a family with kids in their teen years can be more challenging, according to the American Psychological Association. Therefore, a gentler approach is a must. 

“Stepparents should at first establish a relationship with the children that is more akin to a friend or ‘camp counselor,’ rather than a disciplinarian,” an excerpt from the article reads, also noting that new stepparents can only monitor the child’s behavior and keep their spouses informed. 

The dad’s girlfriend clearly overstepped her boundaries, and the least she could do is avoid causing such conflict. She was out of line for faulting the child, who was only doing what he could to protect his peace. 

People in the comments had mixed reactions

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing a woman trying to enforce family rules on her boyfriend’s son who does not live with them.

Reddit comments discussing a woman trying to enforce family rules on her boyfriend’s son who doesn't live with them.

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Woman tries to enforce family rules on boyfriend’s son who does not live with them, causing conflict in blended family.

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Woman tries to enforce her family rules on boyfriend’s son who does not live with them causing conflict.

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Reddit comment advising to block woman’s messages affecting mental health in family rules conflict with boyfriend’s son.

Comment advising to only take calls with grandparents present and speakerphone on to avoid misunderstandings about family rules.

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