Is it normal that im having problems bonding with my boyfriends son?

I've been dating this guy for just over two years and I'm having problems fully connecting to his son. I have a ten year old daughter that goes to her dads every other weekend. She gets along well with my boyfriend, he's great with kids. My boyfriend has his son every weekend because his mother abandoned him when he was four. He just turned six years old in March. She has another child a 9 year old daughter (different father) whom she also abandoned both children live with her sister, their aunt. At first, my boyfriend had his son every other weekend but now that the mother isn't around he has him every weekend, and is even considering going for full custody. Honestly, its hard to bond with the child and mostly he seems angry at me all the time. He's either hot or cold. Sometimes really loving, other times completely cold. A couple weeks ago he actually said to his dad "Why aren't you looking for mommy? When she comes back ill live with her and we will move far away from you." His son basically started crying and my boyfriend looked heartbroken. He went onto explain to the child that his mother loves him and that he will always have his father in his life no matter what. His son went onto say that his dad is choosing me over him. I was devastated and felt terrible that the child blames me for his parents not being together. It bothered me that my boyfriend wouldn't say to his son.. that even if his mom was around we'd still be together, or something to that extent. He just reassured him that she's coming back and that she loves him. even saying that he loves the boys mother.. so disturbing to me. I understand that he's trying to help his son cope but I'm just terribly disturbed by this. Sometimes my boyfriend even has the nine year old sister over on weekends, who I really cant stand. Sorry to say! I feel terrible to even admit that but I'm really not a kid person to begin with..I love my own child but tend not to like other peoples children especially if they're not behaved. So I'm probably not the best person to become a step mother, especially to kids who are emotionally and psychologically abused. Not sure I have the capacity to take on broken children. I do love my boyfriend and enjoy our time together but is it time to move on? We speak of marriage and building a life together but this situation is so hectic, i'm not sure I want the extra stress in my life. He recently spoke about finding the mother of his child and trying to bring her back. He even asked me to help him. I wanted to walk away at that point. Not sure where to go from here.. I found myself thinking, am i being too selfish right now? What really is hard, is that we have these moments of connection (hugs and kisses) I do love his son...and I thought I was making a positive impact, but to see the boy so hurt broke my heart. I don't want to feel like I'm adding to the already existing pain of abandonment. That's why Im considering walking away. How do I help my boyfriend and his son through this without feeling like I'm doing more harm then helping? Or is it just time to just walk away? Thanks for your honest opinions!

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63% Normal
Based on 16 votes (10 yes)
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Comments ( 4 )
  • FANTABULOUS

    I don't think it was necessary for your boyfriend to mention bringing back the child's mother next to you. How the hell does he expect you to feel? He's making you feel left out. I'm not trying to be irrational but if he really loves you,whenever he's trying to comfort his son he should also try by all means to make you feel special. It's not your fault that you guys are all going through this hard time. Your boyfriend is the one who should try harder to settle this dust in a way that will never hurt you nor his son.

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    • VinnyB

      Right, because this situation is all about her and her feelings should be given equal or greater consideration to that of a hurt and scared 6yo boy who has just lost his mother. He never said he was getting back together with her, just that he wanted her back in his son's live. Any rational human being, especially one that has kids herself, should understand that desire. Wanting to do the best thing for your children is normal. Being jealous of the attention received by a 6yo is not.

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  • VinnyB

    Yes you should leave him and do it today. Dealing with and working through problems is what marriage is all about. This will just be one of many problems that you will face if you get married.

    If you are not able you support and help him with the problems he has in his life than you should not marry him, and I'm not sure you should marry anyone else either.

    It sounds like he has a lot to deal with trying to do right by his children and rather than supporting him, you are just adding more drama that I'm sure he doesn't need right now. Do everyone in this situation a favor and remove yourself from it.

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  • Freedom_

    If you can't handle it, go and let him find someone who can. I don't see how you, having your own child and having dealt with separation, can't relate to his struggle. It must have gone very smoothly for you, but a lot of kids aren't so lucky and they all act differently about it.

    Right now all that little boy needs to know is that it isn't his fault his mom abandoned him. I see nothing wrong with your bf not emphasizing your part during the child's emotional breakdown. And I actually find it endearing that he would want to find the poor guy's mom so he can feel that he is loved by his mom too, to some extent.

    Imo, you're being self-centered, but either way if you're not up for the task step aside and let the man do what's best for his son.

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