Step Son Won't Leave Home

by Carolyn
(Canada)

My step son is 23 yrs old and still lives with his dad and I. I don't ask for a whole lot except keep your room clean, no food in the bedroom and make your bed before you leave in the morning. This has been a rule in the house since he came to live with us 11 yrs ago. I also have 2 children from a previous marriage and it was the same for them as well. I have always said that if they thought it was so tough, there is the door.

My daughter has moved out and stays in touch every day. My son moved to his dad's so he could be closer to his girlfriend and my husband's daughter lives with her mother. My step son that lives with us refuses to follow these few simple rules and goes out of his way to make my life hell.

Things came to a head when he gave me a book to read that was titled Job interviews for Dummies. I was just laid off from my job a month ago and decided to wait to look for another till I get my health issues sorted out.

He constantly disrespects me and the rules we have which are next to none. He has totally ignored his dad and I for the last 2 weeks and I was so mad that I finally told him to move out.

His dad is now not talking to me and says that I am making everything up. He is blaming me for everything that is going wrong and won't believe a word I say.

My step son makes good money and can more than afford to move. He has a nice little lifestyle while he is here and doesn't want to lose it. We have sacrificed so much for all the kids and I feel that it is time for us to be able to enjoy our lives.

Am I asking too much as step son and his dad seem to think?