Question by Jenna T: Parenting a teenager only 2 years younger than myself?!?
Okay so I have a bit of a situation, me and my husband have been together for about 3 years, I am 20 and he is 26. He raised his little brother from the time he (my husband) moved out of his parents house. When me and my husband got together his brother chose to go live with his father for awhile, but now he is back with us. He is really not much of a problem, pretty responsible, and not real agressive or anything. But my problem is that my husband expects me to “disipline” and “lay down the law” with his brother. Who happens to only be 2 years younger than me! He often leaves and tells matt(the brother) that I am “in charge” and matt will ask me to go do things…etc and if I call my husband he just tells me to make the decisions… I am not sure if this is my place? Example: Last night I was left “in charge” and matt asked to go to town, I told him yes to be home by 11, well turns out he didn’t even go to the town he told me he was, AND he did not get home on time… Bryan expects me to disipline him on this but I am at a loss of what to do! I do not want to be responsible for a teenager! Any help, suggestions,… etc will really help THANKS
Best answer:
Answer by Swiss638
This is tough. Not only are you a “step parent”, but based upon the age difference feel (and probably have) little authority over your brother-in-law. Have you tried being honest with your husband about not wanting to parent his brother?
Perhaps you can form a relationship with your brother-in-law based upon mutual respect. That way you can ask him to do whatever and have him comply based upon a respectful relationship.
Good luck!
What do you think? Answer below!
You can’t really tell him what to do. He isn’t your son/daughter, He has parents those are the rightful people to tell him what to do. Tell your husband not to put you in that situation.
Well, If you are 20 then that should make him 18. Legally he can do what he wants to. It is up to him to respect the house hold. I think your husband needs to step in and tell his brother how things are going to be if he is going to live with you guys.
hes 18 for christ sake, isent he allowed to go where he wants, when he wants without permission. he aint a kid no more. and 11 most kids at 16 dont even have to back for 11. i dont.