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The original was posted on /r/amitheasshole by /u/shakerrrmakerrr on 2024-01-22 21:48:37+00:00.
I (F36) have become a mother 3 years ago to 2 teenagers, Will (M17) and May (F16). They've been solely raised by my husband, Nowell (M38). They've practically been raised as if they spent their entire life at a lads' club. They run wild, they act like louts, dress inappropriately for occasions and seem to have no viable plans for the future. My husband tried his best, but he did have to work awfully long hours to support them.
My step-daughter, May has been suspended twice for not following the uniform rules and pointlessly arguing with the teachers, Will had always been beside her during the arguments, or would start acting badly after finding out his sister was in isolation so that he could join her. They seem to be very codependent on each other, Nowell seems to find it sweet but I think it's unhealthy and I've started putting up boundaries between them.
Due to their bad behaviour being influenced by one another, they no longer can text each other at school, nor can they both go out at the same time. Will isn't allowed to use the car with May there as she'll just encourage him to be reckless.
They both don't seem to care about their appearance either, though they're not slobs. Will has recently tried to grow out his hair and his beard, and he only dresses in old Adidas and Nike from charity shops seemingly. May wears clothes way too adult for her, and she always goes overboard on the make up. Therefore, I've required Will to visit a barber each month and to shave regularly if he still wants to get an allowance each month, I've also told him that he needs to buy new, more formal attire for occasions when that kind of dress will be inappropriate. May has been told she can't wear make up at school, nor can she use it too heavily whilst at home. I've made her aware that clothes that are too revealing have to be put away for when she's younger, and that I'll take her shopping for new clothes to replace them
I've also required them to set themselves a goal for the future, as their only aspiration right now is to say that they are going to become models. They have to be either studying towards a career or getting an apprenticeship. This will apply to May once she does her GCSEs.
Nowell agrees with all these rules, but my step kids have been saying that they are too restrictive and acting out against them. May will regularly argue with me about the dress code and the make up, and Will always backs her up. One of my mom friends said that it's an asshole move to enforce rules on them as they are almost 18 anyway.