12-year-old and 14-year-old refuse to have a relationship with father’s girlfriend, she does the mature thing and considers leaving the relationship: “I want to be a mom and I don’t want to wait too long”

Author image for Briana Viser
Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Apr 14, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

Internet goers, salutations. Sometimes there's no better feeling than just scrolling through garbage nonsense on your phone, laughing here, being entertained there. It's a practice in nonthinking, and deeply unhealthy for our developing brains, but hey, we're only human. Maybe you scroll through hilarious comedians mocking the differences between cultures, maybe you watch young mothers morning routines and dream of having children yourself. Maybe you scroll funny cat memes and Reddit stories about family dramas. Anyway, here's a classic case of Reddit nonsense just for your entertainment. It centers around a family without an official mother presence. 

In the story below, the protagonist is a woman whose boyfriend has two children around preteen and teen years. Usually these types of stories are about a jealous, entitled, controlling, or domineering stepmother or motherly presence. This story is different; this woman actually wants to do the practical thing in the situation of dating a man with children who hate her, and that's to leave the situation. Read the full story below for all the juicy details. 

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  • 01

    AITA for considering ending my relationship because my partner's kids clearly don't like me or want me around?

    "They may never accept or like me"
    via dimaberlinphotos / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    I (31f) started dating Mark (34m) 3 years ago. Mark is a single dad to a 14 year old son and a 12 year old daughter. The mother of Mark's children di d 11.5 years ago. He dated very little after her before we met but had dated some. I was his first relationship after the passing of his late partner.
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 03
    As a couple we work well together and share a lot of the same values and goals in life. We can have fun together but have been able to discuss the serious stuff. I get along well with his family but not his kids.
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 04
    From the start (2ish years now) they have been cold and unwelcoming. Mark has spoken to them, he told me they're in therapy and he has encouraged them to give me a chance. But they can't hide the fact they don't want me around. We have gone slow and have tried to find ways to ease the
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 05
    tension and show I'm not a bad person or here to take their dad from them or replace their mom. Nothing works. We never tried therapy together but I don't even live with them and I'm not sure how willing they would be to speak in any therapy sessions with me.
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 06
    My partner has spoken to a therapist and has done some therapy with his kids and implemented suggestions given but those methods were a waste of time. Nothing changed. I know these things take time. I don't expect sunshine and rainbows overnight. But the more time we spend together the more I feel his kids dislike of me.
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 07
    Cheezburger Image 10493465600
    via Zurijeta / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • For once this woman is mature. Most of these stories are about a woman who wants to force their motherly presence on their partner's children. Whether the woman is married to the man, dating him, or something else, it seems they become dominating and controlling in these roles. 

  • 08
    Even when I'm just there and not trying to engage and existing in the same house as them the tension can be felt. They ignore me. Won't even look at me. Yet they still radiate tension.
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 09
    I know my partners family have talked to the kids about giving me a chance. I don't know if that helps or makes it worse. I feel like we're facing a reality of they might never accept me or like me. And now I'm considering ending this
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 10
    relationship because I want to be a mom and I don't want to wait too long. And even if I waited until his kids were out of the house then how would that be fair to have kids. who'd have half siblings who would refuse to have anything to do with them or who won't even speak to their mom?
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 11
    My partner and I talked about it. He said he'll understand if it's too much. We're taking some time so I can think. Since this his sister reached out to me after I didn't show to a couple of things and asked if things were okay and she told me she hoped she wasn't intruding too much but she wanted
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 12
    Cheezburger Image 10493465344
    via cottonbro studio from Pexels / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 13
    me to know how happy I made her brother and how nicely I fit with the family and she understands the kids aren't too welcoming but it would be such a shame for me to walk away. It made me feel bad because I know my partner is a good guy and his family have been amazing. But his kids will always be
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 14
    his kids. And I don't know if I could let us come between them or if I could handle living with them always disliking me. AITA?
    via u/Extension_Grade_2316
  • 15
    Tremenda-Carucha • 12h ago Actually, this is quite an eye- opener. The op's concerns for her happiness (with a touch of foresight) and the well-being of her future children are commendable, especially when faced with such hostility
    via u/Tremenda-Carucha
  • 16
    from her stepkids. Not blaming, really, NTA: it's sensible to consider the needs of all involved in a new relationship, even if it's tough love.
    via u/Tremenda-Carucha
  • 17
    . ApprehensiveRoad... 11h ago NTA Please don't bring innocent babies into this mess. Find yourself a nice guy without kids, or someone who has kids who love you and are excited for little siblings.
    via u/ApprehensiveRoad8818
  • 18
    Does your partner even want more children? It's just going to strain his relationship with his kids even further.
    via u/ApprehensiveRoad8818
  • 19
    bdayqueen 12h ago NTA - If the kids aren't open to you, it won't get any better. If you have children, the older ones will be mean or ignore the younger ones. It's not healthy. Move on.
    via u/bdayqueen
  • 20
    avid-learner-bot • 12h ago Actually, it's that feeling when you realize you're drowning in a sea of unrequited love. We've all been there when trying to mend broken hearts, only to have ours shattered in the process. NTA for choosing self-preservation over self- sacrifice.
    via u/avid-learner-bot
  • 21
    Proud-Geek1019 • 12h ago NTA. Here's the thing - his sister, while well meaning, is looking out for his brother - not you. You have to do what is right for just you, and not let anyone else interfere with that.
    via u/Proud-Geek1019
  • 22
    Equal_Factor_6449 • 12h ago NTA. If you bring in a baby in this setup, the relationship is going to get worse. You want a baby, you can't have it with him while the kids are living with him.
    via u/Equal_Factor_6449
  • 23
    Hidden_Vixen21 • 12h ago His kids will treat your kids the way they treat you. Walk away.
    via u/Hidden_Vixen21

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family drama drama mother siblings family feud relationships girlfriend lol love family reddit thread Reddit funny dating
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