I cant put it much more simple than that. After months of integration into different activities, family events, therapy, tactics and role defining..etcetcblahblahblah.... this kid just sucks. Lol 

Sorry! I am over 2 years into living with DH and SS8 and with all the shit we have been through I just thought there would be more room for fun and bonding and sweet moments sprinkled in between the chaos that is step life. But good lord...SS has a retort for everything that comes out of everyone's mouth, always. Everything is an argument or a power play or some manipulation tactic. Even when he is pleasant, it's just self serving and a used as a bargaining plea later. 

SS is very intelligent for his age. He excels in school, is always "helpful and sweet" at summer camp year after year. He has the emotional intelligence of a knat but that's normal... He is a total dick to his cousin or anyone else that comes over to play though... like he can hold it together for OTHER adults but not us, and can get along with his classmates/camp mates but not family. I dont get it. 

DH has made major improvements on his consistency and boundary setting. I think a lot of the guilt is melting away as we venture into his 4th year of school and it is ever prevalent that he is the more responsible and effective parent compared to BM. But it doesnt matter. His kid is still the brattiest, ungrateful little thing I've ever seen in someone his age. NOTHING makes him happy and content unless someone is serving him and sorry, no, that doesnt happen in this house. I dont know what goes on at his mom's but it cant possibly be productive. 

The worst part is he says he "can be more himself" at our house..... so I'm not sure what that means or if that's a good thing anymore lol. Ugh. He just sucks the joy out of every activity we do. 

I keep telling myself he will grow out of it but, it's a shame to have met such a sweet and fun little boy full of life turn into such a negative Nancy. The MORE consistent and stable things become, the more he lashes out it seems. DH is at his wits end but wont say it out loud. It's too hurtful. How do you cope with someone who is just bound and determined to make everything a terrible time with his bad attitude and outlook on the world?! He has even gone as far to say "I hate fun" when we plan a weekend day out. We've limited screen time to an hour a day but honestly I'd just rather stick him somewhere to occupy himself so no one has to put up with the bossing and sass that spews from his mouth constantly. PMS may be a driving force in this post but I had to get it off my chest. Lord knows I dont feel comfortable being this harsh to DH lol