[Newstepmother]

I am at a loss for words to speak to my husband in regards to my stepson. While at our lake house, my stepson followed me outside when I went to ride our 4-wheeler. It was after dark when I wanted to go for a spin. I couldn't find the start button in the dark and my stepson was picking on me about it, rudely as always. When I asked if he just came outside to make fun of me, he replied "Yeah, pretty much." I told him if that was what he came outside for, then he could just go back in the house. He leaned over my shoulder without a word and started the 4-wheeler and went inside. When I returned from my ride, I asked my husband and my two stepsons if they wanted to go swimming now that it had cooled off? They all said yes. Shortly after going down to the water and all getting in, my stepson got out and went to find my cat. He came back and put the cat in the lake without holding onto him. He just dropped him in the water. My husband still near by in the water, did nothing, said nothing. He didn't even try to get the cat out of the water. He just watched it all unfold. What do I do?

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Hello Newstepmother

This is rather shocking. I'd be onto their father about boundaries and really telling them what for. There should be some consequence for that type of behaviour. If you put up with it now the stage is set for future problems,

Rhiannon

[lynn P.]

Has your stepson been diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder? I hope your cat's okay?

[salukigirl]

Wow. That sounds like beyond narcissistic to me and onto torturous. I think I would have gone off on the father for just watching. Do they live with you? If not, I'm not sure I would even let them back into my house. Doing things to harm animals is typically a bad sign. Is the kid in any kind of counseling? If not, he needs to be.

Welcome to the Community, NewStepMother.

The Relationships & Communication Forum is here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=7
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archive...on-today/all/1
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/***...2/METHOD=print

The Dependent Personality Disorder Forum is here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=104
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx13.htm

The Narcissistic Personality Disorder Forum is here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=79
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx36.htm

Perhaps it is time for a talk with your husband? I wish you well.

[lonegael]

Dear, a cat is a substitute person. Cruelty to animals is beyond, as Saluki girl says, narcisistic. It is well into anitsocial territory, as is the coming out just to torment you. A good talk to the father is needed, and steps to get him thouroughly evaluated. This is NOT a diagnosis, but a warning that there is more here than you might think. Please take care and try to get him help! HUGGGSSS