(Customary: Throwaway + English is not my first language)
I (33f) have a son (6) with my ex (35m). We split up over two years ago. We didn’t end our relationship on good terms and we only communicate about child-related things. I don’t know much about his personal life outside of basic info- he’s dating a woman I only met once. She has three kids I’ve never met. I only know their names thanks to my child’s stories and a single birthday card they’d signed for my child. I don’t even know their exact ages, all I know is that they’re in primary school, but are older than my kid (so they’re between 7-11y/o). I am more than happy with this arrangement too. That’s why I am very confused by their request to have two of the stepsiblings over for a sleepover. Background- my child just had his room renovated and evidently bragged about his Minecraft room. He’s already had his cousin (my ex’s nephew) for a sleepover too, so it’s clear that we don’t mind the general idea of sleepovers. When my ex mentioned this idea of me hosting his step kids, I immediately shot it down. I am only comfortable hosting our nephew (I know him and his parents very well). I don’t even consider letting my child’s closest friends stay overnight just yet. Why would I let strangers sleep in my house? I don’t know their mother, I don’t know them. I don’t feel comfortable taking responsibility for those kids. My ex argued that I know him (safe to say- that argument made me even less inclined to cave LOL) and that the kids are now siblings so it’s good for them to have those experiences together. I responded saying that they already have the experience of sleeping under the same roof when my kid is with his dad. My ex called me cruel for causing a division between the siblings since the steps are not even allowed to experience sleeping in the Minecraft room (I am not too sure what that even means- it’s just a room). I told my ex that I’m happy to share some tips and tricks if he decides to turn one of his own rooms into a Minecraft room to give the kids the experience of sleeping in one. Just to add- my son knows my opinion on sleepovers. Once I told him no, he didn’t push this idea any further. He is happy to see his stepsiblings when he’s at his dad’s.
AITA?
