but the manipulative behavior of BM is already beginning. Well, it's been a while since I posted anything but I am so irritated with that psycho that I want to vent.

SS started middle school this year and is going into band. He has been talking about playing instrument that his stepdad did when he was in band and wanted to try out for it. Well, this summer he did, and it was suggested that he wasn't right for that instrument so he was assigned to another. No big deal, he was kind of disappointed but also liked the other instrument, which is similar to the one he wanted to play. He got his instrument early, was trying it out, and really seemd to like it...no complaints.

Fast forward to only a few weeks into school. We met with the band teacher...no problems...everything is going good. He hasn't had the students actually practice their instruments yet, he's still working on recognizing notes, etc. So SS comes back from being at BM house over the weekend and now he wants to switch to the instrument his stepdad has which he wasn't suited for earlier. Apparently, the teacher is okay with it too? We haven't checked with the teacher yet to verify.

But, get this, how conveinent that he wants to switch now since this is the time that BM would have to pay for leasing the instrument he currently has? We paid for the first half, now it's her turn to pay for the rental. If he switches she doesn't pay a dime b/c SS can use stepdads. BM is so damn cheap, she never wants to pay half of anything the kids are involved in unless it's something she thinks they should do. We already paid $60 for the summer to rent this instrument.

I know its not that big of a deal but SS never tells his mom what he wants. He tells us he's interested in something then she asks him (more like interrogates him) and suddenly he's no longer interested. This is a kid who has very low self-esteem and is so worried about disappointing his overly critical, controlling, bitch of mother.

I know if he wants to switch to impress BM and stepdad there is nothing we can do about it. But, I am just disappointed that he hasn't really got the chance to see if this is something he might like before switching to something that is more conveinent for BM.