How do we (35F&M) tell sons (15M) best friend (15M) that we can no longer have him here 6/7 days a week?

I can appreciate how hard this must be. There isn't going to be an easy way to tell him that, but your desires and expectations aren't wrong. I admit that part of me wishes you could keep him (haha) but it is completely fine not to be able to do that.

Maybe it could look something like a sit down where you say:

"Hey buddy, we've noticed that you love to spend time with us, and we also love to spend time with you. However, it's important for you to also be at home doing the things you need to do and seeing your family.You're still their kid! We still want to see you over here on [whatever days of the week, whatever time frame], but while you live with your mom she does need to see you more often. From now on we need to make sure you're spending more time making your house your own and seeing your folks. "

As much as your home environment may be better, it is appropriate that he spend time with his own family. It makes sense to make this about his needs for space as well.

If he still comes over just as much, you can offer him a ride home at a certain time, or let him know in advance that you'll be having dinner as a family at 6 but he is welcome to come over till then.

Important to note: This situation also came about as a result of you not setting boundaries perhaps a little sooner. However it is not too late and he is old enough to handle his own basic needs without being with your family.

/r/relationships Thread