My husband’s teenage son from his previous marriage is living with us, and it has created some challenges. Since I earn significantly more than his father, he frequently asks ime for money to buy trendy clothes, gadgets, and even exotic fruits—essentially, everything his friends at school have.

When he lived with his mom, his options were limited, but now that he’s in our spacious home, he desires more possessions. I don’t give him money outright; instead, his dad and I ensure he has decent, modest clothes and enough food without indulging in luxuries.

He claims I’m being unfair because I provide my daughter from my previous marriage with a weekly allowance. He believes this means I care for her more than him. However, I have my reasons. First, I was raised by strict parents who, despite having money, never spoiled me. This instilled a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency in me that I want to impart to both my daughter and stepson.

Secondly, my daughter earns her allowance by contributing around the house—doing chores like gardening and laundry. By the end of the week, she has accumulated a decent sum, which is significant for a teenager. I want my stepson to learn the same values. It’s not about being unfair or lacking affection; it’s about equipping him with essential life skills that will serve him well in the future.

Recently, the atmosphere in our home has become increasingly strained. He continues to accuse me of favoritism, which is adding to the stress. My husband stands by me in not yielding to his requests, but he is also concerned that I might be too strict.

I feel torn about how to approach this situation. I don’t want my stepson to feel unloved or excluded, but I also want to uphold my principles.

Honestly, I’m uncertain about how to manage this with a teenage boy, and I could really use some guidance.