Where do I begin. I have a 5 year old step son and these days it seems that they are picking up on how to play the adults against each other. His mom does baby him a little more than we do, but he also has trouble minding her because of that. I have tried to play the middle man between her and my husband, but its getting really old because it seems that she will believe the child no matter what me or his dad tells her. And when we do call her to talk to her she puts the child on the phone to talk to him instead of dealing with it herself. Im just so tired of it all, plus im expecting my first child and Im beginning to wonder if the mom is putting words in his head about us loving the new baby more than him when he/she does arrive. Just wondering if any one else has had issues,or maybe around the same problems and any helpful tips you may have.
Wow, that's so sad. I don't have your experience, but I wonder if their is a local Baytown support group for folks who
are in your situation.
I've never been a step parent, but I do have two kids of my own. I would suggest having talks now and then with your step son about the new baby, if you don't already. Get things out in the open, let him know that you love all your kids the same, and let him know that you will need his help and that he is an important part of all of your lives, including the baby's. Encourage him to think of the baby as a "family" matter, not just a "parent matter". Let him know that if it's a girl, he's going to be important because he can protect his baby sister. And if it's a boy, he can teach him sports and "boy things". If you talk enough and keep him in the loop, you can probably squash any misconceptions his mother may be giving him. He should hear a lot of this from his father as well.
I wish I could say more, but maybe someone else who has experience being a step parent can post some more advice on that particular subject.
Thanks 8 ball any suggestions right now are greatly appreciated. I will sit down and have a talk with my husband about this that way we can get started the next time we see him.
Good luck.
Hey Sissa, who does your stepson live with?