Affection Towards Step-Children

Jessica - posted on 03/23/2013

I understand how you feel. Everyone tells you to fake it for the kids, but you have to protect and worry about your own sanity. I can't fake it, I will protect, but I do not feel comfortable being affectionate with my 12 year old step son. I can't relate to him about anything. I have tried, but he has no sense of self respect with cleaning himself, he is lazy, and I don't enjoy his company. I don't find it my resonsibily to show his affection and someone shouldn't force you to do that, that is why they have their bio parents! We ar a compliment to the family. It's not your responsibility. You can be kind and fun, but you don't have to be mom!

Cidalia - posted on 01/08/2010

In response to Kimberly Paradis' reply: I'm sorry to hear about all these issues you are having with your SD, but from reading your post it seems the problem doesn't stem from the fact that she's a step child but from the lack of discipline "Her father does not believe in disapline and will not allow anyone including me to disapline or correct her in any way" and her contact with an unstable bio mom... basically because hubby and you were not on the same page with regard to discipline and she basically didn't get any, she has turned into the selfish spoiled brat you see before you. The result would be the same with a bio child. I'm sorry that your husband didn't realize the damage he was inflicting on his daughter and on your marriage. This is not your fault. I would have told him long ago, we're either in this together, or you're on your own.

Cidalia - posted on 01/08/2010

I can understand that it's harder to feel the same about a step child as for a bio child, but she's just a child. If you have to go through the motions at first, go through the motions. Put an effort. See this child through different eyes... as though she were yours and you wanted to protect her from hurt. You can't expect to magically feel more for her if you keep a distance. I can't entirely relate, I'm afraid, because I have a natural tendency to feel protective towards children in general. I understand what you're saying about having your hubby take up the slack as her other bio parent, but I think what he's getting at is that she needs some motherly affection... he can't be more than a father figure for her. She needs a special female touch. You may not intentionally be going out of your way to exclude her, but you're not going out of your way to include her either. Try to imagine yourself in her shoes... when you feel empathy for someone, it's a lot easier to love them.

Adrienne - posted on 01/06/2010

Oh my goodness. I cannot believe what I am reading. You are definatly playing favorites & down the road it will be very hard for you, your stepdaughter and may possibly ruin your marraige at some point. I have 2 step children & 2 biological children. My husband & I treat them all as if they were our own. Yes, there is a difference in emotions towards your step & your biological but remember she didn't ask for the divorce. She is only a child. No matter what or where the love comes from a child needs to feel loved & cared for. YES it is your responsibility as a mother in the household to be equal & do for the stepchildren as you would your own. Why wouldn't you? Again it is not the childs fault for the divorce. Why should she have to pay for it? At the time of marraige you didn't just marry your husband but you also married your stepdaughter too. It is a combined package. Just imagine if one day you get a divorce & a new mom becomes a part of your bilogical childrens life. How would you want them to be treated? Would you want them to be treated the way that you are treating your stepdaughter? In the long run it will create emotional issues with her all because of you & how you treated her. I really don't feel sorry for you but I do have sympathy for her & your husband. My heart breaks for her. Remember what goes around comes around unfortunatly so I would really think deeply on your actions to save your relationship & to give your stepdaughter a better life. Sorry that I am being very blunt but you asked & I replied.

Heather - posted on 12/10/2009

I can understand what you feel about your step-daughter. Sometimes it is difficult for me to express emotions and contain my irritability with my step-son. We have had a lot of problems my step-son over the past year serious problems. And here lately he likes to balance his mother against us or not listen to me. I know he he is a teenager and I expected some resilence.. He lives with us full-time and i have two sons that live with us full-time. Up until this year I have treated him as an equal and always mad ehim feel like a member of our family. But I can understand the complicated emotions that you might feel with your step-daughter

Cantrys - posted on 12/09/2009

If my hubby said those things to me, I'd be completely heartbroken. To me, this is my son. He made the decision to commit his life to me, and with that comes a dashing child. However, we made decision together when it came to him.

If my husband wanted to make a family with me, that meant all of me. My son is half me. And he agreed whole heartedly. He wouldn't segregate himself in any part. Given together that we have custody, every decision I make regarding my son also affects him. He gets an equal say in things. He disciplines. He loves. I'm in university, on law track, and he fully engages in every parenting aspect. Taking him to the park, bathing, reading and kissing him good night.

There is a unique relationship with my son and my DH. My son always refers to him as "My Eric" ... He knows that Eric is not his daddy, but that he is a parent. And my hubby takes this with pride.

I also have a memory that makes me proud to have such a strong and loving step-parent. I had an exam, and Eric was watching him. I ended early so I went downtown to catch the tail end of a festival. I saw Eric with my son on his shoulders meandering around booths, talking with other people and the look of joy between the two of them. Knowing how hard he tries to make sure that Atticus feels loved,accepted and safe in his home fills me with an incredible sense of amazement.

It has nothing to do with the ex. His daughter is flesh of him. She's a blessing and should be loved as a person, and because she's his daughter. And you should want that because you love your husband. Affection should be given to every child and young woman to increase her self-esteem. Especially by someone married to her father.

Tara - posted on 12/05/2009

i am a bio mom and a step mom...kids are 5, 9,10,11,19 year old twins,20 and 22.....so i have sooooo much experience in small children.. teens and adults,, going through it all, and we are ALL a loving family...my hubby and i are a TEAM....think of your bio children... think of someone taking pics of thier siblings all the time and not THEM...or hugging the siblings goodnight all the time and not THEM...wouldent your heart break for YOUR kids if they were treated like this? i sometimes have forced my self to smile and hold my arms out for my step kids... when it was way more natural with my own....i did the SAME for the step kids... kids who are treated lesser than...will get treated lesser than by thier siblings....and have a low self esteem....i am a counsellor and it really breaks my heart to imagine ONE time that little girl watching the other kids getting hugged goodnight and not her..she NEEDS this..from what you wrote, you are who she can only get it from...she needs compliments and love...and one on one time..with alll the kids and full time jobs we planned one on one time with each child, in turns...that makes the child feel very equal...dont " feel bad", its all about learning...and changing negetive patterns...

Christy - posted on 12/04/2009

Also, if you want your children and the step child to respect you, your gonna hafta teach them what is acceptable and what is not.

Christy - posted on 12/04/2009

I biologically have 2 children of my own, my daughter is 5, my son is 3 and my step son is 7. I could love a children off the street just as my own. I believe that when you make the commitment to be with someone who already has children, you are committing to those children as well. Kids get vibes just as we do. They notice everything. I treat my stepson no different than my own, I kiss all 3 of them goodnight, I do for all of them the same, Kids need affection, even when they act like they don't. Kids need to feel loved. You are setting an example for your children, and that is how you have to look at things with every decision you make and every thing you do. When my spouse is running late in the mornings, and has to take his son 45 minutes away to school, I pick up the slack and get his son dressed for him, its called family. Its called team work. He would and does the same for me. If you are treating your children differently, they will also treat the step child differently, and that is not fair. That child cannot help it that her parents didn't work out and should not be punished for that. Children need lots of love to grow into healthy adults. The love that you could provide to your step daughter will be appreciated when she grows up. She looks to you, even if you dont realize it. She is a child and children will have attitudes, she may have this attitude because of emotional problems, or because of other issues she is going through. It is tuff for children to adapt to new people, it takes lots of time and love. I have helped my step son with homework, i have kept him many times while his dad is at work, I have bonded with him, it isn't always easy, children get mad, say things they shouldn't, act in ways that makes you angry, but they are children, in training to be whatever they are going to be, ignoring or singling this little girl out is only going to teach her to do the same. Kids need to feel accepted, just as we do. You have to remember that you are the adult, leading these children, teaching them. You are a huge influence to them. It might be a good idea to sit down with your husband and talk with him again, discuss things, or your distance towards his daughter may become a distance between you and your husband.

Katherine - posted on 11/23/2009

this is what i think.... i think that you should try to have a relationship with your step daughter...i have a step daughter that is 14 years old her father and i have been together for almost four years its tough at times because im not her mother but when you accept the father you accept the WHOLE package try to do things with her if your doing it for your daughters it wont be that much harder to do it for her...maybe if you show her affection she will show you and others affection...me and my husband have two little ones of our own and i try to do the things that i would do for my little girls for her...and if her mother doesnt do the things you do for your children all the more reason you should try to involve her in your world show her that she is loved and that just because you didnt carry her in your tummy for nine months and was up with her all those sleepless night that you still have the capacity to love her as if she were your own .....my husband has a son also and when ANYONE asks me how many children i have i ALWAYS tell them i have four because i love them just as much MAYBE more than there own mother...try not to think of it as you pickin up the slack try to think of it as you being there for this little girl and loving and nurturing her so that one day she can grow up and become a loving mother and friend...

i hope this helps
best wishes always -katherine-

Kristalee - posted on 11/16/2009

I just wanted to commend you for putting yourself out there and ask for advice and support. I would also like to remind everyone else that this is supposed to be a positive place for support from others who may be in similar situations. I understand what you are feeling and pray that you would find the daily strength and support and courage it takes to be a stepmom, especially in a difficult environment.
The only thing that I can think of to share that may help in your situation is that in my experience, my relationship with my husband is the most important variable. His support both in front of the kids and behind closed doors is the single most important factor in my successes as a stepmom day to day. Oh, and the best advice I've ever gotten (after multiple therapists and a degree of my own in psychology) is to stay "emotionally regulated" and that our job is to "teach and provide".
Give yourself a pat on the back. The fact that you made yourself so vulnerable and asked for help is a strong indication that you are a GREAT mom and stepmom.
God bless!

Jenneth - posted on 11/07/2009

and once again i understand that but do you understand children cant pick or choose thier parents. so they are just out there waiting with thier little arms out for someone to show love or affection how are they going to know about it unless someone shows it to them first

Dawn - posted on 11/07/2009

I understand how you feel. I had 2 children of my own and my husband had 3 daughters when we married. We now have 1 together. It was and still is very hard for me to treat them like my own children. When we first married (their mother left them when they were little and were raised by their dad) my step-daughters caused a lot of misery for me. They called me names, wouldn't listen to me, stole from my kids, one left the house at 14 to live with her boyfriend, and the list goes on & on. It was very hard to treat them or love them like my own children. I still have problems with this. I feel the same as you...I carried my children and raised them from birth. Have they been disrespectful at times? yes but nothing to the degree of my step-daughters. My children never disrespected their step-father either. I think because they had their dad in their lives they knew he was more like a friend to them. My husband would continuously tell the girls that I was there new mother but I wasn't. I didn't start developing a real relationship with them until they got out of their teen years and 2 of them have become parents now. It's a hard situation to be in. Step-parenting is I believe harder then parenting your own children. It's hard to love kids/people in general when they are disrespectful to you. Maybe you could just try to be more of a friend to her and if all goes well you'll start to develop affection for her. I do agree that they are kids and it's not their fault how their life has turned out. Especially when it's their mom who left, isn't involved, and they never had all the things a real mother does for their children. I do know my step-daughters were extremely jealous of my 2 kids when we married because they had a mom & dad. It still comes up in conversations and we've been married 12 years. They feel like they were cheated in life. But life is what you make of it. Good luck with everything!

Wendy - posted on 11/05/2009

Are you for real???? How would you feel if your husband treated your kids differently?? I don't care if you carried her or not - you married him she is one of your children now - it's a package deal you get one you get the other. I have two step children and one of my own. I would walk through fire for ANY of them. Now that being said - I have a different realationship with each of them - only because they all have different personalities. We make a point to not do more for one than they other when it comes to gifts. But they all know that they come first, before us but not before eachother. They each get a hug and a kiss before bed or before they walk out the door everyday. The big problem you are going to run into is that your kids are going to see the difference and are going to point it out to your step-daughter. Then how is she going to feel? It sounds like there are going to be some hard roads ahead for you and your husband if things don't change. People come and go in our lives but our children are forever. If your husband has to choose at some point he's most likely going to choose his child (if he's a man worth his salt he will choose his child everytime). You don't want that - it may benifit you to spend some one on one time with your step-daughter and start to build a relationship with her - you may find more love and room in you hearrt.

Amber - posted on 11/01/2009

i love the fake it til u make it!!!!! and my step-children do really well w/ the hi-fives. sk's have touchy feely issues too!

the hi-fives also work great w/ my pre-teens that are getting too big for public displays of affection.lol

Christi - posted on 10/19/2009

Just a suggestion: instead of trying to force emotions that don't come naturally, really work to nurture the relationship btw your kids and your SD. The closer they become as sisters the more you may value the role of your SD in the family. I love watching all our children together. The gentleness and fun my older boys (stepsons) show the little ones warms my heart. Anytime you see someone truly loving and enjoying your children, your feelings towards that person will increase. Not a sermon, just a thought...

Kimberly - posted on 10/19/2009

I seem to be at the other end of the spectrum than you in choice on rearing anothers child. but I have the same issue of the parent not taking up slack where their ex lacked and the man's verbal attempt at guilt of supposed lack of affection or attention on his child.



I have raised my step daughter since she was a 16 months old her mother abandoned her and my partner shortly after the child turned 1. I reared her as if I gave birth to her, spent thousands of dollars and rearranged my entire life to help care for her. It has been almost 6 yrs now I have not in anyway treated her differently than my own 3 daughters.

she has horrible attitude and disrespect towards me and everyone in the families including her dad but in school or to friends parents she is a saint . they believe everything she says and can't believe she is a tryant at home. She is now on a kick of how hard her life is and how she is treated so mean. I have already had to deal with the school counsler , her teacher and the concerned looks of a friends' parent based on what this child is telling them and gaining sympathy for.



the child is spoiled, selfish, disrespectful , hateful and ungrateful. Her father does not believe in disapline and will not allow anyone including me to disapline or correct her in any way. He also promotes contact with her biological mother even though the lawyers, social services and courts made it clear the child should never have any contact at all with her mom at all due to mental illness factors and unsafety of physical care. the more the child speaks with her mom the more behavior issues I have with her. and I unfortunately have seen her mothers mental illness symptoms/charastics in her.



a year ago after i put my foot down about her sleeping in our room or our bed she stood over me in middle of night glaring at me in silence..I woke up to her almost nose to nose with me in a dead ' i hate you glare' ....she acts out in anger whenever I set rules or make daddy stop allowing ridiculous demands.....

it is a constant daily struggle she has to look 'hot' aka sexy and she wants a baby. if she is like this at 6 we will be lucky if she is not slashing tires or pregnant by 13 .

I feel I will be lucky if I literally survive this relationship. I really dread what is coming next.



at age 3 ; play group and observation was suggested to him for a base line on any underlying condition she have inherited from the mother yet he refuses to think anything other than a normal child antics. after 6yrs of rearing the child basically alone while he works and plays on computer I am still NOT looked at or thought of as her mom by anyone including her. And she is becoming more of a concern to me in her behavior based on her emoptions.



I will never date another man with a kid from previous marriage again. I heard horror stories of ex trouble and bratty kids but I never imagined the extreme BS I have been through with both the Psycho Ex and the child.

The dad is hard worker, easy to get along with ..he just completely lacking in any real parenting skills and totally blind to his kid.



why do I stay? I ask myself this daily... 6 yrs. a man that is nothing like my ex husband in any way A BIG PLUS!! Well like I said I reared the child as my own..I love them both. however they are both making it easier to leave every day...by pushing me further away. my children are grown and never lived with us and for all his good traits he has a major fault with me and that is he does not think of my children as his family nor does he go out of the way to treat them so.



do not let the man guilt you into rearing his kid ALONE.. BUT put yourself into the childs shoes and what you feel she deserves to have and get out of life . it is not up to you to fill either parents showes or make up for their mistakes.....



however : yes i do think that since you made the choice to be a step parent that you should be a parent also to that child and make it a family : it can't be yours, his and then the 2 of you..it will never work. make him pay for her stuff and make him attend her recitals or whatever also share the burdon of running his daughter wear she needs to be....I have found the hard way that if the man has to pay and actually contribute effort participation he no longer cares if the kid does a damn thing. LOL

if you are in this relationship for the long haul and have the kid full time or even half time then you should form a bond with her. maybe not mother daughter but at least trusted friend and she should feel like part of the family not an after thought or a burdon.



also your children will pick up how you feel and think and treat this step child and they too will act the same towards her.



you are very lucky if he excepted and pays for you childrens stuff. the least you can do is be open to his daughter. it is a give and take in a realtionship when one comes with kids it is a package deal..all or nothing.

Courtney Faith - posted on 10/18/2009

I feel that this is beyond harsh. My husband treats both of my children like they are his own. He doesn't care that he is Filipino and I'm white and people constantly wonder whose children they are if he takes them out alone. Then again I made it clear to him that we were a package deal. If he wants me then he takes me and his kids. It appears that your husband accepted your daughter and helps pay for her extracurricular activities. I understand if his little girl is not accepting of your affection and love but it appears you just don't do any of those things. If her own mother according to your account doesn't spend time with her then find it in your heart to do so. She deserves to feel loved in both homes. Maybe if you give it a shot you will find yourself loving one more child. Just a thought.

Amber - posted on 10/18/2009

Amen Kimberly!

Kimberly - posted on 10/18/2009

When my husband and I were married....he had two children and so did I. We are a very "blended" family if you will.....not to mention the fact that he is black, I am white, my children are bi-racial and his children are black. In the sight of the public I'm sure that they don't often know what to think of us. His children have a great mother, but I am a great mother too. I can't imagine not loving his children like they are my own. THEY ARE mine, they are his...we are a team. ALL 6 of us. We are fortunate that our children fell into line with one another like they'd know each other all of their lives. If there is love in your home then it should be spread evenly. Everyone should get those hugs, kisses, tickles, pictures, etc. They are children...that is all. They want and DESERVE to be loved. Realize that her own mother is insufficient....that is why her father married YOU. You have the love to give and to raise her properly to eventually be a good mother, wife and person. But you should....must treat her equally. She's a sister, and a daughter. You need to give all your love to his child and him give all his love to your children. You would be surprised what a simple kiss goodnight does for the heart of a child. And remember...."steps" are used to travel between the floors of your home. Be blessed!

Amber - posted on 10/18/2009

I'm in a blended family relationship. We each brought two kids to the family and we are now having one of our own. My kids are full time with us and his come at least 3 days a week. I have felt, at times, he could be nicer to my daughter, equal to his, but realized that he absolutely is and I was sensitive (hormones?)

For me, I feel like I need to build my own relationships with his girls (6 & 8 y/o) and not make it about doing more for them, or their relationship with their mom. I recognize that there should be boundaries for me as their dad's girlfriend, especially with the new baby coming. They have all kinds of questions about being pregnant, how I got pregnant and the delivery. I do not want to rob their mother of those "first" time discussions so I keep it light and we mostly talk about baby names and them picking what they get to do for the baby.

I think the more you incorporate his daughter into your daily routines the better. Make her a scrapbook page, take pictures of just her. You're not doing this for him, do it for yourself and your relationship with her.

Elisabeth - posted on 10/18/2009

I think feeling differently towards skids is totally natural. She is not your kid. And, she have two parents already. You can not replace her mother *even if you wanted to.* Your responsibility to your husband's daughter is to make sure she feels welcome in your home and to help facilitate her relationship with her father. Fake it till you make it? Kids are like mini hound-dogs when it comes to sniffing out emotions. If you don't *love* your stepdaughter, it's ok! As long as you are treating her with respect and kindness, you have done your job.

Alexandra - posted on 10/16/2009

I have two step kids, and have been a step mom for 4 and a half years and my first baby is only 4 months, so more experience as a step aprent than a biological parent at this point......fake it till you make it. Do the best that you can within your boundaries (figure out what you're ok with and not ok with) but as you become comfortable push those boundaries again. My SK's mom is not all that wonderful of a mom either, which made it more important to me that they remember an adult doing something with them that they enjoy. As long as they know that you are there and care for them, hugs aren't necessary. It's ok to tell them that people show caring in all sorts of ways, some people hug, some people tell stories, some people cook for those they love....there are all different forms of caring. And yes, you did marry your husband and kids come with it but by no means do you need to feel guilty for not doing things you aren't comfortable with. Remember that YOUR relationship with their dad comes FIRST before anything

Melissa - posted on 10/16/2009

I think you may be being a little harsh. Here's my thought...when you met your husband, he was a package deal...him AND the daughter...you "married" them both. Granted, your SD DOES have a real mother who SHOULD be doing all of these "mom n daughter" things with her. She's apparently not and I feel sorry for your SD for that. However, as a step-mom, you have to get to a point where you accept and love your step-children as your own. If your SD sees you paying more attention to your own kids than you are to her, do you think she will feel resentment towards you? I agree with you in that your SD attitude isn't the direct result of you. However, perhaps she does feel excluded by you as her step-mother. I think when you have step-children involved favoritism is hard not to do. I have two SD myself and find it really difficult not to favor my kids over them. However, you are a family and need to think of yourself as such. Your SD needs to give you the same kindness, respect, and attitude that you give her. I guess it might work both ways. Just my two cents.....



BTW I read your second post and just wanted to let you know that I do understand the whole "can't force love" thing. I also totally agree that I don't get excited to see my SD after they have been with their mom either. But I also would do anything for them and when they hurt, I hurt, when they are sad, Im sad...same as with my daughter. I would just try as a step mother to have one-on-one time with your SD. Perhaps that would help you two bond?

Elmary - posted on 10/16/2009

I dont agree at all with Jenneth. Actually nothing she says. I dont believe for one second that Racheal is saying that she doesn't love her but there are all sorts of love. Nothing can compare to a love for a child especially one that you have carried for 9+ months and gave birth to.

Miranda - posted on 10/16/2009

Just reread what I wrote. It comes off as a little judgemental. That was not my intention at all. I really do understand the feelings and emotions you are having. I just think that children are priceless and I think that all of the things and relationships in their lives determine how they turn out as adults. I think it is very important how this situation is handled. I wish you nothing but the best! And nothing but the best for all your children, biological and step.

Miranda - posted on 10/16/2009

I have a stepson and can totally understand where your coming from. At the same time, my first two children are not my husbands. So he to has step children. Step kids do things that get on your nerves like your own kids could never do to get on your nerves. I know! I feel really sad for your stepdaughter as I do my children some times.



What I wish my husband and in-laws would do is act like it. I know that hubby and in-laws will never have that bond that 'real' families have with my two oldest, however, I don't think it is asking a whole lot to pretend that they do.



I have a niece who biologically is not my brothers daughter. At first it was really hard. 14 years later, I see no difference in my feelings for her than I do my nephews. I have been there for all the birthdays and special moments, bought for her just as I did my other nieces and nephews, no more no less. It can and will become love. Maybe not the same love that you have for your children, but that's okay.



I don't know if any of this made this, different thoughts keep popping into my head. Start slow, do little at a time. I mean, really, how hard is it to give a child a hug? It may be uncomfortable for you but maybe it will do a world of good for this precious child. And to me, that is what matters.



You have the opportunity to help shape this childs future. I guess it's up to you what you'll do with it.

Shannon - posted on 10/15/2009

I don't know if this will help, but because I have been there with 3 step daughters, I understand how this can happen. We had a motto in our house after my son was born, and it went like this: "It's not more or less, it is just different". I on the other hand wanted to love them like my own, but their mother was constantly reminding me and them that I was just a step parent, and I was to just take care of them, and provided for their needs and that was that. Maybe you can create some kind of a hand bump, hi five, or something that is just between the two of you, that would make her feel special, but would not make you feel uncomfortable. Maybe after doing this for awhile the other feelings will follow. I hope this is helpful...

Jenneth - posted on 10/15/2009

no i dont i love them all even when they r not with me.she is lacking as far as a mother is concerned b-cause nobody cares enuff to give her that hug or that kiss goodnight. how would you feel just by chance if you were not there and no on e did those things for your daughter the extra special mommy things that you do which are great you could be the difference between her becoming a killer stalker or something like that. you didnot start the cycle but when you said i do to your husband it was i do to him and his child.you should have your husbands back you dont have to hug her and kiss her all the time but show some type of affection toward her that shows you care. you are right when you say you didnt start her being like that but she clearly is screaming for attention from anybody or somebody

Rachael - posted on 10/15/2009

I am starting to feel bad. I don't exclude her by any means...I am way more the parent that tries to plan fun things for the kids, takes them to get ice cream after school, figures out craft projects that they can work on together, etc. She'd be the 1st to tell you that I am way more "child" driven than my husband or her mom (they always think of things that would be fun for adults that kids can come along to do...I focus on fun for the kids because watching them have a good time makes me happy). I care about her well being and safety whole heartedly. And I try to be a friend to her also. I just don't look at her and think the same rthings I do about my own kids. I have a friend who just had her first baby last year and, soon after, got into an argument with her husband about how she only ever takes pictures of their baby and not his son...and calls him to tell him cute things the baby did and never anything about his son. She felt like she was a bad person and I told her that 1) it was her first child of her own and EVERY new mom takes 7,000 pictures of their first and 2) as long as she was being fair and kind to both kids that she should not feel guilty if she didn't love her stepson the way she did her own baby. Having a parent child relationship is like no other; no matter what they do or say, as a mother, you will always love them with all your heart. However, I know you can't force love and, like I said, I care about her and wouldn't let anything happen to her...I just can't see myself getting anxious to see her after she's been with her mom for a weekend. I have never been a "cuddler"...I like my space...but with my own kids it's different; I like to hold them and have them sit on my lap and give them lots of hugs and kisses. Heck, I kiss them more often than I do my husband! LOL! When I think of my ex's girlfriend, I hope that she's kind to my daughter but I would prefer she be more like an aunt than a mom; I don't want to imagine her laying in her bed with her at night and reading her stories or doing other "mommy" things with her (my SD's mom made the same requests when I first entered their lives). I dunno...I am totally rambling...but, bottom line, I love my husband and I would never wish his daughter weren't with us; I just don't feel the love or affection for her that I do my own children. I wonder if it's different for stepdads??

Domonique - posted on 10/15/2009

My post was to Rachael.

Domonique - posted on 10/15/2009

I don't have stepchildren but my brother has a stepdaughter who is seven and a biological daughter who is 1 yr and 3 months. So I have heard about the frustration of the relationship. But the bottom line is that these are CHILDREN. I have a 3yr old son and twin girls and I can't bear the thought of any of them, although blood related to FEEL unloved. You can't force a natural affection for your husbands child but you love your husband and his child is a part of him. You married him and all that comes with him. The fact that you realize you don't do any of those things with her is like you are not doing things like that on purpose. I'm not saying that you have to go out of your way or pretend she is YOUR child but try to do a little more than just live with her, she didn't ask to not be with both of her biological parents. Adults control childrens lives and can manipulate their emotions, you are the other adult in her life...just try your best.

Pam - posted on 10/15/2009

I think the one thing you definitley do not want to do is to make your step daughter feel left out of anything that you would do with your own children. She may just need that "special" attention from you that she is not getting from her biological mother. She may actually want that from you!!! Show compassion and understanding for her feelings knowing what she is going thru with the blended family. Just remember it is also very hard on children when their own parents go on with another relationship.

Elmary - posted on 10/14/2009

It may just take a while to feel more affection to her. I know that it comes so easy to our own but when it comes to others its a little delayed and not the same. I completely think that this is natural. I have helped raise me husbands son since 14 months of age and now he is 9 years but it still doesn't come so natural to give him hugs and kisses. Partly because he is also not a affectionate kid. I see my self in your shoes and its nice to here that others feel the same.