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im not ready to be a stepmom

uniquesoul's picture

I am yrs old and my fiance is 28. I am pregnant with our first baby. My due date is actually today but my baby hasnt come out yet. My partner has a 7 yr old son from his past relationship that he jst decided to take full custody of. His son moved in with us about a week ago. Because he thinks that his son is better off living with us than the bio mom. As the bio mom herself claims that she is with a 'psychopath'. His son is not really in danger there. But yea. So my partner and his ex jst decided for their son to live with us. While she enjoys her life with the boyfriend without any responsibility of being a parent. She even said on her message that it is her life and she can do whatever she wants. I just feel that it is so unfair that his bio mom is enjoying her life like a single woman and giving her responsibility of being a mom to other people. Whats worse is, my partner didnt even ask me if I was ok with it. Not thinking that id be the one spending most of the time at home and not him.. cos he goes to work.. especially now that im pregnant.. I was really shocked. And so worried of so many things. Worried of how things are gnna be like with this new arrangement. Im not gonna lie to anyone, im not ready to be a step mom. Im not ready for this. I havent even experienced jst me, my baby, and my fiance as a family.. I dont wanna seem to be selfish. But im jst not ready now. And I feel awful about it. Bcos its affecting my relationship with my fiance... being pregnant, im also so moody and want all the attention of my partner, but cos he is busy with his son, I feel sad.... its affecting everything. I dnt have the energy to even eat.. im jst always stuck in my room constantly worrying... I dont know what to do...

Comments

MaddieH's picture

Couldn't agree more with what Step.tococis says. Your fiance hasn't considered your feelings at all! I don't have experience of personally having a newborn but I can see from friends just how difficult it can be. He needs to be showing you love and attention. A relationship is supposed to be about two people, not one person who makes decisions and expects the other person to be okay with it. The way your fiance has treated you is way out of order. I know it's difficult but I would be inclined to leave. It seems actually that even though you'll be a single mother, your life will be far easier as you'll only have your baby to look after, not his son he can't really be bothered with!

RedneckAngel's picture

I don't want to sound harsh or anything, but when you marry someone with a child, you need to be very very open to possibilities and I'm sorry it doesn't sound like you were expecting that at all.

I'm one of those SMs that believe each child should be equal bio/skids, unless either bio/skid just absolutely rejects it.

I've noticed many folks on this site have many different views on particular subjects and I think that is what helps one person or another.

MaddieH's picture

I completely agree with being open to possibilities and I would whole heartedly support my FDH if he were to obtain full custody of SS however, I would only be supportive if he spoke to me about it first. It's not fair to do this without even consulting his fiancee, the person he lives with now, as it affects both of their lives. It's basic respect to talk about things within a relationship that have an impact on both your lives.

uniquesoul's picture

I already told him that. But all he said was sorry for not consulting me before making decisions.. thats all..

uniquesoul's picture

Im sorry because I wasnt really expecting it at all. We jst started living together for less than a year.. I accepted his son since day 1, but im not ready to be a stepmom. It happened too quick...

Aeron's picture

Open? Sure. But her fiancé didn't even ask, didn't consult, just totally decided on his own. That's not what caring partners do. This child being brought into her home is going to affect her, probably even more than the kid's dad and yet she was not consulted. That has nothing to do with being open. That's just being disregarded and disrespected in the relationship.

I'm not sure where you're going with the children being equals comment. Is that a she should feel about her skid the way she does her baby? Or she she be equally expected to care for the skid? I'm confused there.

RedneckAngel's picture

I really didn't mean to upset anybody, That's also why I stated many folks on this site have different views and are more helpful for one person or another.

I guess my DH never really consults me and I just "deal" with whatever, and yes I admit to the point that I've given all but my last breath and I have accepted it either way, and feel very void from it, but that's me....Also, why I read this board....cause I see strength in some of you, that I used to have and wish I could regain. Sometimes I also find I'm way blessed and don't know how some deal with their situations without flipping a lid.

equality in the kids bio or skids, that's because since I've been a skid myself with great step parents...way better than my bio parents, I just treat them equal in everything. All 4 kids have always lived with us, I buy for each of them equally...however I only get to claim 1 child on income tax, but it's not the kids fault so I just take the brunt I guess and go on. I pay for school lunches, yearbooks, field trips, clothes and feeding them isn't cheap either so I understand. I guess I just want my skids to know when mom isn't there, I am...and my DH does the same for them all as well.

I agree he should have spoken with her and maybe I should have stated that, I just know when you marry someones who's been married before or has children we must brace ourselves for anything, you never know what's coming.

Disneyfan's picture

What????

Most dont think about it because they like to live in pretend world where dad didn't have a live before meeting the current SM, therefore the SKs don't really exist.

Any one who gets involved with a parent, and doesn't think about the possibility of the MINOR kids moving in is nuts. Things can change at anytime.

Not all dads are paying a ton CS so keeping the kids for the check is bull. Believe it or not, there are plenty of BMs out there who earn more than the BD's. (I was one of them) Having full custody of my son had nothing to do with receiving CS from his father.

Generic's picture

I agree that would be life altering. By your very reasoning, do you concede that equally world flipping is watching Dad walk away after living together allllll this time as a whole family? My point is both scenarios are equally damaging. I find it unfair to blame BM more just because she initially took on the responsibility that her ex couldn't or wouldn't. Maybe she is unable to now and it's time for Dad to step up to the plate. I just can't help but think if the roles were reversed, we would have such different responses to this post. Is that fair?

uniquesoul's picture

Then he reassures me saying that his son is already 7 and its not like he is high maintenance to look after. And tells me that i dont understand his sons need of being with a good family (w/c is our family). I understand that he loves his son. But im nt really ready right now. Especially that I need to take care of a newborn..

Aeron's picture

Wow... And yet he obviously doesn't understand your need to be a partner in your relationship and not be treated like a child. Does he expect to make other unilateral decisions that affect the whole family without a word to you?

Maybe this boy is the most chill kid on the planet, but um... Kids are high maintenance and 7 isn't 17. While I'd expect that he can probably get his own bowl of cereal in the morning, I imagine unless he's eating sandwiches every day there's going to be a need to make him dinner, so since he's not that hard to look after, I guess dad just took on dinner duty. There's also laundry, homework, getting to and from school whether that's by bus or car (at least where I am the kid Has to be met by an adult at bus drop off) and then doctors, parent teacher conferences ...

Your guy is feeding you a line if he's telling you this won't be a lot of work. However, your choice now is to allow this work to be put on you or to push it all back on his dad. Dad made this decision all by his big boy self, if it were me, he'd better be ready to pull those big boy pants up and take care of All the crap that goes along with having a kid.

Newborns are hard. There is certainly a spectrum, but most newborns are hard. There will also be your own recovery and you absolutely need to take care of yourself. So while the kid is there and that's a done deal for this point, you need to give your guy a reality check about how much effort he needs to be putting into to his son And you And the new baby. Relationships take work too and he doesn't get to slack off if he wants this to continue to be a "good" family.

Disneyfan's picture

Are you willing to walk away if goes through with this? If so, make that clear to him. Of course, you have to be prepared for him to show you the door.

As a SM there's no way I would agree to this. As a BM, there's no way I'd leave my child with an unfit parent in order to keep a SO. You have to make the choice that is best for you and he has to make a choice that is best for his child.

If the kid really is better off with dad and you're not ready to be a full-time SM, then he should end the relationship with you.

Disneyfan's picture

There are moms and dads who do this everyday. As soon as a new man or woman comes into the picture, they push their kids to the side. If the kids are lucky, they have another parent able and willing to step in and do the right thing.

The man was wrong for not talking to the OP first, but as a parent he is doing what needs to be done.

OP, you should lay down the law now. Make sure he understands that he will be responsible for parenting his son. He has to handle lunches, baths, homework, school events....

Generic's picture

Not only that, but I have heard/read of parents pushing their kids to the side to be with someone who has kids! Can you imagine what that feels like to a kid? I don't want mine, but I'll parent yours??

uniquesoul's picture

I dont want to leave because I want my baby to have a family..that is so unfair for me and my baby just because his bio mom is a selfish person. I just dont know what to do right now... im not ready right now but little by little I will try to accept his son living with us..

stormabruin's picture

Just like you want your baby to have a family & a happy life, I'm sure that's what your fiance wants for his son. You want to be a good parent & provide a stable healthy environment for your child & he wants the same for his son.

You can hardly fault him for that. BM makes her choices. No one can make her stop being selfish. If she isn't willing to be a parent to their son, it's your fiance's responsibility to step up.

That said, he absolutely should have discussed it with you. If he had, would you have said no?

Be certain that you hold your fiance accountable for doing for & caring for his son. That will allow you to care for your baby, which will help you not feel resentful toward the little boy.

If you're not sure that this situation is one you want to be permanent, DO NOT get married.

uniquesoul's picture

thats true. And I dont really wanna be selfish and think about myself over a kid. He is jst a child that needs loving too. Anddd its just unfortunate that the bio mom is so stupid to dump his kid just to be with a douche. Im just not ready right now as it happened too quick and cos I wasnt consulted. Believe me, I feel awful of feeling this way. I want to accept this new arrangement but im not ready yet... but in time, I will try.. just for my fiance.. but nowwww im so miserable and its affecting my pregnancy.. what do I do.. I cant be in this house right now.. I need time to think over things..

Generic's picture

Is it me or are you not mad at your fiancé at all over this? I'm afraid you're going to end up doing the bulk of the work, resentful as hell, blaming BM and the boy but doing it all "just for fiancé". That is very dangerous thinking. He wants to provide a stable home for his son. That is a good thing. Since he didn't consult you, you need to assume that he is taking full responsibility for the care and wellbeing of his boy.

Disneyfan's picture

BM is a piece of shit parent. The poor guy has three options
A. Leave the kid with mom.
B. Dump the kids on another family member.
C. Take full custody.

A and B makes him just as bad as BM. C is his only option. He has to put the needs of his son ahead of OP. That doesn't mean the way he went about was right. Or that he gets to make her do his job.

uniquesoul's picture

Right now he is the one doing stuff for his son as im nt fit to take care of him because im giving birth anytime now.. im just not sure whats gonna happen in the future..

omgsaveme's picture

We can't just always advise to just leave or get a divorce every time someone has an issue. Especially when most of us are still currently married or with our SOs in spite of our vents. Unique I am very sorry you were put into this situation, I can understand the situation your fiancé was put into, Im sure when BM decided she basically no longer wants to be a mom, fiancé felt serious guilt for SS. That is hard for a child who is 7 to lose his mother. I can't stand that people feel children are disposable. I think fiancé needs to have a talk with BM, that she needs to be a mother and that she can not just dump her son, not for his sake, your sake, but SS sake.

He should have talked to you, but what options does he have honestly, if BM really does just walk away ? He can't force her to be a mom, if she runs off to Hawaii and sends a postcard telling him she's never coming back then his option is to step up and be a full time dad which is what he's doing.

It puts you in a tough spot, you aren't going to get your DHs full attention when he has a son, but you knew this when you got with him. I would set the boundaries now and your expectations of how your household is going to run. If you don't want to be SSs personal assistant then don't be, try to prepare SS for the baby coming and try to include him in some things with the baby like letting him pick out toys or clothes so that you don't have a problem on your hands when the baby arrives.

uniquesoul's picture

The thing is, the BM is jst there.. it was my fiance who insisted to take full custody of their son.. while im pregnant... bm jst needs to get rid of her douchebag partner... thats all. Im really confused right now and I feel like I need time away to think things tthrough.i jst dont know how to tell my partner. Cos im scared too. what if our relationship ends bcos of this..

Willow2010's picture

I really wish people would come to this board before, getting involved with, living with, marrying, or getting pregnant by a person with other children. How long have you known your SO?

It sucks that he did not talk to you about it. BUT, he is doing the right thing by taking his child. And if you are not working, I am sure he will expect you to take some part in raising the kid. Taking care of a newborn and a 7 year old is really not as tough as some may try to make it seem.

Disney is right on all accounts here. You need to decide what you want and what you can put up with. Being a full time SM is SO very hard.

moeilijk's picture

If I was expecting a newborn and got a 7yo AND a newborn, I'd be unprepared. I have a 2 month old baby, and I think it is very hard work. I'm very glad I didn't get a bonus 2nd grade kid too.

I'd be shocked to come home to find out that a 7yo has moved in, all ready for me to take care of.

I don't know that I would ever welcome this particular situation, but I am sure the dad in this story has been thoughtless towards his wife.

I hope the OP and her partner can come up with some ideas for how the 7yo will be cared for, that don't actually involve the OP for a few months.

uniquesoul's picture

I think I need time apart to think things through. Because its really hard. I want my baby to belong to a good family as much as he wants the same with his son. Hence why he decided on his own for his son to live with us. But im scared that our relationship might change because he doesnt feel that im supportive of him. I dnt want him to think/feel that im thinking about myself over a kid.. how should I tell him??

uniquesoul's picture

Im 22. Its hard because I dont want to offend himm.. its his son that we are talking about...

uniquesoul's picture

Nothing like that. Im nt that selfish to even ask him to do that... im jst not ready right now..and I need time apart... jst to have space and think. Sooo when I come back, im readyy.

uniquesoul's picture

Ure right..soo then what do I do now while I have all these worries while im pregnant?? how do I stop this and be ok???

uniquesoul's picture

Ure right..soo then what do I do now while I have all these worries while im pregnant?? how do I stop this and be ok???

JustAgirl42's picture

Like LadyFace said, TALK to him. You may be surprised, he could actually end up being supportive and reassuring. What's the worst that can happen...you already feel bad.

Disneyfan's picture

OMG

I have a son, stepson and several cousins your age. They are all about to graduate from college and/or have pretty good jobs. All are living the typical young adult, kid free life.
None are ready to be parents or step parents.

He has to be told how you really feel.

Generic's picture

Why are you worried about offending HIM? I see so many problems here and it has nothing to do with blending families.

Willow2010's picture

I think I need time apart to think things through.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
sorry...but I think this sounds awfully manipulative on your part. It sounds like you are punishing him for taking custody of his son and making him choose between you and his son. Bad move.

uniquesoul's picture

So its better for me to stay at home miserable and jst be in my room, hardly eating while waiting for our baby to come out?? How come I feel like I have to always be the one understanding of the situation when my feelings wasnt considered in the first place?

fakemommy's picture

Well don't be upset that he can't read your mind. That makes no sense. There are ways to say things where you don't offend him. "I am nervous about this situation" "I need time to adjust" "I need you to take the reigns with your son" " I need quality time with our baby even though SS is living here"

And BTW when you spend your life with someone, you are going to offend them at some point, may as well take advantage of using pregnancy as an excuse and just do it now ;). JK obviously, but seriously,...

Disneyfan's picture

If you need time apart take it. But don't be surprised if uses that time. If he's lucky, he'll find an older, more mature woman to spend his life with.

Willow2010's picture

Wow...drama much?

EDIT to add...before you edited your above post...you said that you just stay in your room and stay hungry. Why on earth do you do that?!

uniquesoul's picture

Duhhh im pregnant. And part of me bekng emotional is bcos of my hormones.so if u have nothing good to say. Just fuck off..

Disneyfan's picture

Who knows, maybe dad will fight for full or at least 50/50 custody of the new baby.

Disneyfan's picture

In this case what the OP wants should not matter. Even if he had spoken to her first,(he should have done just that) and she told him no, do you think it would have made a difference? Regardless of what she wants or how she feels, the man has to provide a stable home for his child.

Cocoa's picture

it would have given her a chance to think about it and they could have come to an agreement on who provides care, etc... the way he did it, she has no say. I think he just assumes SHE will be the care taker.

fakemommy's picture

If you leave him right before your baby is born, you will be making a big mistake. The memories of the birth of your child will be clouded with the memories of your separation (if you work things out). What is done is done. Yes your BF should have consulted you before moving his son in, but what can be done about it now? Nothing. You can leave, or you can take some time, but time won't change things. He apologized, you can talk about it and make sure decisions are made jointly in the future, then you can learn to adjust TOGETHER or be a single parent and deal with custody battles and being apart from your baby half the time.
You are VERY young (even though I know you probably don't think you are). Having a baby is scary, especially at the end of a pregnancy. My advice is that you sit down, talk with your BF. Tell him you are scared about the changes coming to your family and compromise on how to deal with them, and TRY to work things out. Being alone, taking space, won't help you learn to work together for your family and children.
I don't really know what you want here. It seems like you want people to say, what a jerk his son needs to GO. Sorry, but that's not how life works. Take the advice you've been given, talk to your BF, figure things out. Get out of your room and get to know the kid and work on a routine with him before your baby is here. And yes, no one eats when they are about to pop, especially when they are stressing out instead of dealing with life.

Disneyfan's picture

She can still leave. Babies aren't crazy glue.

Her leaving may be the best thing for that poor little boy.

stormabruin's picture

How can you expect your fiance to be considerate of your feelings if you aren't willing to share them with him?

He has an obligation to his son. It's unfortunate you didn't think that through before now. You're not married. You have the option to leave.

You want to stay so your daughter can have a family.
You want his son to go so he isn't in your home.
You want your fiance to consider feelings you won't discuss with him.
You want time away to decide what you want.

It sounds like your fiance isn't the only one being selfish.

His mistake wasn't bringing his son into his home. It was not discussing this with you before he did it. He's doing what a father needs to do for his child. Put yourself in his place. What if it was you with the POS ex ditching your 7 year old child. Would you think twice about taking her in???

"But im scared that our relationship might change because he doesnt feel that im supportive of him. I dnt want him to think/feel that im thinking about myself over a kid.. how should I tell him??"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1)If you can't support him being a good father to his son, there's a really good chance your relationship will change.

2)You ARE thinking about yourself over his kid. Leading him to believe differently is manipulation.

3)You're ready to give birth to this man's child & you're engaged to be married. You REALLY need to put this wedding off until you can learn to communicate with this man.

You owe it to him, his child, your child & yourself to do that much. Marrying someone you can't express your feelings to is like marrying someone who doesn't even know you.

Not a good idea.

Marrying someone with a kid you resent having in your home...not a good idea.

steplife's picture

If BM is dumping of SS then your DF needs to get it in writing now! Then file so he can become primary. Then he needs to file for CS and he can use the money to put SS in some type of after school/daycare program during his work hours. If he is unable to get CS he STILL needs to pay for care for his kid. It's ridiculous that men don't look at the situation as a single person and how to they would provide for kids if we aren't around. Maybe you will change your mind later when your baby is a bit older, but for now it seems like you would feel better if someone could watch SS whily baby is little. Daycare and summer camps for SS!

Generic's picture

"That child is as much entitled to his father and living with his father as you and your baby."

This seems to be a very hard thing to grasp, from what I've read here. I'm fascinated by the phenomenon.

JustAgirl42's picture

If the two of you don't know how to communicate, or you are afraid to express your feelings, maybe counseling could help?

Shaman29's picture

I just skimmed the responses but my impressions:

1. You're very young and this sounds like an unplanned pregnancy.
2. Stop being mad at the BM. It will do you no good.
3. Start getting mad at your fiance. He is the problem.
4. Sit both of your dumb, uncommunicative butts down and TALK about the situation.

For the love of dog. The problem here is communication. You're so worried about being honest and hurting his feelings, but I don't see him worrying about yours.

Put on your big girl knickers, sit down and TALK TO THE FATHER OF YOUR CHILD. Make sure he is the only taking care of SS7 and outline REASONABLE expectations for you.

This does NOT have to end your relationship but it seems to me, you are part of the problem.

Generic's picture

Yep! I would only add one thing. You are desperate and calling out for help. These nice ladies extended their heartfelt responses and help and gave you invaluable (and so prompt!) advice with (immense) patience and sensitivity. It's probably points more to your age than anything when you lash back with a "Duh". Maybe you just spelled "Thank you" wrong?

Shaman29's picture

Most people don't want to hear if they are not part of the solution, then they are part of the problem.

Generic's picture

I'm sorry if it seems mean. I think it's very rude to be ungrateful to people who are only trying to help her in her desperate time of need. That "Duh" really rubbed me the wrong way and after more snippy comments from her I became less interested in her plight.

Shaman29's picture

I am not being mean to the OP.

She came on here looking for help.

I've only pointed out they have serious communication issues and she is part of the problem.

The reason she's here is because she refuses to open her mouth and talk to him about this. Yes, the fiance is a jerk for making this decision without talking to her first.

But bottom line, these things fester and if she doesn't clear the air now and deal with it, she will end up a single mom at a very young age.

And I stand by my words. She is part of the problem and not a victim.

Cocoa's picture

yes, tying yourself to a man with kids DOES leave the potential to being a fulltime stepparent. ideally, it would be best to TALK about that potential before it happens, letting your SO know in advance that if this comes to pass, that HE will be the one responsible for the care of the kids. unfortunately, this rarely becomes a point of discussion until AFTER it happens. by then, it's kinda hard to put the horse back in the barn. and when it happens as a choice, without the stepparent's input and thought, I think the sparent is justified in giving an ultimatum: you take care of your kid or i'm gone.

OP- I think it may be beneficial for you to move out to clear your head. it will give you time to clear your head and re-negotiate the terms of your relationship. your SO seems to feel it's fine to make these life changing decisions without your input, you are justified in getting the space you need and to come to some agreements (as well as de-escalate your anxiety). also, it will give him time to adjust/plan for the care of his son WITHOUT you being present to "help" him. then when/if you decide to move back in, hopefully everything will be running smoothly. but, you WILL have to actually TALK to him. personally, i'd try to talk to him first (don't worry about "offending" him cause if you move out, it's going to do more than that to him).

QueenBeau's picture

So I'm late but... I think you can fix this simply. Have a convo with your fiance, tell him how you feel. I think this could be remedied by him taking full responsibility for his son, your ss, until you are healed from birth & feeling able to help out. If that means working less hours? fine. Have his pay cut supplimented by CS from BM.

Also get a CO & CS in writing so that once things settle down she can't go snatch the kid back.

If this talk goes well, no need to leave him or do anything rash.

Cocoa's picture

AND tell him to never make a life changing decision again with consulting with her. i would never tolerate this. that part of the equation would be a deal breaker for me.

QueenBeau's picture

Agreed. Make the earth move with your anger. make your DH forever remember the day he made a decision without consulting you.

I know I did. For awhile, DH would call and ask me stuff like "can I buy 1% instead of 2% milk this week?" LOLOL he was so scared I would flip out again.

Generic's picture

May I ask what the outcome should be if this guy had followed step code correctly and consulted his fiancé? If she said no, what would be the next step? I agree he should have followed code, but is that more or less just a technicality because the decision is still his. Really it's not so much a consultation, but a heads up. I'm honestly curious to these responses. So much I might even post my first blog?

Disneyfan's picture

If he's a good father who intends to put his child's NEEDS ahead of his SO's wants, then the outcome should have been the same.