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Bio Mum with very different parenting style (or lack of) and trouble it causes when we have 4 year old step daughter

NaomiP's picture

Hi, Just need to vent and please feel free to offer any advice you can. I feel like I am beating my head against a brick wall. Bio mum of my 4 year old step daughter is a lazy parent. My step daughter was not toilet trained when I came in to her life (she was about to turn four), had a dummy up until 3 and a half. Bio mum has taught her daughter to dance while rubbing herself and taking her jacket off, let's her swear and say things like i'm going to punch you in the face. Has her daughter sleep in the bed with her because Bio mum is lonely. I have tried to set ground rules for my house but just feel like all I do is nag and it shouldn't be my job to rise and discipline her child cause she's too selfish and lazy to do it. Last straw was when step child said to me mummy laughs when I saw bitch and doesn't tell me off like you do. I'm so over it. Why should I care if she turns out to be a shit anymore because it's starting to affect my otherwise perfect relationship with my fiance. My only concern is that when I have kids I won't want her around them. I feel bad it's not the kids fault she is a product of her mum but there is only so much that I can handle. Am I being a bitch or do others feel that our role as step parents is to support our partner and the roles of the bio parents rather than have to be th parent. We have her every second weekend so it's too hard to try and change the behavior.

Sparklelady's picture

That is a tough one. She's so young, and you COULD be a positive role model. But at what cost?

And the flipside is, she is so young, and you have at least 14 more years of this. Can you pay that price?

If I were in your shoes, I would want to try to save her before it was too late... But as an experienced stepmom, I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't admit it would be easier to leave and start over fresh without skids.

I don't envy your position at all!

Orange County Ca's picture

"Sparklelady" advise is mine. Get out and find a guy without kids and start your own family if you wish to have kids after this experience.