How do young adult stepchildren react to a new baby?

[WhoeverYouWantMeToBe]

My DP has two kids, aged 18 and 21 and I have one much younger dc. We all get on really well. His kids dont live with us but have regular contact/stay over and live locally. Myself and DP have discussed having dc together and I wonder how his older dc would take the news (especially as DP would also be a much older Dad than the average, so they're probably not expecting it to happen). In general they are great, independent and well-rounded people with their own lives. Anyone else been in this situation and how did the older dc react to the news, and the situation once baby arrived?

[Petal02]

How did the older DC react to the news, and the situation once baby arrived?

I think the key to this lies in the title of your thread, they are step ADULTS. I would really hope that they would behave like ADULTS in the event of a new baby, and also that you wouldn’t let the opinion of these ADULTS have any bearing on whether you have a baby (or not)? Even more so as they’re non-resident.

People with separated parents do (or at least should) reach maturity at the same age as those with ‘together’ parents, and surely the fact that their parents separated shouldn’t give them extra control over the lives of those around them for decades to come?

[wheresthelight]

a friend of mine is in his mid twenties and has older siblings in their thirties and their dad has recently had a new baby. it is a little odd for him as his own daughter is only 4 months younger than his brother but otherwise he has always handled it fine.

the key is talking to them about it don't just spring it on them

[windowtree]

I've been in this situation OP and found that the stepchildren were a little suprised at first with pregnancy (mainly because of age gap between DH and me) but nothing if not loving and welcoming once DD was born. To put it in context they were aged 14 to 19 (4 step children) and were resident with us. They have always been great with their sister and she has benefitted from having older siblings (and we benefited from babysitting now and again!) DD is now 17 and she has a great relationship with her siblings. If you feel it's right for you and you already have a good relationship with your DSC - go for it. There will be a few ups and downs - but the benefits outweigh everything else. Hope this helps