When my stepkids (26,22 & gsd, 3) come to stay (like at Christmas) it's always the same, my job description goes like this:
- shop for presents for everyone
- wrap presents for everyone
- organise meals
- food shopping
- all preparation and cooking
- clearing dishes
- washing up
- keeping house tidy, picking up plates, cups, toys, towels etc left lying around
- preparing beds (i.e.making up in various rooms)
- hoovering
- washing of all bedding & towels
(This is all the stuff i do for my own 2 kids,of course, but they are both under 10!)
I dont mind the constant chores, though, it's the 'us' and 'me' ethos that comes about. I often feel like I'm the servant/housekeeper, slogging away while they all sit together relaxing, oblivious . DH is normally loving, supportive and attentive, but when steps are around, it's like I become invisible. It's like Upstairs Downstairs, only I'm the only member of staff! Nobody offers to help with chores, it's as if they completely take it all for granted.
I get increasingly p*ed off,by the time they finally leave [usually without a word of thanks, barely a 'goodbye' sometimes], and I emerge from the servants quarters, I feel drained and resentful.
I guess I am just crap at being a stepmother!! If I'd realised I was applying for the job of Slave/Housekeeper I'm not sure I would have ever applied!