Baby on way and step children

[Stressed100]

Since being with my OH I've had a good, stable relationship with my step children. Now I have my first DD on the way and I'm finding it really hard to cope. I feel that me and baby are left out from situations with dad and kids. In the evenings we have them staying I will cook, bath and put them to bed but they refuse to go to bed and will be fighting a battle until late at night. I don't I want my daughter to see this behaviour when she's born, thinking it's okay and to follow. Have no clue what to do :(

[Stressed100]

Help

[PotteringAlong]

You're worrying about something that is 2-3 years down the line.

What are the consequences if they refuse to go to bed?

[CookiesFromTheCookieJar]

How old are your step kids?

[Justdontknow4321]

Most kids, step kids or not go through phases were they refuse to go to bed.
What time are you putting them to bed ? What's there ages, is it the weekend that you have contact ? Do they go to bed later at home?

[sandgrown]

How can your baby be left out when not born yet?for your first couple of years your baby will not really be aware of differences. Set your own routine for your baby . It may go a bit haywire in a few years but no need to worry yet .

[troodiedoo]

Your step children will be feeling unsettled by the new baby about to arrive. It's very important that their dad reinforces how much he loves them and values their time together . They will potentially be feeling more left out than you.

It will be a period of adjustment for all of you when baby arrives, with effort and consideration from all sides it should fall into place. Don't worry too much about what hasn't happened yet. Deal with the now.

[HairyMcFairy16]

I'm not sure how you feel you and the baby are left out if the baby isn't yet here? Maybe you could clarify that point. Honesty the things you will worry about are unlikely to be the big issues. Blended families are hard work and yes your child will observe and pick up bad habits from their half siblings but all younger kids pick up bad habits from older siblings. Try to focus on the good. You are assuming your child will be perfect. I can assure you that your DD will have her own challenges. All kids do. Plenty of first families with kids that won't go to bed.

[swingofthings]

I don't I want my daughter to see this behaviour when she's born, thinking it's okay and to follow.
They don't need to witness that behaviour to act as such. That's what kids do, they test your limits and that until they are in adulthood (and sometimes beyond!).

If your child doesn't show any sign of such behaviour, you'll be very lucky!

Saying that, why are you dealing with this when their dad should be the one to do so. That might contribute to the extent of it.