I find myself in a position none of us expect to be in. I split from my ex 3 years ago and we share DC age 6. My ex partner has gone to marry and now shares a child with his wife.
I have no contact with my child's step mother and I know anything she's heard about me is pretty unsavoury owing to the acrimonious split with my ex. Owing the the situation with my ex, there will never be direct contact either. My ex really struggles to remain child focussed when we speak. Step-mum seems to treat my child as their own, seems to spend the majority of their contact time with 'just step mum and child'. DC has chosen to call her 'mum'. Instant reaction is heartbreak and jealousy, objective reaction is she loves them, they her and it could be worse.
Where I struggle is that my DC seems conflicted. Lives seemingly 'two lives' with two personalities.
I wondered if you could share your own experiences; either from your experience as a 'step child' or as a parent in a blended family to help me navigate how to make this all a positive experience as my child grows.
Aside from not bad mouthing my ex or his wife, being supportive of my child when they speak about them, I am at a total loss. I often feel like the second choice parent.