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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Relationship with Stepchild after having baby. PPA and OCD

23 replies

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:22

Hi, I have a 4mo LG and a 6yo SS. I am really struggling at the moment in trusting my stepson with my baby. He loves her and is very proud to be a big brother, however I am finding it difficult to let him touch her or get too close. He picks his nose and coughs all over her (and is really rough most recently he tried to shake her head), leading her to get sick on a few occasions. I am also suffering with OCD and postpartum anxiety, specifically surround my babies health and having him get too close is something that really triggers my OCD and PPA. We have my SS every weekend and my partner is home all the time. My SS only tries to come close to her when his dad leaves the room, so he knows he shouldn’t be doing it, but tries it anyway. He is obsessed with trying to kiss her on the face, which is something I’ve told my partner I’m not comfortable with him doing, obviously it’s not just me SS I’m not allowing to do this. I don’t want to loose my temper and shout at him, and we previously have a fantastic relationship and I love him, but I don’t know what to do. I don’t feel like I can leave the room because as soon as I do, he goes right up close to her. My partner has spoken to him about space and ‘catching his coughs’ but he only seems to try doing it with me.
I feel like it’s driving a wedge between us all, but I cannot help how I feel. I’m waiting on therapy for my OCD and PPA but I’m unsure what to do in the meantime.

to add, my OCD is germ related and he comes back from his mums without having had a bath all week (she has openly admitted this) so I constantly feel like he’s covered in germs. He does have baths when he’s here but I still cannot not feel the germs.

tia x

OP posts:
SometimesCalmPerson · 03/01/2025 13:26

You know it’s not normal to keep a child away from their baby sibling. You have a problem and at the moment, you are massively allowing it to affect the emotional well being of the children you have responsibility for.

You need to get in touch with your GP or Health Visitor urgently and get the support you need.

PeppyGreenFinch · 03/01/2025 13:28

YANBU. Even if was your bio son, you would still have the instinct to protect your newborn.

Speak to DH about putting in place strategies on coping with DSS but that don’t alienate him.

Could you have a set time where DSS can sit with the baby (supervised)? Perhaps DSS could be in charge of bringing the nappy/ bag/mat to you?

Germanjio · 03/01/2025 13:29

He absolutely SHOULD be getting close to his baby sibling. Not deliberately coughing at them or shaking of course, but this was a really sad read for their future relationship.

What's the hold up for help - is there any spare money to pay if it's an NHS wait issue?

PeppyGreenFinch · 03/01/2025 13:31

SometimesCalmPerson · 03/01/2025 13:26

You know it’s not normal to keep a child away from their baby sibling. You have a problem and at the moment, you are massively allowing it to affect the emotional well being of the children you have responsibility for.

You need to get in touch with your GP or Health Visitor urgently and get the support you need.

Her DSS tried to shake the baby’s head, of course she’s going to be worried about leaving her baby with him.

In the rush to condemn a step-mum, let’s not forger she has a newborn.

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:31

Germanjio · 03/01/2025 13:29

He absolutely SHOULD be getting close to his baby sibling. Not deliberately coughing at them or shaking of course, but this was a really sad read for their future relationship.

What's the hold up for help - is there any spare money to pay if it's an NHS wait issue?

I’m paying, but still can’t be seen for a few weeks.

I feel awful about it which is why I’m trying to act.

OP posts:
Merrygoround8 · 03/01/2025 13:33

Kindly, your SS is not the problem. Older siblings can be over zealous.
“Gently, gently”
”you want to hold her? Great! Sit here and I’ll help”

Bath when he gets to yours and regular hand washing if you need, but you can’t avoid this. And you shouldn’t be leaving the room leaving them alone anyway.

Ger a baby carrier and have baby in it when he’s around more if you’re worried, but don’t keep them apart.

My baby loves with 2 primary school siblings. She’s got more unwell than my first baby did - it’s life. Frankly it means you’ll deal with less once your baby does start mixing.

youre a family - take reasonable precautions like the hand washing and gentle encouragement of him, removing baby from situation if he can’t be gentle, and get help for your OCD

PeppyGreenFinch · 03/01/2025 13:35

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:31

I’m paying, but still can’t be seen for a few weeks.

I feel awful about it which is why I’m trying to act.

Don’t feel awful, your DH needs to support you more.

MatildaTheCat · 03/01/2025 13:37

This sounds difficult. Can you keep the baby in a sling when you don’t have a second adult to supervise?

I would try to focus on giving him tons of praise and attention and giving him small jobs to help with the baby but equally he needs lots of sole attention to ensure he feels loved and secure.

If he has a good bath, clean clothes and teeth when he arrives and is supervised to wash his hands at appropriate times then the hygiene issues shouldn’t be so important though coughing towards her isn’t ok.

He is a little boy living across two households with a new baby at one and a possibly neglectful parent at the other. He needs support.

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:39

Merrygoround8 · 03/01/2025 13:33

Kindly, your SS is not the problem. Older siblings can be over zealous.
“Gently, gently”
”you want to hold her? Great! Sit here and I’ll help”

Bath when he gets to yours and regular hand washing if you need, but you can’t avoid this. And you shouldn’t be leaving the room leaving them alone anyway.

Ger a baby carrier and have baby in it when he’s around more if you’re worried, but don’t keep them apart.

My baby loves with 2 primary school siblings. She’s got more unwell than my first baby did - it’s life. Frankly it means you’ll deal with less once your baby does start mixing.

youre a family - take reasonable precautions like the hand washing and gentle encouragement of him, removing baby from situation if he can’t be gentle, and get help for your OCD

I’m aware my SS is not the problem, and I don’t leave them in a room more than to answer the door or get my SS a drink etc. She’s safe in her bouncer and I can see them. We don’t segregate them and I would never dream of it, but I struggle when he gets really close to her.

I’ll try wording it differently to him

OP posts:
PeppyGreenFinch · 03/01/2025 13:42

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:39

I’m aware my SS is not the problem, and I don’t leave them in a room more than to answer the door or get my SS a drink etc. She’s safe in her bouncer and I can see them. We don’t segregate them and I would never dream of it, but I struggle when he gets really close to her.

I’ll try wording it differently to him

Is your partner taking care of his son or expecting you to do it?

As DP is home all the time he needs to be the main carer for his son, not you.

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:43

MatildaTheCat · 03/01/2025 13:37

This sounds difficult. Can you keep the baby in a sling when you don’t have a second adult to supervise?

I would try to focus on giving him tons of praise and attention and giving him small jobs to help with the baby but equally he needs lots of sole attention to ensure he feels loved and secure.

If he has a good bath, clean clothes and teeth when he arrives and is supervised to wash his hands at appropriate times then the hygiene issues shouldn’t be so important though coughing towards her isn’t ok.

He is a little boy living across two households with a new baby at one and a possibly neglectful parent at the other. He needs support.

He gets all of the above when he arrives, always has done.
He is a fantastic child (obviously biased but it’s true) and I hate that I feel this way towards him.
she lives in her baby carrier, being a nosey baby it’s where she loves to be.

OP posts:
Bizarred · 03/01/2025 13:44

He is a little boy living across two households with a new baby at one and a possibly neglectful parent at the other. He needs support.

^This. Also, if you drive him away from her, then long-term it is your child who misses out on what could be a lovely relationship with her lovely brother. He is her brother, don't forget. Equally, looking ahead, when he's older and you want to go out for an evening maybe, if you've damaged your relationship with him, and his relationship with his sister, then he's definitely not going to up for baby-sitting is he? With all kindness, your OCD and PPA are the problem, not him.

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:44

PeppyGreenFinch · 03/01/2025 13:42

Is your partner taking care of his son or expecting you to do it?

As DP is home all the time he needs to be the main carer for his son, not you.

He cares for his son, my partner is amazing and is a very active parent.

OP posts:
Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:46

Bizarred · 03/01/2025 13:44

He is a little boy living across two households with a new baby at one and a possibly neglectful parent at the other. He needs support.

^This. Also, if you drive him away from her, then long-term it is your child who misses out on what could be a lovely relationship with her lovely brother. He is her brother, don't forget. Equally, looking ahead, when he's older and you want to go out for an evening maybe, if you've damaged your relationship with him, and his relationship with his sister, then he's definitely not going to up for baby-sitting is he? With all kindness, your OCD and PPA are the problem, not him.

I never stated he was the problem, and I am getting help for mine. He is a wonderful child, that was never up for discussion

OP posts:
Nothatgingerpirate · 03/01/2025 13:47

Oh dear.

SometimesCalmPerson · 03/01/2025 13:49

PeppyGreenFinch · 03/01/2025 13:31

Her DSS tried to shake the baby’s head, of course she’s going to be worried about leaving her baby with him.

In the rush to condemn a step-mum, let’s not forger she has a newborn.

So he needs to be taught how to care for a baby, how fragile they are and be supervised, not kept away as if he’s a monster. It’s very sad to see an adult say that a 6 year old knows that they are supposed to stay away from their sibling. Permanently, not just while they have conjunctivitis or something.

Four months is not a newborn and is old enough to be played with by their big brother.

I understand that the feelings OP is experiencing are genuinely crippling, but I have most sympathy for a 6yo who has done nothing wrong, already has a lot to cope with in his little world, and is being treated as if he’s poison by his step mother.

Hsolley0904 · 03/01/2025 13:54

SometimesCalmPerson · 03/01/2025 13:49

So he needs to be taught how to care for a baby, how fragile they are and be supervised, not kept away as if he’s a monster. It’s very sad to see an adult say that a 6 year old knows that they are supposed to stay away from their sibling. Permanently, not just while they have conjunctivitis or something.

Four months is not a newborn and is old enough to be played with by their big brother.

I understand that the feelings OP is experiencing are genuinely crippling, but I have most sympathy for a 6yo who has done nothing wrong, already has a lot to cope with in his little world, and is being treated as if he’s poison by his step mother.

Did I say I isolated him? No. I am playing with him all day and we make sure he feels loved and included in every way. I simply stated I struggle with him getting too close, I didn’t say I don’t let him. I stated how I feel when he does.

OP posts:
sweetpeaorchestra · 03/01/2025 14:04

Whilst waiting for your therapy, can you look into online programmes such as the Dare response to anxiety or CBT?

You can work out with your partner what are reasonable/ rational worries and boundaries - not coughing on baby, not being rough.

And identify what is unreasonable: I would say it’s unreasonable to keep him from being close to or kissing your baby.

You can then work on managing your anxiety within that moment, through CBT and dare techniques. Don’t be hard on yourself or him, it will be a work in progress.

thescandalwascontained · 03/01/2025 14:06

I don't understand why your SS's mother isn't looking after him properly during the week if that's where he is. No bath for a week isn't looking after a 6 year old properly.

Inmyhands · 03/01/2025 14:48

This is really sad. Can you maybe let him spend time with baby while his dad supervises and you go for a walk or grab a coffee? They need time to bond and not allowing him to even touch the baby will be very damaging long term for both of them.

I hope you can access therapy asap to manage yoyr anxiety and OCD.

MaterCogitaVera · 03/01/2025 16:03

Obviously, you know that your OCD makes you extremely cautious, and it’s great that you’re aware that your DS isn’t actually a major problem here. But still, I wonder whether there’s a way to make him more aware of being careful around the baby, to give you some extra peace of mind? Do you think that you and DH could have an age-appropriate chat with DS to help him understand and feel invested in being careful around your DD?

You might tell him that mums and dads are there to look after their children: his mum, his dad, and you are all there to look after him so that he can be happy and healthy. And now you also have to do the same for his baby sister. Ask him to think of some things that you and Dad need to do for baby sister, that you don’t need to do for him because he’s a bigger boy now. Then say that there are lots of things that you can help him with that his baby sister doesn’t need yet (maybe things like getting him ready for school, helping him with reading or writing, making sure he doesn’t eat too many sweets, playing football with him…). The idea is to get him to the conclusion that families need to do different things for big children than they do for babies.

Explain to him that, when babies are small, it’s easier for them to get hurt by accident.
And sometimes, mums or dads get extra worried because they’re learning how to look after the new baby. Tell him that everyone can help by all learning together how to keep the baby healthy and happy. Say that, until baby’s a bit bigger, it’s important that we’re all gentle with her. It’s also important that we try to keep coughs and colds away from her, if we can, because she’s so small. Help him think of some ways you can all do these things - moving away from the baby if you need to cough or sneeze, washing hands after blowing your nose, and being extra-specially gentle when you touch or hold the baby, for example. Tell him how happy you are that he is there to learn with you about what the baby needs. Tell him that he will be able to help his sister grow up into a little girl who is lovely, kind, and helpful - just like her big brother.

Obviously, you don’t want to make him worry that something catastrophic will happen to his sister. But I wonder whether framing this as something that you all learn about together, and something that’s temporary while the baby is very small, might make him feel involved without scaring him, and therefore make him more likely to remember to be careful?

I don’t know whether you think any of that would be helpful, or whether you think it would be appropriate for your DS. But even if not, maybe it could inspire some other ideas for giving him a sense of ownership over being careful around the baby - letting him understand the rationale behind it, rather than just seeing it as something he’s being told to do?

Good luck, OP. I hope you can access treatment for the OCD very soon, and that it is helpful. And congratulations on your lovely family!

Getter · 03/01/2025 16:24

You have recognised that your reactions are potentially hypersensitive due to PPA and OCD and so I guess you're feeling unsure about whether your reactions are appropriate. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a 6 year old to be gentler with a baby. If he has shaken her head then you have a right to be concerned.

And I understand him coughing all over her might be difficult, especially if you have an issue with germs. I don't think putting boundaries in place regarding that is equivalent to 'keeping him away from her at all times'.

He's 6, he's not a toddler so he should definitely be able to understand that some of his behaviour isn't OK. OP, if you had left out that he was step child I'm certain you would have received different answers.

Nc54684 · 03/01/2025 16:28

I think it sounds like you know this is a you problem really

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