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Step daughter is ruining mine and my children's life. Help

100 replies

Samiam92 · 24/03/2025 20:17

This is a long post.

My bf and I have been together 3 years. I've been taking care of his daughter since we first started dating her bio mother has seen her maybe 6 months out of my whole relationship with the dad. We are a blended family, I bring in 3 kids of my own from a previous relationship and he brings in kids from two previous relationships and we share a child we had a yr ago. My bfs daughter is 5. The same as my twins. But she has a lot of, what I think stem from behavior problems or adhd, I'm not sure. I realize she's only 5 but it's been hell with her. My twins and her older brother who's only 3 years older have never done the things she does.

She is very manipulative, devious, sneaky, mean, jealous, malicious. Her behaviors have now affected all of my children even my oldest whos 13. Her, half brother from her father does not like being around her and neither do my twins. I'm scared to leave her alone with my one yr old. But I'm her main caretaker, it's finally come to the point where her dad is sending her to her mom but idk for how long but I cannot care for her anymore.

She's accused my kids of touching her, she's the one who's been inappropriate with the boys, she's now even trying to accuse my 1 yr old of being inappropriate with her. I've seen here trying to kiss and be inappropriate with all my kids and ive had to explain this to her father, my kids even explained how uncomfortable they feel with her , so shes not allowed around then alone. She constantly lies even if it's not necessary, she's got kicked out of TK, Daycare, and family doesn't want to even watch her. She's hit my 1 yr old in his soft spot multiple times when he was months old because of her jealousy, she's called my twins racist names, will ask strangers to take her because we don't feed her and we beat her (we do not do that). When I try explaining things to her she just laughs or seems bored and uninterested in listening to me. She constantly gets into everyone's things, if she doesn't like the food I give her, she throws in under the table, on the wall, or hides it behind cabinets or anything really. When I confront her she tells me to clean it up. She has told me numerous times I'm only here to cook, clean, and do what her dad says. She is aggressive towards the other children. Her dad does put her in time out and take toys and stuff away, we don't know what else to do because honestly she scares us. She acts worse when her dad is not here. She will have a few good days but she always reverts back to these behaviors. Her dad will tell me I shouldn't let a child get to me like that but he doesn't understand how this effects me mentally. I have stopped trying to help with doctors appointment and everything because I feel her bio parents need to figure out what's going on with her mentally and emotionally. I have to take a step back and worry for my own kids mental health as well as mine. We are all in therapy now cus of this. Idk it's so much more but I'm just curious has anyone else gone through something like this? Idk if my relationship can survive this. I know he needs to be there for his daughter but I'm not putting my kids through this anymore or taking care of her anymore. I feel horrible for even saying that but I can't do it.

OP posts:
hazandduck · 24/03/2025 21:20

Poor little girl :( I’m sorry but I don’t believe her talking about someone ‘touching her’ has come out of nowhere or is just made up. Screams abuse to me, she’s trying to tell you that OP with her behaviour. I’d be suspicious of someone at her mum’s house (did you say she stays with other older step siblings there?) There’s lots of vaguely linked people in this young child’s life that could take advantage of the chaos and instability to abuse her.

Unlike others suggest I wouldn’t give up on her yet. I don’t think I could. It’s not her fault she’s a tiny little girl. You’re supposed to be a blended family that she is a part of. I get what others say about protecting your kids, though, it must be exhausting for you OP.

Her dad really needs to step up.

When you say you live with family, is that your parents? Siblings etc? How many people are around her?

Please remember she is a victim here, not a villain.

Tiswa · 24/03/2025 21:21

@Samiam92 that level of sexualised behaviour at 5 is highly likely to be learnt behaviour - not necessarily physical but certainly being witness to inappropriate behaviour and content for her age.

ot sounds as if she is being punished for who her mother is by her grandparents

HornyHornersPinger · 24/03/2025 21:21

Ponderingwindow · 24/03/2025 20:50

This poor little girl has been saddled with a father that has children with 3 different women within 8 years and leaves her in the care of his latest pairing. Behavioral problems are hardly surprising.

this isn’t your problem to solve. Your job is to protect your children. This environment doesn’t just sound stressful for everyone, it seems like there is a possibility of accusations being made that could turn lives upside-down.

you can take your children and let dad solve this issue. He should be the one there doing the day to day work of fixing this anyway. It’s what his daughter needs.

once you leave, he will probably just look for girlfriend number 4 and get her pregnant as quickly as possible, so he has a new caregiver, but again, that isn’t your problem.

Absolutely spot on.

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Samiam92 · 24/03/2025 21:22

I'm not sure because the grandparents have helped her mother with her a lot.

OP posts:
mainecooncatonahottinroof · 24/03/2025 21:22

FatLarrysBanned · 24/03/2025 21:18

● Her mother has 2 older children with one (or more?) father's.
● Her dad has another older child with another woman who isn't her mother.
● Her step father presumably has other children who she is exposed to as well.
● Her father is now a step father to 3 other children (your kids)
● Her father then has another biological child with you pushing her even further down the pecking order.

She's only 5 YEARS OLD and the above family tree is blowing my mind and I'm an adult. Blended families my arse. Just adults doing what is best for them as usual and the kids can fit in. Or not 🤷🏻‍♀️

There's at least 8 kids in this circus? For the love of all that is holy stop procreating you sound like an episode of Jerry Springer.

I'm struggling to get my head around this too. Feckless father, reproducing with such regularity with different women. I don't know how you possibly figure out who is with whom and when.

I'm not one bit surprised that child is traumatised. I'm surprised if she is the only one. You need to sort out watertight contraception - send Mr Fertile for the snip!!!

This little girl's behaviour is shockingly concerning. Surely to god one of you will step up for her?!

TimeForABreak4 · 24/03/2025 21:23

Why are so many of you living with your family, if you can afford to pay for therapists and nannies? Maybe it would have been better to pay for a stable home to rent so she had somewhere she could feel settled in a stable environment and feel comfortable. The poor girl must not know whether she's coming or going from one day to the next.

Samiam92 · 24/03/2025 21:23

From her mother's house by what she says it think she is around a lot of people. I am a sahm so when she's here she is only with me, aunts, grandparents.

OP posts:
stayathomer · 24/03/2025 21:25

Op go be very honest I’d leave this thread as you came for help and I’m sure you’ve got some here but also you all are where you are and you need to have a think and figure stuff out and I’m not sure a lot of the replies will help you. Best of luck going forward, I hope this little girl gets help and your family gets settled x

ZemblanityZen · 24/03/2025 21:25

How old is the Mum's older son? I would be worried about inappropriate content and whatever else coming from him.

hattie43 · 24/03/2025 21:26

PeppermintPatty10 · 24/03/2025 20:47

It's a sad situation but I would protect my own children and leave. Sorry, OP, but your children come first.

This .
The accusations are a huge worry because one day someone might believe her . What if she gets older and thinks it’s funny to accuse one of your sons of rape. The huge police investigations would be totally traumatic for your son .
im afraid she’s very damaged and id not want my kids around her .

Offtobuttonmoontovisitmrspoon · 24/03/2025 21:26

I really hope that you are using contraception..

cestlavielife · 24/03/2025 21:28

She us 5
But you cannot save her
Get out save your own kids
Report again to ss
Maybe she can be fostered to specialist foster carers with no other kids

Bathnet · 24/03/2025 21:28

hattie43 · 24/03/2025 21:26

This .
The accusations are a huge worry because one day someone might believe her . What if she gets older and thinks it’s funny to accuse one of your sons of rape. The huge police investigations would be totally traumatic for your son .
im afraid she’s very damaged and id not want my kids around her .

Agree. If she makes a more serious or sustained allegation against any of your children they could be taken away from you whilst it’s investigated

AnneLovesGilbert · 24/03/2025 21:29

You need to quote posts if you want your replies to make sense.

Why are you living with your family rather than running your own household? Why have you moved him and his various kids in? You don’t work, does he?

Sassybooklover · 24/03/2025 21:29

I would say your step-daughter's behaviour is trauma based. How old was your step-daughter when her parents split? How long has your partner had his daughter living with him full-time? From what I can see, she's been living with her Dad and I assume you, since she was 2 years old. Presumably prior to that she lived with her Mum? She has other half-siblings on her Dad's side. Do these children primarily live with their Mum? You and your partner have a child together too, so another half-sibling. Plus you have children from a previous relationship, so step-siblings are thrown into the mix as well. Your step-daughter went from having a family unit to rarely seeing her bio Mum, to dealing with half siblings and now she has step-siblings and a step-Mum!! She's had a lot thrown at her in the space of a few short years. I would say she's angry, confused, very unsure of her place amongst her half/step siblings and feels she doesn't belong. How is her behaviour at school? I absolutely understand your feelings, and no this isn't for you to solve. Your partner and your step-daughter's Mum need to recognise that their daughter needs help, and step up. She desperately needs therapy, and family therapy for you all, would be a good idea too. Sending her back to live with her Mum, isn't going to solve any issues, they will still be there, and will only worsen as she becomes older.

OldCottageGreenhouse · 24/03/2025 21:32

That poor little girl. No proper mother and a woman brought into her home who hates her. I’m not surprised she’s got behavioural issues.

Duckswaddle · 24/03/2025 21:32

FatLarrysBanned · 24/03/2025 21:18

● Her mother has 2 older children with one (or more?) father's.
● Her dad has another older child with another woman who isn't her mother.
● Her step father presumably has other children who she is exposed to as well.
● Her father is now a step father to 3 other children (your kids)
● Her father then has another biological child with you pushing her even further down the pecking order.

She's only 5 YEARS OLD and the above family tree is blowing my mind and I'm an adult. Blended families my arse. Just adults doing what is best for them as usual and the kids can fit in. Or not 🤷🏻‍♀️

There's at least 8 kids in this circus? For the love of all that is holy stop procreating you sound like an episode of Jerry Springer.

Could not agree more. What a fucking freak show.

AnneLovesGilbert · 24/03/2025 21:33

OldCottageGreenhouse · 24/03/2025 21:32

That poor little girl. No proper mother and a woman brought into her home who hates her. I’m not surprised she’s got behavioural issues.

She and her dad have moved in with OP’s family. Which is probably worse.

stanleypops66 · 24/03/2025 21:34

Poor kid. Her behaviours can most likely be explained by significant attachment and trauma. Multiple caregivers, house moves, multiple siblings/ half siblings/ step siblings. Her behaviours are a symptom of the huge mess the adults in her life have made for her. I’m not that surprised she’s behaving like this. Her behaviour is communication. Just because the other children don’t behave like this doesn’t mean her past and current situation isn’t to blame.

she needs one consistent caregiver who can provide her with the love, stability and attention she needs. Probably her dad.

if you don’t feel safe then you need to sort something for your own biological children,

Billionthtimeivenamechanged2025 · 24/03/2025 21:35

Yanbu unreasonable to feel the way you do but yabu in some of what you've said.

It's not her, she's 5. She's tiny.

She's traumatised. Could be a number of reasons, maybe sexual, maybe that she hasn't had a permanent caretaker , ect.

She's definetly got some trauma and if she received support for that her behaviour would change

OldCottageGreenhouse · 24/03/2025 21:35

@FatLarrysBanned
1000000% agree 👍🏻 Beyond selfish. When you agree to become a parent, your DC should be your priority. This is why I refuse to blend my family.

MrsSunshine2b · 24/03/2025 21:36

She is very manipulative, devious, sneaky, mean, jealous, malicious.

She is FIVE. She has had to adapt to suddenly having 3 older "siblings" and then a baby added to the mix, and being looked after by someone who clearly resents her and doesn't want her around, because neither of her parents can be bothered. No wonder she's angry.

She is obviously deeply troubled, the sexualised behaviour is extremely worrying, and the fact that you think she's fine because you were abused and didn't react in that way just shows that there's no-one at all looking out for this little girl.

Zebedee999 · 24/03/2025 21:37

Give it a few years and she will accuse your boys of rape and that will be their lives ruined for life.

jkogdty · 24/03/2025 21:38

What a bloody mess. 3 year relationship, a bunch of kids, adding to them, not even having your own home? I’m surprised it’s just her having issues. Reflect on your situation and get a grip of it, you’re meant to be the grown ups.

LilyMumsnet · 24/03/2025 21:38

Hi all,

The OP has now left the site - we're going to close he thread.

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