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Step-parenting

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Dsd asked if I'd be her real mum

16 replies

Alita7 · 09/06/2014 20:50

So many of you who frequent the step parenting boards will be aware of my situation, dsd is 10 with learning disabilities and moved to live us last year after being abused at her mums. We split the care and parenting of her 50/50 as that's what works best for all 3 of us.
I am 18 weeks pregnant with my first, dps 4th.

She was being a bit moany when I put her to bed so I reminded her that she must stop moaning at me because it upsets me and we need to be ultra nice to each other because we're very lucky that we get a best friend and a step mum/ sister so we have to be extra lovely. She said but I could be your real daughter and you could be my real mum.
I didn't really know what to say, she's been through a lot of difficulties with her mum recently and is starting to notice how little her mum cares about her which isn't nice for her. So I just said is that what you want? She said well its your choice, is that what you want? and I said that it's totally up to her and that I am happy with whatever she chooses, and that if she wants two mummies then that's ok.

I think it's a combination of how rejected she feels by her real mum, how she sees me doing everything for her (cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, cuddles, going shopping, disciplining...) and the new baby coming, as she loves the fact that we're 'a little family' as she says.

Did I do the right thing? I think if I'd said no she wouldn't have understood and would have gotten upset thinking I don't want to be her mummy. Which I do, because she's got such a shit one and I love her to bits, I just don't know if that was the right thing to say in response to a child? I doubt shel act any differently to normal it was just something she obviously had been thinking about.

OP posts:
Alita7 · 09/06/2014 20:52

Btw when I say 'we split the parenting 50/50' I mean myself and dp, she has supervised contact with her mum eow at a family members house.

OP posts:
Mumof3xox · 09/06/2014 20:53

I have no step children so can't offer any advice but I just wanted to say how beautiful this is and what a fantastic step mum you must be

BigSuprise · 09/06/2014 20:54

I can't offer any experienced advice but what a lovely thing for her to say x you are obviously doing a wonderful job! Speak to your DP and see what he thinks?

HygieneFreak · 09/06/2014 20:57

How lovely!!!

Let her call you mum

Alita7 · 09/06/2014 21:00
  • oops step mum/ sister should have said step mum/ daughter.

Thanks for your replies and reassurances!

I told dp and he was very happy with my response thankfully so I guess if all 3 of us are happy then it can't be a bad thing :)

OP posts:
BrianTheMole · 09/06/2014 21:03

Ahh bless her. Thats sad. I think what you said was fine.

Pregnantberry · 09/06/2014 21:07

What do you think the repercussions would be from her mum if her DD started calling you mum?

Alita7 · 09/06/2014 21:21

Pregnant Berry, her mum doesn't really act like she gives a shit about her at all.
So based on that I reckon she might be hurt if she heard it but I don't think she'd say anything in my presence, and it's unusual for her mum to see me and dsd together as I only really see her at meetings about dsd (dsd is dropped home by family members). I doubt dsd would say anything to her about the conversation without being asked though and if she did then I'm not sure what her mum could say that wouldn't reinforce her feelings that her mum doesn't listen to what she wants (which is what she tells me is a big problem between them). I think she'd tell me if her mum said anything nasty, she usually does, eg mummy doesn't like my hair cut, mummy thinks x y and z. ..

Really I'm just pleasantly surprised and feel honoured that she appreciates me so much, I generally just get on with what feels right to me and it's lovely to hear from her that I must be doing things right :) Was definitely a teary moment!

OP posts:
wheresthelight · 09/06/2014 21:30

Awwww alita that is awesome!!!!!! Bless her heart! Certainly shows how much she thinks of you.

I think your answer was perfect! If you had said "no because you have a mummy" then I would have said otherwise but making it about what she wants is brilliant, well done!!!

brdgrl · 10/06/2014 01:18

Alita, I think you are in a really unique situation (well, aren't we all, every blended family is different!) and you are facing all the challenges as they come, trust your instincts.
"Real" is an interesting idea anyway, I think I'd be inclined to talk to her about how "real" family is the family you choose and the family that loves you, no matter how you come to be together.

SeaSaltMill · 12/06/2014 12:37

I think its lovely and there is always the option of being mummy alita rather than just mum?

I asked my dad if I could call him dad. He said he's never forgotten it.

Twitterqueen · 12/06/2014 12:43

I think (but know nothing) that it would be lovely that if she wants to call you mum she is encouraged to do so. At only 10 and with difficulties, full time with you and DP plus new baby on the way she does of course want to fit in 100% and be a full family member.

Alita7 · 12/06/2014 13:52

She has only actually called me mummy a couple of times (most of the time I think her habit is alita so it's only when she's actually thinking about it that she says Mummy). When she asked we did discuss options like Mummy alita or Mama (I speak Spanish so I often tell her what certain words are in Spanish etc) to distinguish but she said she likes just Mummy. I expect it's probably something she'll do more when the babies here.
I agree that a big part of it is wanting us all to be an equal part of the family and she's never had mummy and daddy together as she was a baby when they split, so it's probably something she wants to be a part of.

OP posts:
Melonbreath · 16/06/2014 17:22

She wants a mummy. You love and care for her, that's a
Mummy bless her. shes got what she wanted and deserves a little family.
I'm tearing up now.

Alita7 · 16/06/2014 19:34

Aw thank you melon! I treat her like my own in every way I can, she's been dealt such a bad hand when it comes to biological mums! If I could adopt her I would!

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annielouisa · 17/06/2014 11:19

I think its lovely I have 4 DSC although we have not used the S word for years. I am called mum by them all and they all decided to say it at different times.

They like your situation they were badly abused my their DM and we eventually had full custody of them all. They are all adults now and have given years of pleasure and lovely DGC.

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