Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Step-parenting

Connect with other Mumsnetters here for step-parenting advice and support.

Trying to understand my stepmum

18 replies

Sophda55 · 11/07/2021 23:38

This is a strange and possibly long one but I would really appreciate the perspective of some stepmums on here and how to improve your relationship with your step parent.
For context I’m an 18 year old girl, had a stepmum since I was around 7ish and she’s lived with my dad since my parent’s divorce when I was 5 (to be honest I’m pretty sure my dad had an affair with my now stepmum from things I’ve heard and from putting together bits and bobs about timings, and that’s why my parents divorced I reckon) I always try my best to get on with her and be amicable because I would prefer it that way obviously! But I just really don’t like her as a person to put it simply. I find her too overbearing, forceful and she tends to take over as a parent while my dad sits there and lets her do whatever. Not only this, she’s said some really nasty things to me in the past such as I have a personality disorder, I’m a psychopath and she’s had to go to therapy because she can’t ‘deal with me’ because I don’t really like talking about emotional things very much and tend to avoid difficult conversations about things like relatives dying etc (bad trait of mine but a trait nonetheless that I try and work on) These were mostly said in the heat of the moment in arguments but those things tend to stick. She also constantly critiques my mum and has told me she’s a bad mum in the past, that kind of thing, and it really upsets me. She also said these things when I was quite a bit younger, from around 14 to now. Everytime I’ve brought it up and voiced that I don’t like her and the way she behaves she just gets very angry and defensive, cries or basically says what I’m saying isn’t true and then there’s an awful atmosphere for days. She can be quite angry sometimes and my dad has even sent me back to my mum’s once due to an argument about work (they both work together) that got out of control. I personally don’t think I’m ‘difficult’ child; I’m pretty bubbly and chatty, kind (I hope!), always try to be amicable and friendly to stepmum and aside from that going to Cambridge in October and I have a job as well so I don’t feel like I physically pose any parenting problems, as well as being 18 so not much parenting is needed anymore I suppose. Anyway, long story short I just wanted some stepmum perspective on what I should do to make the relationship better. I don’t want to not get on because I see my dad a lot and I go to their house loads too, but put plainly I don’t like her all that much :( it’s kind of weird being forced to live with someone you don’t like as a person and having to get on with them despite your personal feelings about them as people separate from being your parent. I wanted to know if I’m being unreasonable for not liking her or not and how I can make things better as the stepchild because I’m pretty sick of the situation now!

OP posts:
motogogo · 11/07/2021 23:45

It sounds like your dad hasn't stepped up to parent much, that isn't her fault. Obviously everyone is different but teens aren't the easiest to live with, but she seems way off the mark as to acceptable behaviour.

I do say things to dp's dd, she's in our house and some things eg cleaning and tidying up is expected, in return I do plenty for her.

SisterMonicaJoansHabit · 11/07/2021 23:47

I think it's commendable that you're asking for support with this. It's not easy. I've not had a step parent, but I've been one, and my kids have a step father in my partner. It's not plain sailing, ever.

I don't think it sounds like it's you who needs to change. But now that you're 18 you can choose whether you spend time with your dad and step-mum.

I'd want your dad to know what you said about her taking over the parenting. It's lazy of him to let her do that, and it's not her place.

Sophda55 · 11/07/2021 23:55

@motogogo

It sounds like your dad hasn't stepped up to parent much, that isn't her fault. Obviously everyone is different but teens aren't the easiest to live with, but she seems way off the mark as to acceptable behaviour.

I do say things to dp's dd, she's in our house and some things eg cleaning and tidying up is expected, in return I do plenty for her.

I know teenagers aren’t the easiest ever, but she’s got two adult daughters herself so I feel like she should be more tolerant and understanding to be honest about teenage girls but who knows?? I do help around the house a lot with the dishwasher, washing and things like that and am always grateful for her cooking me vegetarian stuff even though her and my dad aren’t, but she does accuse me a lot of not appreciating what she does for me so I’m kind of running out of ways to show this appreciation
OP posts:
Sophda55 · 11/07/2021 23:58

@SisterMonicaJoansHabit

I think it's commendable that you're asking for support with this. It's not easy. I've not had a step parent, but I've been one, and my kids have a step father in my partner. It's not plain sailing, ever.

I don't think it sounds like it's you who needs to change. But now that you're 18 you can choose whether you spend time with your dad and step-mum.

I'd want your dad to know what you said about her taking over the parenting. It's lazy of him to let her do that, and it's not her place.

It’s quite comforting to know I’m an adult and can do what I want now really, but I don’t want to hurt my dad because we’ve always been quite a close-knit unit in terms of spending lots of time together and me and my dad never spend much time one on one that’s planned out if you get what I mean. He does parent me but it’s always on the advice of my stepmum and her telling him ‘you should do this and not that’ instead of him deciding how to treat me of his own accord which I suppose I find pretty frustrating!
OP posts:
Beamur · 12/07/2021 00:06

You sound like a really thoughtful and decent young woman (I'm assuming). Not sure there is much more you can do really! Good luck at University - maybe a little space all round will help.
Continue being helpful and pulling your weight, even if you don't feel appreciated right now. Have some comfort in knowing you're being the better person!

fallfallfall · 12/07/2021 00:14

rather than saying "you don't like her" which she might find hurtful and will cause a strong response. identify the behavior and say you don't like the behavior, so, "i don't like it when you speak negatively about my bio mom as we are related".

but you need to think about what pissed you off (as precisely as possible) and why it pissed you off (how did it hurt your feelings).
lots to unpick in your post but this might be a little start.

Guavafish · 12/07/2021 00:46

It’s difficult when personalities clash. Some times there is no answer and it can’t be solved easily.

I think the best thing would be to organise meet up with your father separately. Especially once you start going uni. You can have quality time with your father without living together. I also agree with distance …

Living with people is hard - you will find out when you come across difficult housemates.

Your father should do more too.. to help you communicate your feeling with your SM better and reduce tension between you.

MarkRuffaloCrumble · 12/07/2021 02:29

I imagine it’s your dad who doesn’t appreciate what she does tbh and she’s projecting that onto you

My DP of 9 years has teenage daughters and we don’t live together, mainly because I didn’t like the way HE was when they were around, more than not liking them. He’s quite indulgent and wouldn’t expect them to help out at all, and it also made him lazy when they were around. Normally he’d be helping me in the kitchen but when his DC were here and saying “daddy I want a cuddle” rather than a quick hug and him saying he was busy helping make their dinner, and that they’d have cuddles later, he’d bugger off to have cuddles and watch TV while I was cooking everyone dinner and sorting the kitchen out. Meanwhile of course my kids were happily entertaining themselves.

When he was here without them he wanted my kids to move off the sofa so he could sit with me, but when his kids were here they had to sit on his lap and take all his attention. The double standard was annoying, as it was like I didn’t exist when they were here, but he wanted my attention on him all the time when they’re weren’t here.

It made me resentful as if I ever brought it up I was being mean and uncaring towards his DC, trying to take their dad away from there etc but it wasn’t really about them. He just loved being needed - especially when it got him out of helping! - and I was an obstacle to him being the dad he wanted to be, when he clearly just wanted me to facilitate his weekends with them without me needing anything from him.

So in the end I stepped back, which he saw as cold and unloving, but there’s only so many times you can be ignored and left to do the donkey work before you just get pissed off at the whole situation. Rightly or wrongly that may come across to the kids as being pissed off at them rather than at him.

Without more info from your SM’s side, I’d guess this is what’s going on, as if you’re generally no trouble and try to be respectful it’s unlikely that it’s personal, it’s just that she’s pissed off with the situation she finds herself in and the ever changing landscape of her home. I imagine your dad could be quite different towards her when you’re not there. Also a lot of dads tend to go into a depression when the kids leave and almost seem to blame the SM for the fact they can’t be with the DC full time (all the more so if your SM was actually the reason for him splitting with your mum). That will also be why she doesn’t want to hear about your mum. I know to you she’s a big part of your life but to her, she was the rival for your dad’s love and has probably been fed stories by him of how unstable or unloving she was in order for him to justify leaving her.

I’m all honestly - from reading hundreds of threads on here, I’d put money on your dad being the missing link here - that the communication between them is the issue here.

SandyY2K · 12/07/2021 03:49

I'd suggest you do as much for yourself as you can. I have an 18 year old and she can cook her own meals.
The more you do for yourself...the less you have to deal with her. Keep your room clean, do your own laundry, clean up after yourself and don't create any additional work for her. Don't use any of her stuff....like make up, toiletries, clothes etc.....just don't give her a reason to be difficult or complain.

Aim to be polite and civil...surface level conversation that won't lead to conflict is best...nothing contentious, like politics, religion or family. If she did have an affair with you dad, she'll not really want to hear much about family/your mum because of her own guilt and insecurity.... so best avoid it.

She's just completed her first year at University. Congratulations on your admission to Cambridge...I hope you enjoy it. I went there on an open day with my daughter......

In relation to your stepmum...much of what she's said to you is wrong, but it often comes from a place on insecurity.

She should never speak badly about your mum..in the heat of the moment isn't an excuse.

she’s said some really nasty things to me in the past such as I have a personality disorder, I’m a psychopath and she’s had to go to therapy because she can’t ‘deal with me’ because I don’t really like talking about emotional things very much and tend to avoid difficult

Totally out of order. You're under no obligation to talk about emotion stuff with her. As an adult she should know better.

I'm not sure why your dad would sit back and let her call you a psychopath.... since when did she become a mental health practitioner and assess you.

But I just really don’t like her as a person to put it simply.

This is his some SMs feel too...just maintain polite courtesy with her.

If you feel your dad would share information with her that you cubby want getting back to her, don't tell him.

she just gets very angry and defensive, cries

This is manipulative behaviour...but it sounds like that's her character.

She can be quite angry sometimes and my dad has even sent me back to my mum’s once due to an argument about work

Was the argument between you and her or her and your dad?

How much time do you spend there? Now you're 18, you don't have too stick to a schedule or sleepover.

Magda72 · 12/07/2021 09:31

@Sophda55 in truth she doesn't sound very nice & I would find some of the things she's said to you very objectionable.
I'm not a step child but my 3 dc (ages 24, 19 & 15) are, & I was with a man with 3 dc for over 5 years.
Your sm could just not be a very nice person &/or she could be massively fed up of your dad's passive sounding parenting & has taken it out on you. This is not right, but it might explain her attitude/behaviour somewhat.
Congratulations on going to Cambridge in September & I hope you have a great experience. You are an adult now so I would say to you what I say to all my dc - you can now have your relationship with your dad on your terms. You can decide how you see him, where you see him & when you see him & you don't have to spend too much time around your sm especially if you find her behaviour not improving around you.
If you have not had therapy or counselling I would really recommend some - there will be College counsellors at Cambridge. My older dc both had counselling. Neither had a bad relationship with their dad or sm but both found it very hard to articulate their issues/needs to both of them as they (dad & sm) could be quite defensive. Counselling was brilliant in giving them the language & methods to get their points across & also assisting them with negotiating their 'moving into adult' relationship with their dad on their terms.
I will also add that they (exh & sm) had an affair. My dc were never told this but I think there was/is a lot of guilt in that relationship & is the main reason exh & sm were very sensitive to any criticism (perceived or intentional) from my dc. A relationship started on cheating & deceit is not often a very relaxed relationship & that can filter down through to dc etc. & can also affect the dynamics between the adults involved for quite some time.

NorthernSpirit · 12/07/2021 09:36

The following stick out for me…..

Firstly it’s great & really mature that you are trying to address this.

So you have known her for 11 Years - why do you think she was the OW? Has your mum planted a seed that could have led to this? IF it is true - does it matter 11 years down the line?

You say you “really don’t like her as a person to put it simply”. You say this a couple of times and n the post. She probably senses this & why would she want to spend anytime with someone who doesn’t like her? How would you feel if you were regularly around someone in your own home who didn’t like you? What can you do to make things more tolerable?

It was absolutely wrong of her to say you have a personality disorder. What behaviour has been demonstrated to say this? Her dad should be ‘dealing with you’ (as you say) not her. It sounds like he needs to step up, he hasn’t so the target is on her back.

She shouldn’t be talking about your mum - that’s wrong. I would nip this in the bud everytime this comes up with ‘I don’t want to discuss’. You say she said these things when you were quote a bit younger - I would let it go & move on. She said things out of possible insecurity.

Congrats on your university place. Distance may well help. What’s stopping you two sitting down as adults to chat through the next chapter and what you can both do to improve things?

newomums · 12/07/2021 09:45

Ok so been SD, I'm also a SM and a mum. I really looked up to my dad. In hindsight he let me do whatever I liked and was true Disney dad, and my SM had to take up the slack and was frazzled. This lead to me blaming her for everything, and her trying to get him to be a parent (shock horror he always let me know that he was stuck in a hard place - rather than actually taking ownership of parenting - ex when I had a house party while they were away, trashed the house and he said my Sm had told him to make me clear it up and he would have just let her do it but didn't want to upset her) - that was a particularly cruel stunt he always did.

I also had my mum telling me or hinting they had a affair and was the cause of her and dad breaking up and that meant I put a lot of blame on my SM that I couldn't put on my dad because I loved him .I didn't realise at the time and not so secretly hated her blaming them for my family being torn apart.

Problem is hindsight is a beautiful thing. I can now see that actually some people just don't work together and my dad as lovely as he was,was central to all of it. When you find out your parents have real flaws when you truely can say you are adult. It's ok to love them despite their flaws, but really look closely. Who's doing all the heavy lifting in your house, who cooks, cleans, food shops, ferries people around. It may be enlightening. Remember all that stuff takes effort and can really wear someone down.

I felt a lot like you tbh until I had kids. Then I realised the expectations that come along because your the mum and female so therefore have to do everything and Disney dads are somewhat acceptable. This rule also applies to SM. It would frazzle anyone.

If they did cheat then they are both 100% culpable. Not just her, remember he made the legally binding document to your mum.
She's not a good person for taking part in it but men don't get stolen, they make active choices. Set them both alight but don't start with her first right.

Personally if me and OH we're fighting really badly I would send kids off (both mine and his) for the day somewhere nice because kids aren't responsible or need to watch people take strips out of each other. It's not a healthy choice and I don't think children should have to feel unsafe because the adults in their lives can't get it together. I would also make it v clear to the kids this wasn't there fault and we loved them.

Sounds like you need to be more specific with what's she's doing that's upsetting you . Saying "I don't like you" is what a child says because they don't have the words to put it any other way. You do have the words your a smart girl clearly, use them. Work on the relationship, if you want to.

If you want to know the end to my SMs and mines story. She's amazing and I love her dearly. She's been always consistently there and as I turn old I realised just how much she did and does for me. But the teenage years and early 20s boy were those not fun.

^ I could be wrong all about the above and she's a wackadoodle. But since you did briefly mention she makes separate dinner for you because your veggie, I would guess actually she trying and I suspect it's a bit of Disney dad going on esp if he did cheat on your mum.

I just think your still a bit hurt and figuring things out. 18s a hard age actually a lot of change. I think you maybe still upset re the divorce (and that's totally ok) but you need to work through that.

I promise you when your a mum, you will get it a bit better and if your a step mum (which I never planned on being) you will understand just what a tightrope it is. I have messed up so many times being both, but i love those children fiercely even when they don't like me, because that's when they need to be loved even more xxxx good luck op

Morechocolatethanbarbara · 12/07/2021 11:11

Well done for seeking advice here, that's a very mature thing to do.

From an outsiders point of view it looks like it's your Dad who is the problem here, not your SM.

If he cheated on your DM then HE is at fault and you should be blaming him for breaking his marriage vows and spliting up your family home.

If HE isn't parenting you, rather stepping back and forcing your SM to do the parenting, this is HIS fault, not hers.

Of course you have a good relationship with him, he's continually playing Good Cop, despite (it seems) being a lying, cheating bastard and a lazy parent.

If you aren't cooking your vegetarian meals then your father should be. He is your parent. At the very minimum HE should be ensuing that separate food is available for you to cook for yourself.

It may not seem like much, but juggling different dietary requirements in a family is a real arse-ache and it's not your SM's responsibility to feed you, it's your Dad's.

Adjust your rose-tinted view of your Dad. Realise he's actually been an arsehole to your mum (for cheating on her, if that's what happened) to his new wife for making her do the parenting, cooking and cleaning for HIS child and mostly to you for being a rubbish parent, forcing others into that role and fracturing your relationship with your SM.

That's not to say she's perfect, clearly some of the things she's said and done are completely out of order, but I imagine you are both actually frustrated with your Dad, yet he's swanning through life getting on with everyone and you two are taking your anger out on each other.

Your Dad shouldn't be your friend he should be your parent, but by being your mate rather than a proper father-figure he's forced your SM into a role she probably never wanted and can never win at.

I'd explain to them both that you've recognised this and to improve your relationship with both of them youd like your Dad to be more of a parent and your SM to be more of a friend as that is how it should be.

SpaceshiptoMars · 12/07/2021 11:20

You are doing very very well. Not just the Cambridge entry, but the level of maturity and forgiveness you demonstrate.

Have you heard of non-violent communication? It may be what you need to work with your SM (and your Dad!). It's a lifetime's journey:

twitter.com/nvcacademy

BuddhaAtSea · 12/07/2021 16:59

The problem is your dad, not your step mum necessarily. He is, from what you’re saying, letting her do all the work and she sounds fed up and frustrated.
I would form an unspoken alliance with her, tell her dad’s cooking dinner and clearing up for all of you, you and her are going to start watching a movie. A bit of: come on, dad, she’s not your employee. Get her some nice...don’t know, soap, something with a rose fragrance, some flowers, something that it’s obviously for her. And rib your dad about it, when was the last time he got her some flowers?

snowwhit3 · 12/07/2021 22:25

@NorthernSpirit

The following stick out for me…..

Firstly it’s great & really mature that you are trying to address this.

So you have known her for 11 Years - why do you think she was the OW? Has your mum planted a seed that could have led to this? IF it is true - does it matter 11 years down the line?

You say you “really don’t like her as a person to put it simply”. You say this a couple of times and n the post. She probably senses this & why would she want to spend anytime with someone who doesn’t like her? How would you feel if you were regularly around someone in your own home who didn’t like you? What can you do to make things more tolerable?

It was absolutely wrong of her to say you have a personality disorder. What behaviour has been demonstrated to say this? Her dad should be ‘dealing with you’ (as you say) not her. It sounds like he needs to step up, he hasn’t so the target is on her back.

She shouldn’t be talking about your mum - that’s wrong. I would nip this in the bud everytime this comes up with ‘I don’t want to discuss’. You say she said these things when you were quote a bit younger - I would let it go & move on. She said things out of possible insecurity.

Congrats on your university place. Distance may well help. What’s stopping you two sitting down as adults to chat through the next chapter and what you can both do to improve things?

@NorthernSpirit of course it makes a difference if she was the OW or not. My SM was and when I found out it completely changed my attitude towards her (and my dad!).
SandyY2K · 12/07/2021 23:30

I would form an unspoken alliance with her, tell her dad’s cooking dinner and clearing up for all of you, you and her are going to start watching a movie. A bit of: come on, dad, she’s not your employee. Get her some nice...don’t know, soap, something with a rose fragrance, some flowers, something that it’s obviously for her. And rib your dad about it, when was the last time he got her some flowers?

I personally wouldn't want to form an alliance with someone who calls me a psychopath and bad mouthed my mum.

but she does accuse me a lot of not appreciating what she does for me so I’m kind of running out of ways to show this appreciation

If she doesn't do anything for you, then this will be a moot point. At your age you can do things for yourself...you'll be doing so when you go to University.

The less interaction you have with her, the less conflict you'll have. Polite and civil is enough.

TryingToBeLogical · 13/07/2021 09:33

“I'd suggest you do as much for yourself as you can. I have an 18 year old and she can cook her own meals.
The more you do for yourself...the less you have to deal with her. Keep your room clean, do your own laundry, clean up after yourself and don't create any additional work for her. Don't use any of her stuff....like make up, toiletries, clothes etc.....just don't give her a reason to be difficult or complain.”

It is good advice to depend as little as possible on someone who is hateful or resentful to you. When you are self sufficient, no one can accuse you of being a burden...and you won’t owe them anything. Plus, people you don’t depend on can’t let you down and it’s harder for them to hurt you (out of insecurity or frustration or whatnot).

It may sound a bit sad, but it’s advice that is coming from experience. The great thing about being an adult is that you can look after yourself and decide whom you feel safe depending on/being close to, and who to interact politely with but keep at arms length. You can still have a warm interaction with your dad.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page