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Step-parenting

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I'm 39 still have issues with my stepmum help

102 replies

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 06:22

My stepmum has always been jealous of me from when I was a child.
Not to say she hasn't helped me she has.
I didn't get on with her and we have had physical fights.
Let's just say when my dad, stepmum lived close to us she did help look after my son.
But then I would limit my contact with only saw my dad really. She is a very negative person.
Then my dad, stepmum moved last year away. But they live in a nice area now and near the beach.
My dad still hides giving me money me still. He booked accommodation and I was meant to pay him back well he said he pay half. He understands I don't work much and I would give him if I could.
My OH had noticed how she was and she keep watching my OH he does eat a lot. But I even was left with her myself. I still feel uneasy about conversations with her when no one around she can be really nosey.
I am 39 at this point I actually had enough of her bs growing up with her. I sat there while my OH, son, brother and dad went out. It was how is so and so a friend of mine. I thought why ask for this person if you don't really like her as to how she planned something for me. That's another long story.
That was my cue let me go for a walk can't sit here being asked many questions etc. So asked how do I get to these shops she said wait until my dad back. So I just said going for a walk found my own way to a shop and she did know where I was going.
I actually phoned my dad when I got there to pick me up on his way back.
In the car he made out my stepmum didn't know where I was going. Well she did as she wouldn't tell me how to get to a shop just said wait your dad will take you. I wasn't sitting with her being asked all sorts
I didn't cause much of seen in the car as the my brother, son and OH was there. But was like here we go.
We had to go somewhere so he dropped us all there and he went back and got her. It's obvious words were spoken by dad, stepmum.
I sat on the bench and she did ask so did you get what you wanted at this place didn't cause a scene. It was all left and blown over.
I noticed when my son went to go out with my dad somewhere she was trying to push my brother whom an adult to go. He did want to go but he wasn't actually bothered he was busy in his room.
Apart from that weekend was fine.
My issue is now that I am pregnant my dad and stepmum don't know yet. In fact my own mum don't know yet.
So I have planned on telling my dad he can tell my stepmum actually can't deal with her negative comments. Although my mum might be the same too.
My stepmum already had said about someone we know having a baby saying I couldn't have a baby now.
There is a lot with my stepmum but tbh glad they no longer live near by.
I just speak to my dad and do ask for her. I chat with my own mother every day.
Just wondering what she going to be like now I am pregnant.
My son is going to stay this week and he is happy I am having a baby.
I do hope she doesn't say something and he hates the fact I am pregnant. Just try make him feel he be left out etc.
She can be very nasty and always been jealous of me because she wanted a girl. I worry if I have a girl now how she will be but glad they have moved away.
I am trying not to think of it.
Even my OH said he didn't want her to know yet but because my son going there I have to tell them. He too excited at the moment to finally be have an older brother.
What would you do? Although nothing much she can say or do. Or me really just get on with my life got my mum and dad so really there reaction only thing I should care about.
Anyone still have a nightmare with their step parent even as an adult?

OP posts:
lunar1 · 22/08/2022 07:52

I honestly wonder how bad she can really be. She's looked after your son when you lived near each other, now you are happy for home to go and stay with them.

I would never allow my children to be looked after by someone I disliked so much.

fufflecake · 22/08/2022 08:22

Why did you let her look after your children?

I didn't get on with her and we have had physical fights. who started these fights?

I would just tell them matter of factly about the pregnancy if you've told your son.

aSofaNearYou · 22/08/2022 08:34

Anyone still have a nightmare with their step parent even as an adult?

You're on the step parenting board, so quite an inflammatory place to be asking that question. This post would have been better somewhere more general.

Your post isn't very clear but she doesn't sound that bad tbh it just sounds like you don't like her personality. Nothing you've said there sounds shocking at all.

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 08:35

@lunar1

I was worried about her looking after my son. But my dad took week off and she got a job. So I was happy that was the case.

My son loves her don't think he experienced what I have.

But I know she jealous maybe of the bond he has with my dad. The jealously is her problem.

My dad spoke to me about his Will and I wasn't happy. He said he will leave money to me and my younger brother. I don't think it's fair but he said going to tell and other two. They got money you don't.
I didn't like having that talk because when my dad passes would rather not have anything from him like money. I know what she will say.
I would be too upset would rather dad being here. Money isn't important to me.
Think that's why my dad is like that with me the other two are selfish a bit. I always say if I won the lotto would send him to his country but glad to say he done that himself even though it was for a day. He saw family he didn't see over 50 years. My stepmum really held him back.
So I just don't know how she will be able this pregnancy hope she don't start being negative. Since the last time when I lived with them after my break up with my sons father and we got into a physical fight. It's not really the same since I cut her off and only civil for my father, brothers sake.
It's just I will do the same and be happy to only contact my dad and will let him tell her about the pregnancy.
Like I said my dad still hides he gives me money he still helps and buys shopping. He took my son out bought him clothes and trainers although send money over he paid the rest. It's really not my son or my fault she don't see her grandkids.
That's down to her relationship with her eldest.
Anyone adult experience this?

OP posts:
fufflecake · 22/08/2022 08:42

This bit is mostly intended for stepparents rather than people who have a stepparent I think, though of course any one can post anywhere, you just will get responses mostly from step parents. You might be better off posting in relationships.

Bananarama21 · 22/08/2022 08:42

Maybe as an adult she thinks your take advantage of your father for money and for childcare your an adult your not a child you should be paying for stuff yourself. Your post was abit confusing to follow in parts.

gogohmm · 22/08/2022 08:43

A few things here but I honestly I think part of the problem is you know you weren't nice to her growing up.

I also can't believe at 39 you are accepting handouts from your dad. He shouldn't need to hide it because you are old enough to be standing on your own feet except in exceptional circumstances. Yes I have my own kids and dp has 2 kids, one lives with us full time.

I honestly think the problem is you, mostly in your head

lunar1 · 22/08/2022 08:45

Your asking in the wrong place to be honest. What do you want the step parents on here to say...

'yes, I have physical fights with my adult step children in between looking after their dc, it's because I'm jealous'

People posting here are generally trying to get an outside opinion and advice on their own step parenting situations. Maybe relationships would be a better place to ask this.

I can't see anyone advising you to send your son to stay in a home where there had been violence though, especially when you think she may have a negative reaction to your pregnancy news.

Bananarama21 · 22/08/2022 08:46

So you had a child, broke up the father moved in with them, did you take advantage? Sounds like you are constantly after money for food, yourself and stuff for your son and now your pregnant again I assume with a new partner and still accepting handouts. I wouldn't be too happy with you either if I was her. Your almost 40 you need to be independent.

Iamthewombat · 22/08/2022 08:47

Is English your first language? Your posts are hard to read.

What comes through strongly is your hatred of your stepmother. She can’t do right for doing wrong, can she? I feel quite sorry for her, and for your father.

Iamthewombat · 22/08/2022 08:49

This reply has been deleted

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harriethoyle · 22/08/2022 08:50

You have a lot of growing up to do. Maybe stop blaming your stepmother for your problems and spend some time thinking about your contribution. Happy for her to look after your son but will limit your contact with her? Unbelievably rude.

AnneLovesGilbert · 22/08/2022 08:50

I highly doubt she’s jealous of you. You’re mooching off your dad at nearly 40, can’t afford the child you have and yet you’re having another one. You’re also physically violent, sound very manipulative and a bit unstable. I expect she’s happy to leave you to your dad to try and manage and save herself unnecessary drama. You’re very lucky she’s willing to look after your son given how you’ve behaved. I wouldn’t be putting myself out for you but maybe she’s concerned for your son.

I’m afraid I can’t relate to any of this despite being a similar age, a mum, step mum and step daughter.

fufflecake · 22/08/2022 08:51

My dad spoke to me about his Will and I wasn't happy. He said he will leave money to me and my younger brother I don't understand why this makes you unhappy. Anyway. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 08:53

@Bananarama21

No I never would ask my father because of how she is. But he always says if you need something to ask and now I do.
He just hides from her but he knows that I am not a selfish person when I got money.
He never takes money back and that drives me mad but that what dad's are like. My OH said you girl it's different.

You have no idea.

OP posts:
fufflecake · 22/08/2022 08:56

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 08:53

@Bananarama21

No I never would ask my father because of how she is. But he always says if you need something to ask and now I do.
He just hides from her but he knows that I am not a selfish person when I got money.
He never takes money back and that drives me mad but that what dad's are like. My OH said you girl it's different.

You have no idea.

then give him the money back and tell him you feel insulted that he won't now you are a grown adult with your own reliable source of income

Bananarama21 · 22/08/2022 08:57

Stop getting your dad buying food and clothes for your child! It's not hard to do you obviously going cap and hand your a grown woman who can't provide basics but pregnant again.

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 08:57

@AnneLovesGilbert

She lucky my dad hasn't left her. After being abused from her as a child.

The best this about being an adult step child you grow up and step parent cannot do anything no more. That's what you all got to realize. It becomes a lot worse when grand children come along.

OP posts:
aSofaNearYou · 22/08/2022 09:02

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 08:57

@AnneLovesGilbert

She lucky my dad hasn't left her. After being abused from her as a child.

The best this about being an adult step child you grow up and step parent cannot do anything no more. That's what you all got to realize. It becomes a lot worse when grand children come along.

You haven't detailed any abuse though. Perhaps it happened but you haven't explained it here if so.

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 09:03

@fufflecake

He would get offended that he just likes to help. He knows if I was loaded I would help him more than the others. I would help him go to his country and stay there for a long time weather she liked that or not.
He does a lot for me but will get all back soon. I don't sit on money and not help family.
Even little I have I buy gifts for them. He appreciates that.

OP posts:
Bananarama21 · 22/08/2022 09:04

There's clearly alot more to this story and its one of those where it would be interesting to hear sm pov I suspect its something like this

Constantly wants money for food and clothes and trainners for her child
Wanting childcare and now is pregnant with someone else.
Offered her a place to stay following her break up but took advantage didn't help out or give money for stay and food.
Always seems to be wanting money
Constant need for her father attention despite the fact she has her own family unit.

AnneLovesGilbert · 22/08/2022 09:25

Scorpio8 · 22/08/2022 08:53

@Bananarama21

No I never would ask my father because of how she is. But he always says if you need something to ask and now I do.
He just hides from her but he knows that I am not a selfish person when I got money.
He never takes money back and that drives me mad but that what dad's are like. My OH said you girl it's different.

You have no idea.

Which is it?

You said this in your first post He booked accommodation and I was meant to pay him back well he said he pay half. He understands I don't work much and I would give him if I could.

lickenchugget · 22/08/2022 09:29

Honestly you sound very immature. And childlike.

I can imagine the story is very different from SM perspective.

I can’t really see what she would be jealous of.

Bananarama21 · 22/08/2022 09:49

I suspect your driving your poor sm nuts your need for money and attention. Constantly dipping into their pot.

EvieJeanBengal · 22/08/2022 10:28

My step used to get drunk and climb up a tree on ANZAC and refuse to come down. Until I got the chainsaw out and revved it under the tree. Hours of refusal to everyone else ended in him scuttling down the tree and storming off inside to sulk. It was a yearly thing. There are worse steps