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You’re not their mum

468 replies

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 11:31

That’s the response I got when I enquired as to if there was a card from my two teen stepdaughters. We’ve only been married two years and together for five. I’m only expected to do all their washing and to cook all their dinners and to pay for their holidays, when I pointed out to my husband that he sends another person a Mother’s Day card that isn’t his mum he said ‘ they have been around a lot longer than you’

so that sums up how step mums are viewed doesn’t it … you have to treat them like your own or your’re a nasty step monster … but when it comes down to buying a card. Nope forget it. You’re not important, you’ve not earned it yet!

( don’t know why his response has upset me so much ffs. He’s always asking ME to make more effort, but they make ZERO)

OP posts:
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MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:50

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:49

These girls didn’t know you 5 years ago

They have never got you a Mother’s Day card before

You and their mother are not on friendly terms I’m guessing so no doubt even if they wanted to, it would be difficult for them to celebrate Mother’s Day for you

You had a lovely day today and were treated by your own kids

good grief

What makes you think we are not on good terms?!

OP posts:
CountryQueen · 30/03/2025 14:50

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:46

No. He is my kids step dad. As I said earlier ; they give him a card and gift on Father’s Day

They don’t do that. You do. Because they’re too little to sort it themselves.

The fact he still leaves that shit to your Mother to sort, allows you to slave over his kids, blames you for the fact they are quiet, lets you pay for the holidays or the three of them don’t join you, all adds up to him taking you for a ride.

jacks11 · 30/03/2025 14:50

I think YABU.

I suggest that they do not see you as a mother figure in their life, they see you as their father’s wife. If that is true- and from what you have written, you are absolutely aware that your relationship is not on a fond/mother figure footing- why would you expect it? They don’t feel like that, you know it and they know that you know it- so what would be the point of it? It would have been fake and a hollow gesture. It sounds self-defeating to have decided this was something they should do, even though you know they don’t feel that way.

I am not saying they should not be polite to you, or appreciate when you do things for them that you don’t have to (such as paying for a holiday- though they may not know that you paid and their father did not). Though, as you chose to marry a man with children I think you do sign up to do things for his children to some extent too- and to welcome them in to your home (as your husband has with your children- and it sounds like he has done). Some of the things you are talking about are not really a favour you are doing them- you might be doing your DH a favour, but not necessarily doing it for your stepchildren

For example, if you are cooking a meal for you and your DH and your children, you aren’t really specifically going out of your way to do them a favour by cooking are you? They are reasonable to expect to be able to eat a meal when they are staying with their father, in his home. If you are doing anyone a favour, it is your husband, in my view. Depending on their ages, you doing their washing could also be more of a favour to their father than them. If you no longer want to do these things because you don’t feel appreciated, take that up with your husband, who will have take on the tasking of making separate meals for them/ask them to make their own meals, and do their laundry or ask them to do it. If you don’t want to pay for them to come on holiday, then don’t- accept that you and your DH may need separate holidays if they can’t come with you. I’m not sure that will help the situation, but at least you won’t feel put upon and resentful. I’m not trying to be facetious- I think you do have to accept that some of these things you are doing for your husband and your relationship with him/because you want to make life easier for him and because you recognise that in order for him to have a relationship with his children, they have to be welcome in their father’s home, rather than solely for the benefit of your step-children.

I don’t know how old all the respective children are, but I think it is worth bearing in mind is that if your children live with you full time (or most of the time) and they are not resident with their dad, there may well be quite a lot of resentment that your children spend more time and thus indirectly more support/more consistent relationship with their dad than they do. They may be quite unhappy, even if they can’t say it (don’t want to upset dad- e.g. they may worry he will simply distance himself). You and your DH chose this situation, none of the children involved did- you don’t get to decide how they feel about it, or what kind of relationship they want with you. It is incumbent on you, as the adults who decided to try and blend your families, to accept that whilst you might love each other, your children may not feel the same way about your spouse. They must be polite and respect any rules within your (you and your husband’s) home, of course, and that could include being responsible for their own laundry if your children will be at a similar age.

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:51

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:50

What makes you think we are not on good terms?!

Let’s just say…. You’re all over the step parenting threads

And have mentioned the ex wife (working part time, how unreasonable!!!) on many an occasion!

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:52

You think if your two were the same ages whether, has known this man for 5 eyes and “lite” pastime lives with him for 2 years would go out and by card and a chocs for him on their own accord?

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:53

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:51

Let’s just say…. You’re all over the step parenting threads

And have mentioned the ex wife (working part time, how unreasonable!!!) on many an occasion!

Right, and that’s a fact?!

last year I literally brought flowers for them to arrange to take home to their mum! We are not on bad terms at all. Doesn’t mean I can’t be annoyed at some things!

OP posts:
Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:54

How old are your kids op?

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:54

jacks11 · 30/03/2025 14:50

I think YABU.

I suggest that they do not see you as a mother figure in their life, they see you as their father’s wife. If that is true- and from what you have written, you are absolutely aware that your relationship is not on a fond/mother figure footing- why would you expect it? They don’t feel like that, you know it and they know that you know it- so what would be the point of it? It would have been fake and a hollow gesture. It sounds self-defeating to have decided this was something they should do, even though you know they don’t feel that way.

I am not saying they should not be polite to you, or appreciate when you do things for them that you don’t have to (such as paying for a holiday- though they may not know that you paid and their father did not). Though, as you chose to marry a man with children I think you do sign up to do things for his children to some extent too- and to welcome them in to your home (as your husband has with your children- and it sounds like he has done). Some of the things you are talking about are not really a favour you are doing them- you might be doing your DH a favour, but not necessarily doing it for your stepchildren

For example, if you are cooking a meal for you and your DH and your children, you aren’t really specifically going out of your way to do them a favour by cooking are you? They are reasonable to expect to be able to eat a meal when they are staying with their father, in his home. If you are doing anyone a favour, it is your husband, in my view. Depending on their ages, you doing their washing could also be more of a favour to their father than them. If you no longer want to do these things because you don’t feel appreciated, take that up with your husband, who will have take on the tasking of making separate meals for them/ask them to make their own meals, and do their laundry or ask them to do it. If you don’t want to pay for them to come on holiday, then don’t- accept that you and your DH may need separate holidays if they can’t come with you. I’m not sure that will help the situation, but at least you won’t feel put upon and resentful. I’m not trying to be facetious- I think you do have to accept that some of these things you are doing for your husband and your relationship with him/because you want to make life easier for him and because you recognise that in order for him to have a relationship with his children, they have to be welcome in their father’s home, rather than solely for the benefit of your step-children.

I don’t know how old all the respective children are, but I think it is worth bearing in mind is that if your children live with you full time (or most of the time) and they are not resident with their dad, there may well be quite a lot of resentment that your children spend more time and thus indirectly more support/more consistent relationship with their dad than they do. They may be quite unhappy, even if they can’t say it (don’t want to upset dad- e.g. they may worry he will simply distance himself). You and your DH chose this situation, none of the children involved did- you don’t get to decide how they feel about it, or what kind of relationship they want with you. It is incumbent on you, as the adults who decided to try and blend your families, to accept that whilst you might love each other, your children may not feel the same way about your spouse. They must be polite and respect any rules within your (you and your husband’s) home, of course, and that could include being responsible for their own laundry if your children will be at a similar age.

My kids live with me 50% of the time and their dad the rest.

I appreciate your post, there is lots to think about there. Thank you.

OP posts:
SwanRivers · 30/03/2025 14:54

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:42

Not sure tbh. Last year I helped them make flower arrangements for her and their nan. But they are not here this weekend.

at least once in the week and every other weekend

Something else their father should've done with them.

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:56

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:52

You think if your two were the same ages whether, has known this man for 5 eyes and “lite” pastime lives with him for 2 years would go out and by card and a chocs for him on their own accord?

Edited

Yeah I think they would tbh. They value him in a way I’m not valued by my SK. Thats again, is just the fact of it!

OP posts:
Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:57

What drew you to a man who can’t afford to take his own children away on holiday?

cestlavielife · 30/03/2025 14:58

Stop doing this all their washing and to cook all their dinners and to pay for their holidays,

But you are not their mother
Still sone acknowledgement of what you do ...not necessarily on today ...would be something you deserve
Don't be a slave

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 14:59

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:56

Yeah I think they would tbh. They value him in a way I’m not valued by my SK. Thats again, is just the fact of it!

Indeed

and would be interesting to know their view on why they think this

or perhaps they just don’t really celebrate it. They have never got you anything
and whilst you bought their mother some flowers, do you know what they did of their own accord?

TENSsion · 30/03/2025 14:59

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:48

Mine are younger so I asked them if they wanted to. They said yes. So I got them a card and a gift to give him.

If your children were upset by the thought of getting him a card, would you force them to?

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:59

HappiestSleeping · 30/03/2025 13:18

I think the thing that strikes me most is that the OP's husband has picked her above all others, and chosen her to help his raise his (hopefully) prized children. And then says this.

There are so many things wrong with his words, and the sentiment, that I don't know where to start. The children could have got a card that says step mum, but it isn't even what they think that matters IMHO. Husband is supposed to be her biggest cheerleader, and even if the children don't see it, he could have at least made it known that he appreciates all she does.

I don't want to go ragging on the OP, but it doesn't sound like it is an isolated incident.

Sorry I missed this,but thanks.

OP posts:
MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:59

TENSsion · 30/03/2025 14:59

If your children were upset by the thought of getting him a card, would you force them to?

Of course I wouldn’t!!

OP posts:
Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 15:00

On every other day Of the year, are you close with them, they thank you, appreciate what you do?

thepariscrimefiles · 30/03/2025 15:00

MissJeanBrodiesmother · 30/03/2025 11:36

I think buying a mothers day card for you would have been v difficult. You are not their mum. You are their dad's wife. You are not obliged to do everything for everyone. They shouldn't feel obliged to buy you a card because you do practical things for them. If you and their father split tomorrow you would in all likelihood have little to do with them.

OP's kids send her DH a Step-Dad card on Father's Day.

TENSsion · 30/03/2025 15:00

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 14:59

Of course I wouldn’t!!

So perhaps your stepdaughters don’t want to get you one and he’s respecting their wishes, as you would your own children.

Perhaps he’s saving your feelings by not telling you this.

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 15:01

The very thought of getting another woman a Mother’s Day card aside from my own is just unfathomable

let alone one that less than 5 years ago I’d never even frickin’ met!

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 15:01

TENSsion · 30/03/2025 15:00

So perhaps your stepdaughters don’t want to get you one and he’s respecting their wishes, as you would your own children.

Perhaps he’s saving your feelings by not telling you this.

No he absolutely would have said if this was the case. As I said easier I bet it just didn’t occur to any of them.

OP posts:
Princesspollyyy · 30/03/2025 15:01

Sorry to say, but as long as the have their biological mum in their life, I really don’t think it’s appropriate to buy a Mother’s Day card for you, regardless what you do for them. You’re not their mum, end of.

im a step mum myself, as well as having my own children, and I don’t receive anything on Mother’s Day from my step children, and nor would I expect to.

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 15:02

TENSsion · 30/03/2025 15:00

So perhaps your stepdaughters don’t want to get you one and he’s respecting their wishes, as you would your own children.

Perhaps he’s saving your feelings by not telling you this.

This

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 15:02

Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 15:01

The very thought of getting another woman a Mother’s Day card aside from my own is just unfathomable

let alone one that less than 5 years ago I’d never even frickin’ met!

Edited

do you come to this board just to be mean? Or are you a step parent yourself?

OP posts:
Ooorhead · 30/03/2025 15:03

MellowPinkDeer · 30/03/2025 15:02

do you come to this board just to be mean? Or are you a step parent yourself?

Says the op bitching about her teen step children for not giving her Mother’s Day card

when they have never done before
met you less than 5 years ago
and you had a lovely morning being spoilt by your own children

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