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Is it normal to not like my step kids

83 replies

Thenoideanurse · 16/03/2026 08:45

I’m a step parent to 3 children; ages 7, 9 and 10. I have my own daughter at 13 too. We all live together. We have my step kids 6 day and they see go to their mums for 4 days. I treat them largely as I do my own daughter with the exception of important decisions anything medical or relating to school I make sure their dad makes those decisions but day to day they get treat like my own daughter. Their behaviour is questionable they will often swear and shout at me when enforcing rules as they just don’t behave and I get at least weekly you can’t tell me what to do you’re not my mum from the middle one. Which we have explained I’m not trying to be but still trying to stick to rules causes issues. Me and their dad have been together for 5 years we have all lived together for 3&1/2. Is it normal to not like them? I absolutely dread when I’m at home and their dads at work because I know they misbehave. Their dads so supportive but I feel like I’m constantly going back and telling tales because they just cannot behave when I'm looking after them. It’s always been difficult as their behaviour is hard to cope with but in the last year it’s been really bad. Any advice how to get on better?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
TottenhamCake · 17/03/2026 15:24

FeelingSadToday1 · 16/03/2026 08:49

This does not sound normal OP. I love my step kids like they are my own, but then they don't speak to me nastily and respect our joint home.

I think taking on 3 young children so early into a relationship was probably not the best idea. Does your husband pull his weight with parenting?

Oh jog on. My SKs are sweet enough girls but it doesn’t come anywhere close to the love I have for my own child.

Yardbrushes · 17/03/2026 23:19

Why on earth have you inflicted this on your daughter?
Why on earth would you think that taking on the care of 3 other children would be fair to your child?
No you are not unreasonable to not like 3 poorly behaved children, but its your innocent daughter that I feel most sorry for.
You blew up her childhood signing up to be free childcare for his children.
Your poor daughter.
Rethink these living arrangements and put your child first.

franklymydearscarlett · 17/03/2026 23:36

IMissTheLittleBluePackets · 16/03/2026 14:23

Agree with this. Ignore the people who just want to stick the boot in. I've had insane replies on similar threads in the past. One woman felt I should give up my job to devote myself to my stepchildren, otherwise, I was the most selfish woman on the planet 😂😂😂 Lol.

Anyway, yes it is normal. On here, people might give you a different impression but in real life, I know more people who have issues with their stepchildren than don't.

It isn’t normal to live in a blended family. Which is why the OP’s step kids are playing up. And which is why you know many people who have issues with their step kids.

franklymydearscarlett · 17/03/2026 23:39

Lifesd · 16/03/2026 08:48

No it’s not normal and I can’t imagine this dynamic is good for anyone. Why did you blend families in the first place and not just wait until the children were much older before moving your child in with 4 people they aren’t related too.

as usual first post nails it. Another woman who’s jumped into a new marriage and blended family as the expense of 4 kids’ stability and happiness. It really stinks.

Youshouldbestrongerthanme · 18/03/2026 08:42

Define "normal" for you in terms of what a family looks like.

SandyY2K · 19/03/2026 18:44

Shuffletoesxtreme · 16/03/2026 11:50

Nothing in this world would have enticed me to move in with someone else’s 3, 5 and 6 year old, can you move out again?

I couldn't agree more. To much, too soon.

I can see why dad did it. He got immediate help with 3 little kids. That must have been difficult for his kids, your child and you.

LoyalMember · 19/03/2026 19:41

You have my support because I can't imagine anything worse than being in the house with three spoilt, arsehole brats. You have to tell your husband and try and get this sorted.

BudgetBuster · 19/03/2026 19:48

LoyalMember · 19/03/2026 19:41

You have my support because I can't imagine anything worse than being in the house with three spoilt, arsehole brats. You have to tell your husband and try and get this sorted.

I reckon it might be worse being a very young child and moving in with your Dad's girlfriend and her kid way too quick and the girlfriend hates you all.

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