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SK and a new baby

TheLadyTremaine's picture

Some background info...
I've been with my husband for 6 years, living together for 5 years, married 2 years. He has 2 kids; SS14 and SD12. Do not be fooled by their numeric ages. I work with kids and these children have the life skills of kids half their age. At first I was terribly sad and worried for them. Now I am just annoyed and afraid about how this will affect me. There have always been ridiculous issues with BM that turned into PAS over the last few years. I used to be super stepmom but this past year I had enough of the kids whining, my husband expecting me to plan everything and BM blaming me for every problem in the SK lives. I disengaged and I like it better this way. Now SK and I pretty much ignore each other. Its crazy awkward but better.

The issue...
We're expecting a baby this winter. I'm prepared for BM to say nasty things through the kids. What I wasn't prepared for was DH and SK acting like I'm going to leave this baby with the SK!!!! They are already talking about babysitting (they can't even be trusted to stay home alone themselves so its comical and terrifying). SS14 won't shut up about what we're going to name the baby or what color we should paint the nursery. He actually thinks he'll have some say in these things. DH encourages this because I think he thinks this is how everyone will bond and make one big happy family.

The questions...
I'd like to start dealing with this now instead of waiting until the baby gets here but I don't know how. Since I've never had a child, I don't know what boundaries I can set with the SK and DH. Do I have a right to say I don't want the SK to visit the new baby until I'm good and ready? I want to tell DH that they are never to be alone with the baby because I don't trust that they wouldn't do something inappropriate. Their parents think that having their own iPads and unrestricted internet access is a good idea. I don't want them talking pics of my child and posting them. How do I handle that? What should I be ready for? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Evil stepmonster's picture

Be ready for the SK's to use this as a way of manipulating their dad. See she hates us, she only wants her baby around. Crap like that. Truthfully, I wouldn't keep them from seeing their sib, but I would enforce the no social media devices unless I say rule, and would speak to DH about that now. And if he pulls the "It's fine I do have two other kids" shut that down now. He may have two other kids, but you're obviously not thrilled with how they are turning out. Plus this isn't just his third child, it's your first and you have every right to set boundaries you are comfortable with. And simply stateing the fact, you don't want me to tell you how to raise your kids, don't tell me how I should parent mine.
I didn't leave my kids with sitters ever unless it was my mother. Teens today have no sense of responsiblity so not wanting to leave your baby with two teens is perfectly understandable and you just have to be upfront and honest with DH about that. No sugar coating.

TheLadyTremaine's picture

Great advice! I'm not sure how to deal with the social media thing though. Both kids have their faces buried in electronics all day long. They have cameras right on the back. They actually have passwords on the iPads so that DH can't even know what they're up to! Do I demand they not be allowed to use them around me or my kid at all?

Dizzy's picture

Yep.

"iPads and other devices must be kept/used in your room from now on."

Done.

TheLadyTremaine's picture

Perfect! But DH is gonna flip when I bring this up. He seems to believe that if I'm not doing things for them, I should have no say whatsoever in anything to do with them.

Evil stepmonster's picture

I wouldn't use the word demand unless it's the only word left. But I would explain to DH that he and the baby BM might be comfortable with all the picture sharing and what not but you are not. And an infant really can't say if he or she wants their picture all over the internet so while around the baby leave the cells, iPads, or what ever in their rooms. Perhaps use this to teach the SK's some responsibility by involving them with the protection of the new baby. You're trusting them to protect their sib from any harmful eyes on the internet and what not. And if it actually comes to it, put the foot down. Ok, you can't respect my wishes, go away then. What is all comes down to is they are not your kids, you have to do what is best for your kid.

TheLadyTremaine's picture

Demand was the wrong word. I'm not one to demand anything. lol

This is certainly something I'm going to do but there are going to be major fits thrown. Leaving the iPads in the rooms sounds reasonable but when you are used to staring at the screen 12+ hours/day, its quite a shock. DH finally made A rule that they couldn't use the screens all night long and SS13 had a break down. It was actually a little funny.

These kids have never been taught about dangers of anything much less the internet so I doubt they will take my concern seriously. I'm holding out that DH does.

Rags's picture

I would err on the side of engaging the SKids in the new brother/sister experience rather than going for a position of dictatorial control. This is also your DH's child and though not his first this is his first with you and the first for you and him together. DH has equal say on the new baby. I think you would be well served to take the time to firm up the equity partner/parent bond with your DH before the baby arrives. This whole experience will be much more positive if you are a team rather than struggling against each other.

Like it or not, your baby will also be your Skid’s younger sibling. Engaging and managing their interface and relationship with your baby will be far easier than battling the Skids to control how they interface with their little sib.

At some point you will want a date night with your DH. If your Skids are responsible then I see no issue with a 14yo sib watching their baby sib for a few hours while you and DH enjoy an evening out. If the SKids are not trustworthy due to their immaturity then find a sitter you are comfortable with. When I was in my pre and early teens my parents would hire a teen girl from up the street to watch my little brother. I am 6 years older so not quite enough older to watch my 3-7yo little brother at that time. I did not have an issue with the 15ishyo sitter watching my little brother, or myself for that matter. Hey, I learned a lot playing strip poker and spin the bottle from Val from up the street when I was in my early teens. }:)

With the social media thing I completely concur that you and DH should be the ones to maintain control over posting images of your child. This is easily handled by turning off the internet router and cell phone service if the Skids do not comply with the rules that you and your DH set on this. Talk with the Skids, tell them that until you and DH are comfortable that neither of you want pics of the baby floating through the electrons.

IMHO of course.

Congratulations on the new little one.

TheLadyTremaine's picture

Certainly need to make sure we're on the same page before baby arrives. Even just a couple of months ago I was very focused on how to keep things positive and good to promote a good relationship between SK and DS. They have both been acting so terribly lately though that all I can think is how can I keep them away from my child. I had a much older half sister who I idolized, faults and all so I'm panicked lately thinking about this.

The PAS is so extreme and the kids have no loyalty to their dad so I really can't see ever trusting them alone in my home much less with my child. They have a history or lying, manipulation, etc. so not what I would look for in a sitter. DH and I even discussed getting a sitter for SS13 this summer because we both know he's too immature to keep himself safe.

Thanks!

TheLadyTremaine's picture

I have a feeling it will be a fight but I absolutely won't allow the SK to hurt my child. Considering it makes my blood pressure sky rocket just to hear them talk, I won't personally be including them in baby prep. Until a couple of months ago I was planning to involved them as much as possible. However, they've grow up a lot recently and now their snotty/rude/inconsiderate behaviors are harder to excuse. I think they are angry that I'm no longer doing everything for them (especially since BM told them I have to!) and they are treating me like crap for it. I wish I could be closer to them but I wouldn't let a stranger treat me the way they do. I'm so worried about my baby seeing people treat me this way in my own home.

Evil stepmonster's picture

I wouldn't let a stranger treat me the way they do. I'm so worried about my baby seeing people treat me this way in my own home.

I-m so happy That's what you tell DH. Let him know that this isn't gong to work for you. Even if his kids have to fake it when around the sib then they need to fake it. And remind him how you would never disrespect him infront of his kids.