You are here

Step daughter is very needy.

Sads0430's picture

Hello. I'm seeking any advise as to how to deal with my needy stepdaughter. My step daughter lives half of the time with her dad and half with her mom. I've never seen her interact with her mom. She speaks as a 5 year old instead of a 10 year old and always request the help of her dad for everything. (Even the most simple things like picking up something from the floor). Whenever we go out as a family, she clings to her dad and holds on to his hand and cups his arms like you would see a couple do. She interrupts her dad's and my conversation all the time and its constantly seeking her dad's attention. I think she is jealous of my relationship with her dad. We devote time to her so it's not like she's lacking that. Lately when we go out as a family, she and her dad are always separated from me and my biological daughter. I don't know how to talk to my boyfriend without him thinking that I'm over reacting. Any advise?

Rags's picture

Just invoke right of seating choice when you go out and tell SD exactly where to sit.  Lather, rinse, repeat.

It boggles my mind how many adults tolerate kids being the authority in the relationship with an SO.

Nope. Not happenin in my world

Left out mama's picture

Be honest with him. He's not going to see it as a problem unless you paint the picture clearly. 
if he does not take your concerns seriously or says your over reacting then you have some decisions to make.

what SD is doing is very common. She does not know how to articulate her insecurities ( many kids worry they are being replaced when a parent has a new important relationship). She is acting out to secure attention from her father and as long as he responds to her baby talk, neediness, and clinginess she will continue to do it.

If it's not something he is not willing to address and try to stop she is going to be a future mini wife.