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A new baby in a step family
A new baby in an existing stepfamily affects several relationships
which might already be fragile. All children are afraid
that their father or mother won't love them anymore, but
a stepchild, whether visiting or living in the house, is
also afraid that they will not be 'as good as' the couple's
new baby. So half
brothers and sisters need a lot of reassurance.
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Babies love anyone who seems interested in them - and as the only
member of the family with no 'baggage', the new baby will help
to make things work; especially if half brothers and sisters are
encouraged to get involved.
First time for one parent, not for the other
For a new mum in an 'old' family, when the baby is her first
child, she may be surprised by feelings of jealousy about the
past, and resentful if he seems to know more about parenting than
she does.
"What upset me most was the fact that though this was unique
for me - my first baby - he'd done it all before, three times.
It wasn't the same for him and in a way it hurt."
More information and advice on stepfamilies can be found on the
Parentline
Plus website.
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