Step-parent Check-in 1/19 ***Warning: Children Discussed***

[lindseyp2012]

Hello everyone! I began doing this check-in at the other 3T place 2 weeks ago and it seemed to be helpful for us stepmothers so I wanted to continue it. I don’t know many stepmothers we have from IF, but hopefully more can join.

This is a check in for those women dealing with their own IF but are not a part of a childless family (read: stepparent). Many of us struggle with the dichotomy of joy and pain of being a stepmother while going through IF. This can be difficult no matter if your spouse has full custody, joint custody, regular visitation, or little contact. The 3T and IF boards are typically child-free safe havens so the issues we face as stepmothers sometimes go unaddressed. The goal of this check in is to support each other through this role and share the good times and the bad.

If this is your first time checking in with us, introduce yourself and let us know how many stepchildren you have. For everyone, let us know how you’re doing balancing and handling everything.

[karenb676]

Hello.... I joined this check in over at the other place so I would love to continue with you all. I have an 11 year old stepdaughter who will be 12 in March. We get her every other weekend and we are going through the terrible preteen stage. The drama, eye rolling, etc.... I remember being that way too, it is so funny being on this side now.

[annaclaire256]

Hello ladies! Glad to see the check in made it over here! Thanks for keeping it going lindseyp2012

Not much going on with the boys this week. Their step dad did get a new job so, starting today, he won't be able to pick them up after school...which means Mondays and Tuesdays (which are her only days to have them) they will ride the bus to our house and be there until she gets off work at 6. I LOVE that I get to see them every day, but for their sake I feel bad that she keeps cutting her time with them shorter and shorter.

[tumbleweed]

lindseyp2012 thanks so much for moving the check-in on over here! My H and his X are going back into mediation at some point soon (lawyers have been rehired) because we found out that she was double dipping on child support and other things she claimed were expenses for DSD. (Basically, she took child support from him, but also made him pay for things that should have been covered under child support...so that he ended up paying far more than he legally should have.) Ugh...can't believe we have to go through this again. Hopefully, the end result will be a fair and legal arrangement.

[twinkl0503]

Hello - I'm coming over from the previous board too! I got frustrated with MH 2 wks ago b/c of something s-kid related. They come again this wknd, so I think it will be tough - the first wknd with them since I've finalized the IVF decision which has made me a little emotional lately.   I need to prepare myself mentally!