Carolyn Hax: Being there for the stepkids when their mom gives birth

A stepmom looks for ways to support her stepchildren while their mom has a new baby. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Sign up for this newsletter Read online Advice to help you tackle life's problems.     (Nick Galifianakis for The Post) Being there for the stepkids when their mom gives birth Adapted from an online discussion. Hi Carolyn: I'm a stepmom to two amazing elementary-age kids. Their mom and stepdad just announced they're having a baby. My feelings about this are complicated (I chose not to have biological kids due to a genetic condition, and it occasionally still hurts), but mostly I'm worried this will cause the kids' other parents to sort of forget about our kids. The mom and stepdad are already pretty emotionally unavailable to the kids, so I'm worried they'll sort of phase them out when their "shared" baby comes along. My husband and I are very open with the kids and encourage them to always talk to us about their feelings. Other than continuing to keep lines of communication open, what can we do to support these incredible kids if the new baby isn't entirely a blessing for them? — Worried Read Carolyn's Response     Read your responses to this week's reader question We asked readers to channel their inner Carolyn Hax and answer this question. ADVERTISEMENT   My husband keeps saying I can't keep a secret. Carolyn Hax readers give advice. Advice ●  By Carolyn Hax ●  Read more »     Want more? Carolyn's been writing her advice column for two decades. Explore the archives below. Learning to cope in a chaotic world Read more »   Relationship history doesn't have to be a sore subject Read more »   Cheater meets wishful thinker. What could go wrong? Read more »     We think you'll like this newsletter Check out Lean & Fit for expert advice on how to eat right, get lean and stay fit, including curated healthy recipes every Wednesday. Sign up »

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