No, I think the benefit of a full sibling *that you grow up with* is different from a half sibling that realistically you don't really know well at all, and that has a different set of loyalties. And I think divorced parents who are already dealing with the after-effects of divorce (joint custody hassle, financial, disruptions and new adults and siblings from the kid's other parent) would do well to very carefully consider their money, time and energy before adding more kids. That's why I say this works well if you have plenty of money, not so well if you don't. |
The difference is that the stepparent may prefer and favor their biological children. Saw this in my family. Sadly, the parent went along with it too. The child feels it. It's not the same. |
Run! |
I agree with the folks saying that it works best when the kids already live with the parent having the new baby. It feels like getting a new sibling, which is a pretty normal experience.
The more common scenario, though, is the non-custodial or limited-custodial father starting a new family, and that brings up some huge feelings for even older kids along the lines of "Why was he not willing to help raise me, but is willing to live full time with the new kids?" |
OP you need to have realistic expectations. If the age gap isn't very big and you only have one child now, then they may build a bond and be glad to have a sibling in the long run. They might look back at it *in the long run* as a good thing.
But if you're looking for a way to make a teen live in a house full of poop and screaming, while also giving them less of your time and attention, and expecting them to be happy about it, you're headed for a rude awakening. |
Did the OP say that the children from the first marriage were teens? |
Says you, the younger kid. Your older step siblings likely have a different take. The family they knew is gone and the were forced to make do. |
DP Honestly, I don't. I'm from an UMC family in the midwest and everyone stayed married or divorced, some had step siblings, not half siblings. |
I know a few situations where it worked out where 2 and 3 were in play. They had an amicable relationship and everyone stayed in the same area/neighborhood. |
Yep, these are the old guys who are all over facebook with the new younger wife and their little kids. |
This, and I updated the last sentence. |
My husband says HARD pass. Eight kids with the first and two after. A complete S*IT SHOW. |
My sister did this. Now he’s on his third wife and she has to share her kids with the new wife.
Don’t. Do. It. |
Your husband has 10 kids? |
lol yeah right. This reads delulu. |