Blended families can be wonderful\u2014or complicated. Maria is a new mom living with her husband and stepdaughter, and she\u2019s alarmed by the girl\u2019s risky behavior around the newborn: trying to lift him and nearly dropping him, attempting to feed him apples, and almost spilling hot soup on him. To keep the baby safe, Maria began locking the nursery door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the girl\u2019s last visit, Maria heard her baby cry and rushed in to find a dining chair dragged to the bassinet and two small hands trying to lift the infant out. Shaken, Maria grabbed the baby and told her husband, \u201cShe can\u2019t come in here until the baby is older,\u201d insisting his daughter stay with her biological mom for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safety has to come first. Locking the door was reasonable, and the girl\u2019s actions may be fueled by jealousy or a bid for attention. Maria should spell out each dangerous incident to her husband and ask him to prioritize their infant\u2019s wellbeing\u2014he can still see his daughter at her mom\u2019s home while they set boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To avoid making the child feel rejected, Maria can gently explain that newborns are fragile and she\u2019ll get to help and play when the baby is bigger. If her husband refuses these safeguards, Maria may need to consider separate living arrangements\u2014because a newborn\u2019s safety isn\u2019t negotiable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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