LibraryScenariosWhen Your Stepchild Says You're Trying Too Hard
Scenario

When Your Stepchild Says You're Trying Too Hard

My stepdaughter told her mom I'm 'trying too hard' and now my wife thinks I should back off completely but if I do that I feel like I'm abandoning this kid who already has abandonment issues.

Hypatia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

You're caught between authentic care and the impossible task of calibrating love to meet everyone else's comfort levels.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Blended Families & Stepparenting?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.