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Step-parenting

Adult step children with child DS

7 replies

ABitAwkward · 26/07/2014 17:30

I love my DSC, who are 25 and 23. I have known them for about 12 years and get on really well with them. They are busy establishing their careers in London and we don't see them very often, which is understandable.

DS, 6, loves them to bits and gets very excited when they are here. The awkward bit comes because they just want to chill out and relax after a hectic work week. Today DSD arrived at 12 pm, very tired. Over the course of the afternoon, DS has asked her to play several times and she is just not interested. He has asked her for the last 20 minutes to play "Sarah, play with me" and that is what I have heard lover and over again. I have been busy cooking so was not able to distract him but I do find it painful to hear. Poor thing, my heart just cracked.

This is what usually happens. What, if anything, can I do?

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Twitterqueen · 26/07/2014 17:35

Tricky.... Can you say to DS, in front of DSD something like.... Sarah has had a really tiring week sweetheart - I know she'd love to play with you when she's feeling a bit better - wouldn't you DSD? I'm sure DSD would love to do XYZ with you tomorrow - what do you think DSD?

Then DSD only has to yes right now, and then think of something for tomorrow.

Difficult...

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NatashaBee · 26/07/2014 17:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Alita7 · 26/07/2014 19:27

Can you suggest games that aren't active like a jigsaw, eye spy or reading a book? Or even just put on something they'd both enjoy, you know the epic kids films like never ending story, and say dsd would prefer to watch a film with you?

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Ragwort · 26/07/2014 19:33

Could you (tactfully) ask her to explain to your DS that she is tired and just wants to rest, he might understand it more if she tells him.

It is a tricky situation - but not many 20 somethings are going to want to play with their younger sibling Sad.

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doziedoozie · 26/07/2014 19:35

Have a playmate visit for DS?

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ABitAwkward · 26/07/2014 20:03

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Some really good suggestions. Unfortunately, he is not a sitting down sort of boy Grin but yes I will steer them to do more quiet games. His idea of playing is playing cops and robbers or tig etc. He does not consider building lego or drawing to be playing! I'd love to ask DSD to tell DS herself but not sure I can be tactful. I will ask DP to ask her.

She is doing bedtime stories with him at the moment so he is made up. Aw.

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ABitAwkward · 26/07/2014 20:07

The thing is just 10 minutes of play would satisfy him. Maybe I can get DP to ask DSC to tell them that? He probably won't though.

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