Woman Confessing She Finds Step-Parenting 'Unnatural' Praised for Honesty

A woman's confession that she feels "nothing" joyful about being a step-parent has been praised on one of the internet's most-popular discussion websites.

In the viral Mumsnet post, which has attracted 181 comments since it was shared on Wednesday, user Hmmmmmm1 admitted said being a step-parent didn't bring any positives to her life.

Recent Pew Research Center surveys have found that 42 percent of adults (an estimated 102 million) in the U.S. have a step relationship, being a step-parent, stepsibling or stepchild.

The Mumsnet user said in the post, which can be seen here: "There's nothing about being a step-parent that brings anything positive or joyful to my life.

"I don't find any part of it fun or enjoyable. It's actually a minefield sometimes but with none of the payoff like, for example, with my own DC [dear children] who drive me round the bend but who I love completely and bring so many positives to my life that it's worth it.

"Any yet you're expected to just never complain and be constantly in love with the whole thing. It feels like quite an unnatural thing when I think of it like that."

She later continued: "Basically, the whole thing is like one big chore but with not much in return to make it enjoyable. I can't really think of any other scenario in my life that is like it."

Unsurprisingly, the comment generated a lot of interest on Mumsnet and while it divided opinions, many praised the user for her honesty.

One Mumsnet user: "I hear you. Thank you for saying this. I can relate on every level."

Another added: "I had a stepchild in my life for five years. I dreaded the times he was with us because he was entitled, spoilt and used to deliberately cling to my dd [darling daughter] and totally try to leave my ds [darling son] out, causing division and friction. One of those children who would happily let others have nothing as long as he had something and/ or someone was being left out and he was getting his way.

"But my goodness if he thought he was being left out/ short changed the whole world would know about how it's unfair. Luckily the little brat child isn't in my life anymore and I don't miss him one bit. I tried to form a relationship but he wasn't endearing in any way."

While a third commented: "I only ever loved my own kids and I think I'd feel the same as you in your situation. I bet the majority of stepparents feel the same."

A fourth posted: "100percent agree with you OP [original poster] and 100 percent would not do it again given the chance. I don't think I appreciated how much I wouldn't be able to relax in my own house when they're here."