My Stepdaughter Got Knocked Up and Wants Me to Take Care for Her Newborn

Let me tell you about something wild that happened in my life. I’m Emma, 39, and I’ve been married to my husband, Tom, for 15 years. He has a daughter, Suzan, who’s 18 and from his previous marriage. I’ve been her stepmom since she was little, even though I never planned on being a mom myself.

So, imagine my shock when Suzan told us she’s pregnant. Tom and I were totally floored by the news. Suzan is just starting college to study medicine, and she’s not ready to handle a baby on her own. Since she lives with us and doesn’t pay rent, I feel like I’m already doing a lot. Now, she expects me to take care of her baby while she focuses on school. It feels pretty unfair since I’ve already sacrificed so much.

The baby’s dad is young too, living in another state. He’s promised to send $200 a month and visit when he can. I thought maybe Suzan could move in with him and they could raise the baby together. But she shot that idea down fast. They’re not a couple, and she says they can’t afford it.

I had to be honest with her. I told Suzan I couldn’t raise her baby for her. It’s not my job. I advised her to figure something else out before the baby comes. When Tom heard what I suggested, he shocked me by saying, “Well, you know, you either raise Suzan’s baby or prepare for divorce.” I couldn’t believe it. After 15 years, he put his daughter’s needs over our marriage without a second thought.

Suzan is now really upset and won’t speak to me. She even got her grandparents involved. They offered to help, but they’re too far from her college, so she turned them down. My in-laws are on her side, thinking I’m being cold and should just show her unconditional love. But I feel like I’ve given enough.

Now I’m stuck. I love Tom, but raising another baby from scratch that isn’t mine? That’s not what I signed up for.

What would you do if you were me?