How can I cope with my nightmares?

How do you cope with these negative emotions towards your step-kids now that you are pregnant?

• I am 8 months pregnant and more excited than ever about my first son-to-be. However, during my pregnancy, my feelings towards my two stepsons (age 5 and 7) have changed dramatically. I can't stand being around them and have been having nightmares about the eldest one smothering the baby while the younger one watches. Has anyone had these feelings before? And if so, what did you do to cope with your emotions? I know they are children and deserve all the love and nurturing in the world but right now I can't even be in the same room with them. Thank you for your help.

• Answer:

  I think you need to add details. It can't be that your feelings have just changed. They must be hard to handle, or jealous of the baby??? You've got to consider that they are going through a lot as well. Maybe they think they will be pushed aside (sounds like they will be). The bottom line is this - and I've been through this myself - you knew they were around before you got pregnant. Your husband has kids. You can't just erase this now. And second, your son will have 2 brothers. And that is nice for him. Who knows what the future holds. They may be very close and your son may need them someday.