My sister-in-law

[Sophist]

I don't know how Stephanie was before, but is it possible she is suffering from post-partum depression? I went through some similar things with my younger siblings when post-partum depression hit my mother hard. By all means, it is vital to do what is best for Nathan, but one way or another it sounds like Stephanie needs some help.

[sumbirdy]

No, she's always been this way but it just bothers me more now because she's this way towards Nathan.

[Blue_Frog]

Well, it sounds like she didn't want a baby in the first place, and doesn't want anything to do with him now. She'd be better off giving him up - either to your parents as primary caregivers if thats what they would want, or to adoption. Its unfair that she would use the baby just to get an apartment.

Maybe talk to your parents, if they are concerned about her behaviour around the baby, maybe a nanny-cam of some sort might be a good idea? At least then they might know for sure if she's doing something to make the baby afraid of her.

[WolvesRawk]

Poor little baby....I hate irresponsible parents who have kids for their own personal gain and then don't care a bit about them. I agree, get a nanny cam to at least find out why he's so scared.

[Sophist]

Be careful taking some of these suggestions... if you do something to make her want to keep Nathan from you and your parents, he may not have any proper care at all. She sounds like someone who would be willing to use the baby as leverage or against you guys. Play as nice as possible for the little one's sake.

[Catty1]

Can your parents not talk to the case worker? Can your brother - who already had doubts about Stephanie around the baby - not back up a lot of what they say?

The case worker needs more information!

I hope Nathan stays where it is best for him.

HUGS

[ramanth]

I think your parents need to get a lawyer and fight to get custody of Nathan. That is if they want to raise him. If not, but still want Nathan to be properly taken care of, they need to either speak to the case worker without Stephanie around or to the case workes supervisor. If they can get Charles to back up their claims, I'm sure it'd be a great help.