step son worries

[originalgommers]

Hi guys, so im expecting my first child with my husband in may. He has a son whos 8 from a previous relationship. So heres my dilemma, his ex has just had another baby herself and my step son has started acting out a bit. Nothing major, just lying and little things to get attention. I dont know what to do to make him feel important and special. Im worried hes going to feel pushed out of both his mother and fathers family.
To top things off my husband is going on tour with the army before the baby is due to be born so is going to be absent in his sons life for 6 months. I feel like this is all on my shoulders to make him feel special when im a little overwhelmed myself.
not to be horrible but his mother isnt the most "considerate" to others feelings and my husbands family are a bit "excitable" to say the least. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated x

[originalgommers]

Thank you all so much! Some great advise that im definately going to try :) good luck to all of you and your babies xxxx

[mitch_14]

I would just have him involved in everything that has to do with preparing for the baby so he knows having a baby still includes him. If you have another ultrasound bring him along so he can see. Let him him with picking out names or painting the nursery anything at all to keep him involved. Let him know he is always welcome in the home it's his home to

[rainfamily16]

Thats great advice heatherrk841!!! I totally agree with her :) kids love to feel important and helpful!! Once hr starts feeling important all the bad stuff will just slowly disappear :) I can tell you love him! Don't worry you will do great!!!!

[cupcakemum]

Why dont you try spending time with him. Telling him how you are excited for him being a big brother. Try watching his favourite cartoons with him and playing games. Talk to him ask him how he feels about being a big brother. Just get to know him. Teach him. Let him know his father loves him and you love him too. Goodluck

[heatherrk81]

Maybe tell him he's the man of the house till daddy comes back, and also plan a couple days to go do stuff he finds fun.  Like a movie, day at the park, etc. When he does lil stuff around the house to help (like chores or cleaning his room) praise him for being such a grown up lil man, a very big helper to you! Basically make him feel like an integral part of the family.