Help your stepmom and stepsister with household chores and requests.
By internalizing the mantra , you are not treating her like a fragile outsider. You are treating her like a human being with a nervous system, a need for autonomy, and a history that existed before you came into her life.
"I'm not your mom," she continued, "which means I don't have the genetic override that allows me to love you unconditionally when you wake me up two hours before my alarm. I have to work at it. So, for the love of all that is holy, please let me sleep so I can be a decent human being tomorrow."
Timmy nodded enthusiastically and promised to be good. For the next hour, he played quietly in his room, only occasionally checking on Sarah to make sure she was doing okay. When the hour was up, Sarah came out of her room, beaming with pride. "Thank you so much, Timmy! I really appreciate your help. You have no idea how much that call meant to me."