After Facing Criticism For Leaving Her Out Of A Family Instagram Post, Heather Rae El Moussa Explained Why She Rarely Posts Her Stepdaughter Online

Heather Rae El Moussa explained why her stepdaughter was left out of another social media post.

Heather Rae El Moussa on the red carpet, wearing an elegant sheer dress adorned with sparkling beadwork and diamond earrings
Lisa O'connor / AFP via Getty Images

Heather is stepmom to husband Tarek El Moussa's two kids, Taylor, 14, and Brayden, 9, from his marriage to fellow HGTV star Christina Hall. She also has a 1-year-old son with Tarek named Tristan.

Heather Rae El Moussa in a strapless, lace gown with Tarek El Moussa in a suit at an Alzheimer's Association event
Phillip Faraone / Getty Images for Alzheimer's Association California

In February, Heather was criticized for including everyone in a Valentine's Day post except Taylor. Sharing pics of Tarek, Tristan, and Brayden to Instagram, she wrote, "Happy Valentine's day to my boys T, T & B ❤️👼🏻 I have never felt so much love in my life. All 3 keep me on my toes but I wouldn't want it any other way."

"I am so thankful to have you as my husband, my best friend and my partner @therealtarekelmoussa," she continued. "You are my person, and the best daddy I could've ever asked for. I love you very much honey." Heather added, "I love you Tristan and Bray❤️."

"What about Taylor?" many readers wondered in the comments.

Comments asking what about Taylor El Moussa underneath Heather Rae El Moussa's birthday post about her husband and sons

Heather defended herself in a follow-up post and said Taylor was her "#1 gal."

A woman on the red carpet, smiling and turning her head slightly back, wearing a sequined, high-neck dress and a high, intricately styled ponytail
Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

"We close our ears to the pettiness. We strive for positivity only. My girl knows she’s my #1 gal,” she wrote over a pic of her and Taylor hugging.

Heather Rae El Moussa and Taylor El Moussa sitting and smiling in a vehicle, holding balloons

Well, fast-forward to last week, Heather celebrated her 37th birthday, and once again, Taylor wasn't seen in the pictures she posted.

And once again, Heather addressed why.

Heather Rae El Moussa smiling over her shoulder in a glamorous outfit with a glittering neckline at a media event
Axelle / FilmMagic

She answered the question on Friday while participating in an AMA on her Instagram story. "My stepdaughter Taylor, she's almost 14. She's actually turning 14 this weekend," Heather began. "She does not like to be in any photos, any videos right now, so that's why you guys don't see her often and on anything."

Heather Rae El Moussa is seen in a social media post answering a question about her stepdaughter not being in her birthday pictures

"But she is there!" Heather quickly added. "She just doesn't want to be in the pictures."

Heather Rae El Moussa in a selfie video, responds to a social media question about why her stepdaughter isn't in her birthday pictures

"So we respect her wishes," Heather concluded.

Heather Rae El Moussa responds to a question about her step-daughter's absence in birthday photos while sitting in a car

But later, she did share a post in honor of Taylor's 14 birthday, alongside photos of them over the years.

She wrote, "Tay, I can’t believe you are 14 today! It went too fast 😩You have grown up to be such a beautiful, driven, sophisticated young lady. I love watching you with Tristan and I am so lucky that I get to have you as my beautiful bonus daughter, I’ve loved every moment with you. I love you so much, happy birthday sweet girl. 💗🥳"

So, there you have it!