The problem may not be out in the open. Try to make the other parent aware.
The classic Cinderella fairy tale where the evil stepmother makes life horrible on the step-child can seem all too real to the child that must now go to visit their parent. This child is forced to share in a family experience where the child feels very unwelcome. To make matters worse this can affect either parent (custodial parent or non-custodial parent). However, in most situations a solution is easily obtainable. It's very possible that the "unwelcomeness" is only a perception and open communication between the parents can get the stepparent to realize this animosity between the child and the new stepparent. It also is very natural that the child is dealing with the break-up of their own family might have difficulty in accepting a new family. This can be especially difficult when the new family has a birth or a new member that requires and gets attention.
What happens when the stepparent refuses to change and the parent continues to support and not see the behavior?
Even when the parent is made aware of the problem and refuses to change the behavior, the other parent can help the child understand by explain the situation to them. Even young children respond well to honesty. Don't force the issue but an explanation, tailored to the child's age, might help the child cope with the situation. Maybe a simple solution of allowing the child to skip a visitation or a greater number of visitations (depending on which parent is the problem) might allow the child to cope. However, if all else fails, seek professional help - either legal or counseling, because sometimes a bad situation has no short-term solution.
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