The only alternative is to ask Apple to delete the child's account. With a step child I don't know if that will be possible. The only other thing I can think of is to wait until the child ages out of this requirement and you can remove them normally.
Ask Apple if they have suggestions. Refer to this page for Apple Support features ➔ Contact - Official Apple Support
Select from the presented options until you find a solution for your issue, or see if there is a chat or phone call contact method offered lower on the page (you sometimes have to narrow down the options multiple times before this is shown). If you do not see your issue, keep experimenting with any series of selections until you reach one that offers a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.
This support article has various country telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➔ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support