You know what I don't get in this argument over steps? Only narcisstic people wouldl get all in a dither over their "proper" place here. All want Nat found no matter what they are called.
And it is to their betterment that our children love people, as many as possible. To arrange things so children love stepparents is in the child's best interest. Why so many adults would sabotage that is beyond me. It is as if their personal pique is more important than raising loving children.
Any man who feels diminished by the presence of a loving and loved stepparent does not love his child sufficiently and unselfishly enough. Same for women. And grandparents.
It is a good thing to be loved and love without interference.
End of rant.
Larry King said he's having the "entire family" on in ten minutes, plus guests from around the world.
Exactly so.
My stepchildren's mother was a big enough woman to realize she was in a place where she couldn't give their children what they needed.
So we moved into her house, her dog, her kids, etc., for 7 years. When the kids had proms, graduations, etc., I invited her over to help her daughter get ready for the big night(s), take pictures, participate in the parties, and bring her mother.
We were both confident that the kids loved us in different ways but felt secure with us and safe in knowing that we all loved them.
Some very insecure people obviously don't feel the same way, and it's the kids who are hurt in the end.