My Dad is my step-dad, but I call him my dad because I've known him since I was 2. But regardless of how close I was to him, he was still a step-parent which meant he experienced particular obstacles that can be commonly associated with this situation. And so, watching him navigate that process was very influential to my parenting style.

 

I, too, am a step-parent - our oldest was 3 at the time. And in appreciation for all the things my Dad did for me, I was too, committed to giving the same to my daughter. 

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If you ever take this role or find yourself in a similar one, remember that a child is a child no matter how they came to you. The important thing is how you treat them.

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Regardless of of which one of my kids we are talking about, I can tell you that, without a doubt, I've treated them all equally. Of course, this is to say that with each child I had also grown a bit wiser and experienced, so my thoughts, approaches, and solutions might have varied between the 3, but my well intention was equal in the way that I cared for them. 

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Though many parents can question whether or not they treat all their children equally, It is quite impossible to separate a step-parent from that question. It will undoubtedly be tied together until the end of time. And so it is common to reflect on that thought and reflecting on it, isn't bad. It is common of all parents as part of the mindfulness of their children.

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Take Care!

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