Step Parenting

Being a step parent isn't an easy task. When you accept someone that has children, you have to accept the whole package. When the child is an infant/toddler, it can be even tougher. You have the other parent who still has raw emotion for the loss of the significant other. You have the fact that this child is getting a step parent before they can talk, so what do you have them call you? With older children, I acknowledge that it's still difficult. At that point there is the problem with acceptance. The other children don't want mommy/daddy to be with other people, they should be together. When you don't have a child and the infant/toddler child decides to refer to you with a "mom" term, it's pretty awkward. You're not used to it. Feel like it's not your place. I'm coming to accept it though and having his ex be civilized makes things even better. She gets "mama" and I get "ma". I'm beginning to understand that this young child who feels comfortable enough with me to refer to me in a motherly way is a big deal. It shows there is love, respect and a bond. I'm glad that I was able to bond with her. There are so many step parents out there that take the immature route and won't get involve with their significant other's children because they aren't "their's". That's not taking the whole package. It creates an unnecessary tension. I'm so thankful that my future step daughter has a mother who communicates with me. I love that we can all get together as one big "family".