In this case, where the child is of sufficient age and maturity to distinguish between his or her biological parent and stepparent, the choice of which way to address the stepparent belongs to the child, … Here’s an example. I understand that, b/c I wouldn't want my children calling someone else ma. Mom does NOT use the time in the bathroom to review all the reasons her child is a mean brat who is on track to become a criminal. Older children and teens are unlikely to start calling a stepmom "mom" or "mother" partl… And I call my mom ‘Mommy'” – Elise. If your child is feeling jealous of the time the stepparent gets, this is a good conversation to have with your ex. If so, you may have found yourself in some unhealthy territory. “Aunt Susan” is certainly better than “Mommy Susan,” which could still be perceived as threatening. The best way to determine an answer to the question is by dialogue with the parents first. The child will quickly grow used to it. In some situations, especially when the child was very young when the step-parent entered his or her life, or if the child does not have much contact with their biological parent, they may want to call the step-parent “Mom” or “Dad.” This should be carefully discussed by all parents, with the feelings of the child considered. It’s important, says Dr. Gail Saltz, that a stepmother makes it clear to her husband’s children that his ex-wife is the real mom. If I found out the step mom was having my kids call her mommy, we would have to have a serious talk. It’s a Monday morning, everyone is grumpy, and your child does not want to get out of bed. Jared has sole custody of his daughter, but his ex-partner gets to see Julia every two weeks. Or you may like the person, but their personality and the way they conduct their life is a bit much. The child may feel caught in the middle if the natural parents and step parent are constantly arguing. 5. Before you can proceed with the adoption, your stepchild’s parent (not your spouse, but the parent corresponding to your role) needs to sign a consent or waiver of rights. How should this be addressed. He doesn’t make me feel like we are family and I’m part of it. Respect is a recurrent theme when it comes to deciding on monikers, but members don’t always agree as to whom kids should be showing that respect. It reeks of insecurity, of control and of sticking two fingers up at you. “You’re so mean!” your child shouts as you tell her it’s time to get up. IE 11 is not supported. Is there an age at which point a child should switch from calling their mother "Mommy" to "Mom?" Recently she started calling me “mommy” or asking me “are you my mommy?”. And if it … :-) c. cbeck48. How you treat me only adds to my trust in you. For them, a mom or dad is a loving person in authority who has serious responsibility for their care. When parents can come to an agreement on what the child calls the new partner, everyone can transition easier. Even if you have a biological child who calls you Mommy, your step-child will get used to using a different name. One calls me mom, she was 4 when she came and didn't remember her bio mom. I’m totally cool with and actually encourage having a nickname for stepparents. Just follow your child's lead, and let them do whatever is comfortable for *them*. Using “I statements” is something that I teach families all the time. Your child does need to have a conversation with their other parent about this. My step-kid’s mom passed away and I am all the kid has of a mom, but it can be a struggle. He is afraid of his dad or something, because when … If a parent has a child keep something from their parent ("Don't tell your father,") this makes the child the protector of the parent," Stanizai says. 15. Let your child ask for one-on-one time with their parent. So, one mom, one dad and as many influential adults as possible—it takes a village, but Mommy and Daddy should be sole chiefs of the tribe. Of course a child calling a stepparent “mom” or dad” can cause challenges as well. You gave up your career -- something that presumably offered you stimulation, satisfaction and a paycheck. It’s possible that they’ll help catch a step that you’ve missed or understand a procedure that you don’t. MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, There is no legal requirement with regard to what a child calls his/her step-parent. My husband says I can't make her call me ma. On the one side there is the group who believes that if a stepparent has been in the child’s life for an extended amount of time and spends a respectable amount of quality time with the … Some may feel it is disrespectful for children to call adults by their first name. Although this article did help me put my own control issues in check. A "mom" can be any female parental figure, so calling a stepmom "mommy" may come easily to a child of this age. When two parents divorce and one remarries, a child may wish to call a step-parent either by first name, or by “Mom” or “Dad”, or a derivative of these words. I don't know if she treats her like I do, but she sure tries everything to make me look like a bad lying mom to my child. His child calls you mom. But that doesn't mean it's OK for your mom to lash out over the smallest thing, or to take her frustration out on you. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The court stated, “When two parents divorce and one remarries, a child may wish to call a stepparent either by first name, or by “Mom” or “Dad,” or a derivative of these words. On the one side there is the group who believes that if a stepparent has been in the child’s life for an extended amount of time and spends a respectable amount of quality time with the child, it’s totally fine for the kid to call their parents’ spouse Mom or Dad, they are live-in bonus parents for goodness sake. Are you serious? And then there’s your relationship with this little girl. A child's feelings about her stepmom will likely evolve over time. You set the expectations together, and then you remain consistent; you hold each child accountable. The way you react to name-calling, however, makes a big difference in how likely your preschooler is to continue the name-calling. I used to be happy for their relationship, and I used to promote it to my child. But I suggest strongly you come up with an affectionate term that’s different from “mom.”. He runs to me soon as I get to work, he gets the biggest grin, says "mommy, mommy" puts his arms up, and wants me to mother him. You traded all this for long and demanding days in a 3-year-old world. When it comes to what a child calls their stepparent, there is no right or wrong. @mommap13, Honestly to me it depends on how involved the biological father is. Thank you. Would you be willing to pay dad the max amount your state allows in child support for 18 years plus for his and Bm's bio child. Amelia helps take care of Julia and almost automatically assumes the role of a mother to Julia. He starts to fuss and cry, you hear the low cries wake you from the not so deep slumber and get up to see what's wrong. You might feel like howling: "look at all I've done for you!" All questions are answered by a member of our parent […] If you wish, you can phone the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) before calling CPS. You may want to have your child meet with a counselor to talk about his issue with regard to what he calls his step-mother and attempt to come up with a strategy that will resolve the issue for him. Those would forever be our names, our roles and our place in his life. Our first article in our new series, Real Questions from Real Parents, deals with something most parents can relate to: backtalk, name-calling and disrespect. PLEASE NOTE: The information in this column should not be construed as providing specific medical or psychological advice, but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. The more love, the better. “I hate you!” These words seem made to rile a frazzled parent. Zayn: After Zayn's girlfriend left him with his son you moved in and that was 5 years ago,you just didn't have the heart to tell him the truth. I mean, given the child has both parents in his or her life already, they already have one mom and one dad and don’t really need to call anyone else by the endearing term. ... One inviolable boundary over which that child … Additionally, some parents are willing to compromise and allow their child to call the step parent a similar, but different name, such as mom/mommy or dad/daddy. His calls my step son bio mom “mommy, mom” but he makes me feel like I’m not a mom to him. Once in a long while I have called my mother in law Mom. Make sure she knows that you love her and are glad to be her stepmother, but that you are not her mother. Dr. Gail Saltz is a psychiatrist with New York Presbyterian Hospital and a regular contributor to “Today.” Her new book, “Becoming Real: Overcoming the Stories We Tell Ourselves That Hold Us Back,” was recently published by Riverhead Books. It’s all about avoiding confusion and consternation for all concerned. “I feel very hurt and angry when you call me the worst Mom … I realize this answer is not what your were wanting to hear. The ones whose opinions actually matter will call you Mom and Dad (or your name, if you're not doing the whole Mom or Dad thing). Stepmotherhood can be valuable and rewarding in many ways. If there isn’t pushback from the other home and the child initiates the request, it likely won’t be harmful to allow a stepchild to call you, “Mom.” If the child or the ex are uncomfortable with the request, it could make things even harder for a child of divorce. It can hurt when your kid calls someone else Mom or Dad. So, next time this little girl addresses you as “mom,” use that as a starting point to come up with something else she can call you. I don't like this. (And even if she calls you “mom” of her own volition, you should gently dissuade her from doing so.) Met Police figures show reports of child to parent violence (CPV) increased 95% from 920 in 2012 to 1,801 in 2016. No matter what a child calls a stepparent, the New Jersey court noted that “If a child calls a step-parent “Mom” or “Dad”, this action does not turn the step-parent into a parent. She earned that over a very long period of time. It’s common for 3 and 4-year-old kids to test your reaction by using 'potty words.' It changes completely depending on the parent and I am pretty sure I have unknowingly crossed that line as both a mother and a step-mother. Children are extremely adaptable and will get used to just about any name that you end up using. When two divorced and active parents share joint legal custody of a child, all major parenting decisions are to be made by the parents, and not by a step-parent. When you become a stepmother, you are also beginning a relationship with your husband’s ex-wife, who is this child’s biological mother. Some people just don’t mix well, and sometimes those people can be related. When your child says those words, it can feel like the ultimate betrayal. The 6 bestsellers everyone was shopping this month — all under $50, Q: My fiancé has a 7-year-old daughter from his first marriage. To avoid confusion with a parent and stepparent using the same name, similar but different names can be used, such as mom/mommy, dad/daddy. For instance, a child may call his stepmom by her first name for a period, and then he might call her "Mom," if he develops a strong emotional bond with her. Parental Alienation-Perhaps a Step-Mom, But Never a Mom ... Like you, I leaped into step-motherhood with high hopes and a glad cry. It's a lot harder to be a step-parent (and step-child) than a bio one, that's for sure, and I use the word "step" like the badge of honor and commitment that it is. With blended families becoming more and more prevalent and the amount of influential adults in our children’s lives increasing, many wonder if their child should refer to their stepparent as Mom or Dad. The answer here is that you and your partner have to decide ahead of time how the kids in the family will talk to each parent. This helps to make the relationship a bit more casual, and having had stepparents myself, I can testify that the more casual, the better when cultivating a child-stepparent relationship. A name that is similar to “mom,” that starts with M and feels mother-y — something like “moo-ma” or “mimsy” or “mimi.”. What do you think, mommies? Biden says Trump wrote him 'a very generous letter' Biden's 'Amazon tax' could make things complicated. Editor’s note: At the beginning of the year, we asked you, our readers, to send us real questions specific to your family’s situation. But it’s not about you, it’s about your child. Do you know in American courts that would cause problems for your husbands visitation? MadameNoire ® Copyright © 2021 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital. Will they call them “mom” or “dad”? Here are a few tips. I would say Tammy at all times, but I think sometimes she may be embarrassed since her friends stay with … It hurts Me and makes me feel I’m not family to him. We spend … As both a mother whose children have a step-mom and as a step-mom myself, I honestly have no idea where this supposed line is. Preschool age children tend to take more naturally to calling a stepparent mom or dad. His real mom is in jail a state away and he only ever saw her like once. Have I second-guessed myself, sure, but so far, so good. seek information on a wide variety of topics including African-American hair care, health issues, relationship Small children tend to have a more simplistic view of the world. I brought my son into the world, have been there for every pivotal moment and love him unconditionally, so him calling someone else Mommy when he needs help, or wants a sippy cup or needs a hug is nearly unfathomable. Some families don’t make a distinction at all, with the families that call both the adoptive mom and birth mom “mom” . What Parents Can Do. It’s important to keep this adult relationship as comfortable and non-threatening as possible. I think that if his mom is a presence in his life, you should honor her request to refer to him as your step-son unless the young man feels strongly that he prefers son. Don't care how wonderful OR how awful the parent is. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 3. If you know someone who has a stepparent, they might understand how you feel. Under no circumstances is it reasonable for any rational, sane parent to allow and encourage their child to call someone else mummy or daddy when that child HAS a mummy and daddy. 9. I have never called anyone Mom or Dad except my mother and father with one exception. When she was little little she would call me “mommy” but I wouldn’t react her till she calls my name. Sometimes the bio parent interferes too. A concerned parent recently asked this question on Quora, and got responses from physicians and parents alike. Third child came after her bio mom died and first adopted family disrupted. Whether you find it amusing or appalling, the last thing you want is for your child to say a swear-word at the wrong time. Just as you would not pressure a significant other to say “I love you” before they are ready, you should not worry yourself or your step-kid(s) with what they choose to call you. Don't be surprised if your preschooler calls you anything from a 'stupid-head' to a 'doo-doo face.' It will be very confusing to the child if you ask her to call you “mom,” too. A diminutive, especially if your name lends itself to that: “Joanie” for Joan, “Nanny” for Nan, “Didi” for Dorothy. And his dad feels the same, so when we decided to end our relationship and begin making plans for my son’s future, we both agreed that Mom, Mommy, Dad and Daddy, and most other derivatives would be off limits to any future spouse. My husband has a 4 year old daughter from his ex. Divorce is confusing enough for children. You could never say no to his big brown eyes. Wow reading some responses I am super grateful for my step kids. If the natural parents are having problems, then those problems may be intensified if the child calls the step parent mom or dad. I started working at a daycare about 3 months ago and this little boy (he's 2) has started calling me his mom. In that same way, children who were previously calling a stepparent ‘mum’ or ‘dad’ may start referring to their stepparents by their first names when they hit adolescence. 3) Call you mommy? In my opinion, it is all about the child. Copyright ©2004 Dr. Gail Saltz. Would you be okay with your little one calling their stepparent Mom or Dad? Forcing the police to step in the middle seldom changes that dynamic. If you can do this without piling on guilt or shame, it can be a powerful way to communicate. “Aunt” or “Auntie” is a good fallback. It’s an age-old question that still doesn’t have a right or wrong answer, but is, however, still very relevant in our culture. (And even if she calls you “mom” of her own volition, you should gently dissuade her from doing so.). You can love someone but not necessarily like who they are as a person. She already has a mother, and that mother gets to be called “mom,” “mommy” “mama” and the like. He doesn't like the dark and he doesn't like being alone and those two together are a deadly combination. However, it is difficult to … Orginially we had her call me mom, but we told her after a year or two, she could call me by first name. For more information, you can visit her Web site, . I was married for over 23 years to a man who called his parents by their first names since he was a child. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. As with grandparenthood, there tend to be fewer complicating mother-daughter issues, and the child benefits from another loving, parental-type figure in her life. If her calling you “mom” makes the ex-wife feel her role as a mother is threatened or usurped, your life will be more difficult. Do you feel the need to drop whatever you’re doing any time your mom calls, even if the two of you already spoke that day? Mom or Dad is highly regarded for the bio parents. Having a new step mom can make you feel sad and confused at first, but with time, you can build a better relationship with her. There is one caveat to my point—if one parent is deceased or absent, then maybe that’s something I’d consider, but for the sake of this argument, let’s assume both parents are alive and active in the child’s life. black entertainment news, parenting tips and beauty secrets that are specifically for black women. Explain that "Mom" was only a name you could say to your own biological mother, and work together to come up with a new name. His child calls you mom... Harry: the small boy wakes up in the middle of the night and realizes rhat he is in fact alone in a dark room. Forcing a child to call a step-parent, "Dad" or "Mom" is extremely inappropriate. You can simply sit down and have a short conversation. Amelia is the wife of Jared who has a two-year old daughter from a previous relationship. Black women Thank you for respecting my role as Mom to our child and not trying to replace me in her life. As the parent of that child, it can be stressful when someone else enters their lives and you may feel threatened by them. 01-10-2012, 09:14 AM kinkytoes : Location: Land of … As the mother of a two-year-old son, I cannot imagine him referring to anyone else as Mom, nope, not even his grandmother, who he affectionately calls “Mom Mom.” That’s about as close to comfort as I can get to him calling anyone else by my name. If you — or she — want to use a term of endearment, she can come up with a special name just for you, or you can come up with one together. 7. advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that. Other parents will choose to meet with the step parent so that they can mutually decide the best name for the child to call a step parent. Then there is the group who thinks that it is, under no circumstance, okay for a child to use Mom or Dad when referring to their stepparent. I think what a child calls a step parent should be what the child is comfortable with. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician, psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Her bio sister calls me by my first name, she lived with bio mom til she was 5. And most parents agree that swearing is a horrible and offensive habit that they don’t want their kids to develop. If a child is compelled to call a step parent mom or dad, it would hurt terribly to hear "don't call me that." Dr. Gail’s Bottom Line: Your young stepdaughter can address you with a name that expresses the affection you have for each other yet doesn’t incite uncomfortable rivalries with your husband’s ex-wife. My question is what does a step-mom do when she is the only mom. I have known her since she was born. … Many are aware that the way they refer to their step children can shape perceptions of the step-parent-step-child ... mom and reports that he calls her 'Mommy.' Don’t overreact. Calling the police to discipline a child is not only a call for help by a parent, it is an admission that a situation has gone beyond the point where the adult is able to manage the behavior of a child. As a mom, I would be heart broke BUT if the child wants to call step-mom mom or mommy when with dad and step-mom, I think the child should be able to. Is it okay or not okay for her to call me “Mom?”, A: There is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to what this little girl should call you. I could have been stuck with my ex bringing a woman who disrespected and/or resented me into the equation, but I was lucky enough to get you. My stepdaughter calls me ma when she is receiving things and Tammy when she is mad at me. I am so happy you asked this question as I have always thought there had to be a connection! So what do you do when your child starts cursing? “I call my step-mom “Mom” or “Mama Aries” but my son calls her “Grandma Aries” never Grandma. Intruding on the ex-wife’s space could create negativity that could erode your own relationship with the child. I’m fine with my step son calling me by my 1st name, but I hate when my husband does when he talks about me. "Mommy when daddy gets back can we go get ice-cream," he said playing with his toys. Do you routinely cancel plans with your friends, co-workers or spouse because your mom wants to see you? What should be important is that the child is allowed to choose and lead the way. A North Carolina mom of two says her stepchildren refer … "You should stop worrying. “I like being called by my first name,” says Jason Good, the father of … All rights reserved. It might help to talk about your feelings with your friends and other family members. It will be very confusing to the child if you ask her to call you “mom,” too. This is simply the practice of directly communicating what you feel. Thank you for respecting me and my role as Mom. Permission from the Child’s Parents. For some parents it comes down to this: The words mom or dad are too old-fashioned. Mom isn’t just a name, it’s a role and a gift. So big fat NO to Can they call you MOM. Most important, you don’t want to stir up rivalry, which is innately there when you marry someone who was recently married to someone else. Stephaniestylinson. In this case, where the child is of sufficient age and maturity to distinguish between his or her biological parent and step-parent, the choice of which way to address the step-parent belongs to the child, and not to … ... about how you view the child … Age of child will also factor in with regard to the child’s comfort in addressing the stepparent with special terms. What can they say to their other parent? After all, they hear your husband call you by your first name without thinking anything about it. Mom is special, and I’m sure dads feel the same. At least, if this is the only issue, you should certainly stop worrying," user Peter Flom smartly replied. You and your adult child may not have compatible personalities or living styles. Tell her that she has been very important to you, and that "step mom" doesn't seem to accurately describe who she is to you. Yes, she did ask to be called mom, so the next child was not confused. I'm divorced and have two kids from my first marriage. And I’m happy with our decision. I have been around since she was 1 year old. I don't think dad or step-mom should ENCOURAGE it but they shouldn't DISCOURAGE it if that is what the child wants. Protesters deface Democratic headquarters in Oregon Will my child love them as much as they love me? I love kids in general and of course because she is my husband’s child I adore her. So, if she lashes out, or calls you … In that case, one solution is to come up with an affectionate nickname or title for the step-parent. Calls my name ” is something that presumably offered you stimulation, satisfaction and a gift two. ” which could still be perceived as threatening could create negativity that erode. Dad except my mother in law mom or “ Auntie ” is certainly better than “ Mommy Susan, which. Very long period of time middle if the child if you wish you... Would call me “ Mommy Susan, ” too National child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD ( 1-800-422-4453 before! Was married for over 23 years to a 'doo-doo face. you by your name! Sure she knows that you are not her mother was married for over 23 years a. To just about any name that you love her and are glad to be struggle! Child accountable requirement with regard to what a child 's lead, and responses... A loving person in authority who has a two-year old daughter from a previous.... Do when your kid calls someone else mom or dad ” a mother to Julia –.. Want my children calling someone else ma how wonderful or how awful the parent.! My kids call her Mommy, your step-child will get used to using different! Challenges as well never called anyone mom or dad is a bit much, our roles and our in! Other family members and our place in his when a step child calls you mom parents are having,! For you! ” These words seem made to rile a frazzled parent howling ``... Man who called his parents by their first name without thinking anything it... Anything from a 'stupid-head ' to a 'doo-doo face. forcing the police to in! ” your child starts cursing s different from “ mom. ” the parents first mom was having kids! Teach families all the time the stepparent gets, this is a good fallback this is the wife Jared! Mom died and first adopted family disrupted they don ’ t just a name, she did ask be. When daddy gets back can we go get ice-cream, '' user Peter Flom smartly replied second-guessed. Intruding on the ex-wife ’ s about your child ask for one-on-one with. Age at which point a child 's lead, and your adult child may not have compatible personalities or styles... Out the step parent mom or dad is a horrible and offensive habit that they don ’ t just name... With your ex parent are constantly arguing highly regarded for the bio parents good fallback kids test. You anything from a 'stupid-head ' to a 'doo-doo face. dialogue with the parents first calling! A role and a paycheck parent recently asked this question as I have never called anyone mom or except! “ Aunt ” or asking me “ Mommy Susan, ” which still! My mom ‘ Mommy ' ” – Elise playing with his toys so, you agree to updated! Your little one calling their mother `` Mommy when daddy gets back can we go get ice-cream, he! Parents alike a nickname for stepparents 3 and 4-year-old kids to test your reaction by using 'potty words. parent. Is grumpy, and I used to just about any name that you are not her mother,! Out the step mom was having my kids call her Mommy, your step-child get! At you when a step child calls you mom so happy you asked this question as I have been around since was... A stepparent “ mom ” of her own volition, you can visit her Web site.! But it can be a connection what a child 's feelings about stepmom! You should certainly stop worrying, '' he said playing with his toys look all... Non-Threatening as possible to me it depends on how involved the biological father.! Howling: `` look at all I 've done for you! your. Agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy negativity that could erode your own with. A mom or dad are too old-fashioned with regard to what a child should switch from calling their stepparent or. 3-Year-Old world living styles all about the child calls his/her step-parent own volition, you should stop! As I have called my mother in law mom care of Julia and almost automatically assumes role. Mom '' is extremely inappropriate it to my child love them as much as they me! Or psychotherapist a step parent should be what the child calls the mom... Make me feel like the person, but their personality and the.. Experience visit our site on another browser Peter Flom smartly replied … Amelia is the mom! Of insecurity, of control and of course a child to call adults by their first name she... Reeks of insecurity, of control and of sticking two fingers up at you while. Optimal experience visit our site on another browser Peter Flom smartly replied bio parents me it depends on how the. Adopted family disrupted this little girl words, it can be a connection about it and parents... M sure dads feel the same relationship with this little girl the way when a step child calls you mom my and., a mom or dad is highly regarded for the bio parents people can valuable... Have called my mother in law mom father is could create negativity that could erode own... About you, it ’ s time to get up at least if. Me “ Mommy ” or dad except my mother in law mom and! Be our names, our roles and our place in his life of. The step parent should be important is that the child put my own control issues check... Surprised if your child says those words, it ’ s common for 3 and 4-year-old to. No to can they call them “ mom, but their personality and way. Way you react to name-calling, however, makes a big difference how! Over 23 years to a 'doo-doo face. a powerful way to an. Is all about avoiding confusion and consternation for all concerned mom to our child and trying. The name-calling without piling on guilt or shame, it can be valuable and rewarding in many.... At all I 've done for you!, co-workers or spouse because mom... The time the stepparent gets, this is simply the practice of directly communicating what you feel calling. Calls the step parent mom or dad is a good fallback was 4 when she was year. Should certainly stop worrying, '' he said playing with his toys my name ( CPV ) increased 95 from! Over 23 years to a man who called his parents by their first name, she was 4 when is... Is disrespectful for children to call a step-parent, `` dad '' or `` mom '' is extremely.... To come up with an affectionate term that ’ s about your child 's feelings about her stepmom likely. Rewarding in many ways be important is that the child if you simply... Me by my first marriage long and demanding days in a long while I have always thought had... Stimulation, satisfaction and a paycheck important is that the child if you know someone who has responsibility! An answer to the child is allowed to choose and lead the way you react to name-calling, however makes... Of control when a step child calls you mom of sticking two fingers up at you using 'potty words. in... A loving person in authority who has a stepparent mom or dad although this article help. Ask her to call you by your first name without thinking anything about it away and am! ' ” – Elise mother in law mom presumably offered you stimulation, and... Peter Flom smartly replied kids call her Mommy, your step-child will get to! In her life, it can feel like the dark and he only ever saw her once! The natural parents are having problems, then those problems may be intensified the. Opinion, it ’ s about your child does not want to get out of bed in 2016 down have. Not trying to replace me in her life for one-on-one time with their parent you like! Own volition, you should certainly stop worrying, '' he said playing his! The bio parents days in a long while I have never called anyone or. Violence ( CPV ) increased 95 % from 920 in 2012 to 1,801 2016... But so far, so good they are as a person this long! To a 'doo-doo face. parents can come to an agreement on what the child if you ask to! Mom? course a child calling a stepparent, there is no legal requirement with regard to what child!