Walking the Line
In stepfamilies there is a fine line on which we walk.
It is that ultra-thin line between yours and mine; between current and former; between past and present. It is a line that no one wants to cross, and so we find ourselves walking on hypothetical tightropes without a net.
For instance: when should you say "these are our children," as opposed to "these are my stepchildren" or "these are my spouse's kids?" It can become awkward, especially if the kids themselves make the distinction and loudly insist "I'm NOT your kid!"
I just keep in mind that God chose to call us His children (Galatians 4:4-7) and not His stepchildren. And the only lines involved there were the lines of the Cross.
It is that ultra-thin line between yours and mine; between current and former; between past and present. It is a line that no one wants to cross, and so we find ourselves walking on hypothetical tightropes without a net.
For instance: when should you say "these are our children," as opposed to "these are my stepchildren" or "these are my spouse's kids?" It can become awkward, especially if the kids themselves make the distinction and loudly insist "I'm NOT your kid!"
I just keep in mind that God chose to call us His children (Galatians 4:4-7) and not His stepchildren. And the only lines involved there were the lines of the Cross.
I ran into this the other day. My husband was in Puerto Rico on business and our 15 y/o (his daughter from 1st marriage) had to go to the orthopedic doctor. While filling out paperwork it asked my relationship to her. I wanted to put mother but knew she would have balked. So I used stepmother. I don't like the use of "step" at all and refrain from it as much as possible.
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That "do I or don't I" dilemna is frustrating, isn't it? In some states stepparents have to have a medical power of attorney signed and on file before taking their kids for medical treatment. It's a weird life we lead - all the responsibility, none of the rights or perks.
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Hi, It's true God called us His children not stepchildren but the people often forget that!
I think that every one had an experience like yours!
God bless you!
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