Brand new to step-parenting and seeking guidance
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Hi everyone, my name is Lacey and my boyfriend's two beautiful boys have just started calling me mom. They have never had a mom since their dad has full custody so this is a huge deal. I am the first person they have ever called mommy. They are 4 and 6 years old and they are wonderful. But I need some advice. For one, is it too soon for them to call me mom and should we stop it, if so how would we do that? How do I make them respect me as their parent but still be a fun person to be around? I find the hardest part of all of this is that I'm starting with kids and not babies. I have missed important mile stones. Encouragement would be appreciated. thank you!
Well, yes, it's too soon for
Well, yes, it's too soon for them to call you Mom, you aren't even married to their father. And you aren't their parent, though they should certainly respect you as they would any adult. How long have you been together?
We have been together almost
We have been together almost 2 years. We have been talking alot about getting married but my sister is getting married next spring so we are waiting.
Welcome to this site!
Greetings!
I would firstly read as much as possible to see some of the future pitfalls.
Calling you mom - well I myself when SD13 was 8 and had asked me, I just said "Clove works for me".
If the bio mother is not dead, be aware that she could pop up at any time to reclaim her status.
Feel free to post as much as you like - however we are anonymous here so - you might want to take your name out...
I was the first person my SS
I was the first person my SS-27 ever called Dad(dy). His mom and I met and started dating when SS was 15mos old. My DW booted the Spermidiot for cheating on her before the baby turned 1yo and moved out of state for university when SS was 13mos old. That is where we met.
So, I get what you are experiencing.
I find nothing wrong with your SSs calling you Mom though I do think that you should minimize it unti you and their dad marry.
In hind site, it would have likely been best if SS had not chosen to call me Daddy until his mom and I married. But, he knew before we did I guess. We married the week before he turned 2yo.
You May very well be their mother. Just as I am the only real father my son has ever had. Kids are smart. They know who their "real" parents are and the real parent may not have anything to do with biology.
Good for you
Good for you (and the kids) that you're willing to adopt them, and that the mother is (so far) not an issue.
I think 2 years is enough time for you to get to know your SO and the kids pretty well, specially if he has full custody and you're around all the time.
So my advice to you, since you're not having issues with you BF and parenting the kids, would be to seek information about PARENTING, and if possible share it with your BF so you can be in the same page.
That said, it's always good to talk honestly to you BF about your expectations and boundaries as the relationship evolves. Points I'd be aware of in your case: Who takes care of the kids when grandma is not available? What's the financial contribution you're willing to make if ever needed? What will be the response if BM or the kids ever decide to claim their "biorights"? What happens if your relationship ever comes to an end, are you ready to be cut off from your skids?
I don't think it's early for them to call you mom if everybody feels comfortable with it. I'd just find a way to let it clear for the kids that they DO have a bio mother that's for some reason out of the picture now, and that you're willing to fill in the position for the time being, or as long as you're daddy's girlfriend.
And if you're really sure about your relationship with your BF and your skids, I'd consider the adoption option mentioned above.
I wish you all the best and that you manage to build a loving family together.