Loving A Step Child
Posted by: Maureen | March 19, 2011 | 5 Comments
When you give birth to a child, whether you have that instant bond or not, you learn to love them. You eventually see the similarities between the two of you, learn to love their drooly smiles and even think their grunting poo faces are adorable because, well… they are yours.
If you are like me, you love family because they are family.
So, what about kids that come into your life that aren’t yours? What about step kids? Other people’s kids can be annoying… think of the last time you were in line at the grocery store, how many of those kids drove you crazy? It’s not that they are any more annoying than your kids, it’s just that you are used to your kids… even their annoying bits.
So, when you move in with step children, you have a whole new set of behavior and idiosyncrasies that you need to adjust to.
There is no such thing as love at first sight with a step child because chances are they are a little skeptical of you at first. They would probably rather spit their juice at you than give you a hug and they certainly don’t want you “replacing” one of their parents.
So, it takes time… and patience… and perhaps stain remover (should they act on that juice spitting reflex).
If you are patient, and allow them to get to know you while you get to know them, if you show them that you in no way intend to replace anyone, and if you accept their idiosyncrasies, they may accept yours… no guarantees.
Then, one day, you may find yourself sitting at your step sons hockey game crying because he looks so tiny in his giant goalie pads (what? I was pregnant, cut me some slack) and then you may even listen to your step daughter sing and get a tear in your eye.
If you are very lucky, one day as your hugging your step daughter good night, she will return your “I love you”… and it is then that you will realize that you can, in fact, fall in love with a child that you did not give birth to.
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5 Responses to “Loving A Step Child”
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March 19th, 2011 @ 7:38 pm
You just made me cry and I’m not even pregnant!
Sharon recently posted..Staying Upright Isn’t My Only Problem
March 19th, 2011 @ 7:57 pm
That was my plan ; )
March 20th, 2011 @ 4:57 am
Maureen:
You are awesome young lady!!!. Your writing skill is wonderful and it shows just how wonderful a person you are as well.
Love ya
Bev
August 22nd, 2011 @ 10:06 am
Heck, you don’t have to be female or pregnant for tears about that stuff. I do that too.
Great post Moe.
August 22nd, 2011 @ 10:11 am
Like Sharon, I too am crying! So sweet