May 2011 - On the Couch
How much say should step-parents have?
This month, we ask three readers if step-parents should share
responsibility for their partner's child, or if it's
alright for them to take a more back seat role.
READER PROFILES:
Rob Lupton, 33 - Raised by a stepdad from a young age, Rob, who is from Cheshire, believes that step-parents can have a positive influence in the right circumstances.
Clare Jukes, 37 - Clare, who lives in
Northampton, brought up her son with a stepdad from a very young
age. She believes that step-parents should have equal input.
Mark Jones, 37 - Mark, who is from
Liverpool, didn't get on with his stepdad until later in life.
He does not think that step-parents should have as much say as
biological parents.
Can you tell us about your own experiences of step-parenting?
Mark: "When I was six my parents split up and I lived with my mum. Within a year she met another man and I didn't like it because I missed my dad and wanted him back. Plus I didn't like having another man in our house. When I was 12, my mum passed away after an illness and I went to live with my grandmother and auntie. My stepdad looked after Mum while she was sick, so with hindsight I see that he was a great man. I'm still in touch with him now and we get on really well."
Clare: "My son, Paul, is 20 and he's been raised by a stepdad since he was a baby. I had Paul at 17, and just three months later I split from his father. My friend, Phil, offered me a place to stay at his house in London, and a relationship developed. Phil became a stepdad to Paul and I gave him legal parental responsibility."
Rob: "My brother and I were raised by a stepdad from a young age. My mum split from my biological father when I was about one. A few years later she married my stepfather and they had a daughter. My stepdad and I have always treated each other like father and son, and I call him Dad."
What's your view?
Vote now!
Should a step-parent have as much say as a biological parent in raising their child? (CLOSED)
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