Step-parents do you feel you have to be the perfect parent to step children because you're under a microscope?

I always feel that I have to be a super duper step parent that doesn't make mistakes. If I get angry and lose my temper then I get looked down upon.


I feel that I'm the only one that has to make the relationship work between my step children. Or if I make my step kids mad then it's my fault.


Do any other step parents feel this way?Step-parents do you feel you have to be the perfect parent to step children because you're under a microscope?
I treat my step-kids exactly as I do my own. I am not going to bend over backwards to treat them differently, or have my kids see them being treated differently. If their mother's don't like it, tough luck. I refuse to step on egg shells. The kids are only treated differently with respect to anything relating to their ages (obviously differences in bedtimes, what they are allowed to do, etc). The kids are happy when they are here, so if I make a mistake, I'm just human.


Step-parents do you feel you have to be the perfect parent to step children because you're under a microscope?
Im not a step parent, but as someone with a stepmom, I can give you some pointers.


It has alot to do with confidence. If they feel you arent confident about it, they are ALL going to get the vibe that you arent a parent, that you are an outsider.


Next time you have to raise your voice, be confident, act like you dont care if either of the other parents are there. Dont act like you are doing something wrong, it gives off the wrong vibes to the parents, like you dont want to be a parent.












I was like that, but not anymore.


we all make mistakes, and yes we do get criticized.


I am worn out trying to help my husband with his kids and dumb ex-wife, it has drained me emotionally to such an extent that I have withdrawn myself completely.



I don't know if you're a religious person but try watching EWTN. There are some good programs about family and it might help hearing different opinions.





Eternal Word Television Network - http://www.ewtn.com


Family Life Center International - http://www.familylifecenter.net
I dont feel like that, i feel like i just have to be a regular dad, since my kids real dads left their mom before they were born.