When it comes to parent/teacher conferences, doctor consultations appointments with a therapist, should the step-parent be involved? While major desicions are obviously left to the parents, I think that since a step parent is actually considered a parent that their input should be considered and important since the child has to function in that family as well....what is the opinion?
2006-11-14 02:15:48 · 26 answers · asked by vthamiltons 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I never missed a parent teacher conference, doctor or dentist visit, or basketball game as a step dad of my two step daughters. Their real Dad never went and I was the one raising them with their mother since 3 and 5 years old (they are now 20 and 22).
I felt it was my responsibility and besides that, I cared and wanted to know how they were doing. I never pushed them for straight A's - I just wanted them to give an honest effort and actually learn something.
The ones who raise our children should be involved in every aspect and they should genuinely care about their well being and welfare. I know things get a little complicated now a days with so many broken up families, but I made the time, every time because it was that important to me and still is.
2006-11-14 05:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by jarhed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it depends on the family situation. It depends on how the child feels about the step-parent and how both of the parents feel about it. If anyone one of the parties has some concerns or negative feelings regarding the participation of the step-parent then no they should not participate in these these things. As far as major decisions go, the parents always should have first say, then the input of the step-parent comes second. All negative feelings, confrontations, etc. should be avoided for the sake of the children and regardless of how much the step-parent wants to be involved if it is causing problems then they need to take a step back.
2006-11-14 02:21:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If both parents are involved with the child then I don't think a step-parent has much say in medical decisions. I think a step-family can function fine without the step-parents involvement in major decisions, especially if they don't affect the family. A medical decision if between the real parents and the child.
2006-11-14 02:18:33 · answer #3 · answered by Flower Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Does the child reside with that step-parent? How involved is that person in the child's life? What's the child/step-parent relationship like? How does the child feel about the step-parent? How long has the step-parent been around?
2006-11-14 02:21:45 · answer #4 · answered by luvbuggies 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that the step-parent should only be involved if the child is living with them, in makes sense. Obviously the major decisions will be made by the parents, but it does make sense to involve them
2006-11-14 02:44:21 · answer #5 · answered by Baps . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a step parent myself I say that if that child is in the care of the step parent at anytime.. the step parent has rights to be there for it all.. My husbands ex wont let me even pick my step daughter up for our weekends because she says that my step daughter doesn't know me that well. She has been coming over every other weekend and some holidays that we are allowed to have her for over 4 years and I feel that I have a great relationship with her.
2006-11-14 05:12:42 · answer #6 · answered by icprinces 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm both a STEPmom and a BIOmom. Both end with mom. Neither role is less important than the other. My stepson is with us 50% of the time. In our house, it is agreed, since I stay home, that I should be as involved in his education, recreation, etc as much as possible. However, that is not the perspective of his biological mom. I personally do not understand. My perspective is that it takes a village. The larger my child's village, the better. The more people who love him and guide him, the better. It really makes him uncomfortable when the two of us are at an event, because as he has stated, "I don't want my mom to know I love you because it will hurt her feelings." :(
2015-09-23 14:37:00 · answer #7 · answered by Douglas 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a step parent and even though i understand what you are saying I have to say that even though I have a very close relationship with the kids I have always left it up to their parents to decide when or when I should not be involved in such things as you have mentioned. I am involved though when the kids are at our home of the rules set for them and making sure they abide by those rules. Now if the kids invite me to go to a function that they are involved in I'm gladly ready to go. ;o)
2006-11-14 02:33:44 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The step mother of my daughter is seriously a control freak. so, no, I resent her being involved. She steps on my toes every chance she gets- more out of spite than actual caring or love.
I am sure there are VERY GOOD step parents out there. It takes a special person to be a good one. I would love it if I had to deal with a pleasant one, who respected my place as the MOM.
2006-11-14 03:15:52 · answer #9 · answered by rottymom02 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the situation. The main people involved should be the mother, father and child, however, if you are helping to raise the child then you should at least be in the loop as to what is happening at those meetings, appointments, etc. As long as you are informed. I don't think it's necessary for you to be there physically at these meetings.
2006-11-14 02:24:55 · answer #10 · answered by vanhammer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋