The Step-parent never replaces the biological parent even if the biological parent is absent.

Provided the relationship with a biological parent was present enough to establish itself in the relationship

of the child. Welcome to Family Life Today where we want to help you pursue the relationships that matter most.

I'm Shelby Abbott and your hosts are Dave and Ann Wilson.

You can find us at Family Life Today.

This is Family Life Today.

Here's my question to start our day.

Okay, here we go.

What is something a step parent should never do when trying to bond with a stepchild?

Well, my first thought is, don't take your stepchild on your honeymoon and not tell them

that it's their honeymoon.

Because that happened to you. That's what happened to me.

I was 12, 13 years old.

We go to Europe with my dad and my new mom.

Which means you didn't go to the wedding?

No, I mean there was no wedding that I even knew about and next thing I know we're in Europe and I'm a

scared to death in a hotel in Italy and I literally go knock on their door because I'm scared and it's like can I come sleep in your room?

I didn't find out for years.

This was their honeymoon night.

So maybe that wasn't the good move.

You know, my answer would be, this is probably what I would do wrong,

is I would want them to love me so much as a step-parent.

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