Label Wars
Show Notes
About the Guest
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I wish kids could decide what labels they use for stepfamily members but sometimes insecure adults try to dictate the terms they use. To a kid choosing mom or dad’s term is like siding with one against the other. So mom should help her son decide what to do. He could call his stepfather “Dad†when at his mom’s house and then respect his father by calling him something different when at dad’s house. Whatever the boy decides take the pressure off. Tell him he matters to you not the labels.
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Ron Deal
Ron L. Deal is one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the country. He is Director of FamilyLife Blended® for FamilyLife®, founder of Smart Stepfamilies™, and the author and Consulting Editor of the Smart Stepfamily Series
Ron, my ex-husband is telling our son that he can’t call his stepfather “Dad.” But, of course, I want him to. Is there anything I can do about that?
Ron: “Ron, my ex-husband is telling our son that he can’t call his stepfather “Dad.” But, of course, I want him to. Is there anything I can do about that?”
Announcer: For FamilyLife Blended®, here’s Ron Deal.
Ron: You know, I wish kids could decide for themselves what labels they use for stepfamily members, but unfortunately insecure adults sometimes try to dictate the terms they use. To a kid choosing mom or dad’s term is like siding with one against the other.
So mom should talk to her son and help him decide what to do. He could call his stepfather “Dad” when at his mom’s house and then respect his father by calling him something different when at dad’s house. Whatever the boy decides take the pressure off him. Tell him that what matters to you is him not the labels. For FamilyLife Blended I’m Ron Deal.
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