The 5 Best Things About Being a Step-parent

I realized the other day that I talk a lot about the struggles of being a step-parent, but there are so many amazing things about being a step-parent that I think they deserve some recognition too.

I’m going to do these as a count-down, so without further ado…

5.  I get time “off”.  I know that might sound heartless, but if you’re a parent, you know that there are times that you just need to breathe and have some time for yourself or time alone with your spouse.  It has nothing to with your feelings towards the children, but reality is…I get built in “time off” and I cherish the time alone with T!

4.  I get to be a crazy sports/activities mom!  My boys are heavily involved in sports and activities and I get to be in the stands taking tons of pictures, cheering them on, and encouraging them every day!  It’s so cool and they make me so proud!

3.  I learn new things about myself.  Being a step-parent has taught me so many lessons, not only about how to be a parent, but also about myself.  I’ve seen myself grow and mature as a “parent” and as a person, in general, and I’m grateful for that!

2.  I was entrusted by T.  He loved me and trusted me enough to marry me and want to have me in his boys lives.  That’s a privilege and an honor!  To know that he thought that much of me sometimes overwhelms me and makes me super emotional.

1.  R&M.  They are THE BEST part of being a step-parent.  To get to watch them grow, mature, and develop is the greatest blessing in my life.  I feel so incredibly humbled, blessed, and privileged that they have let me in their lives the way they have and that I get to be there for every event, every birthday, every holiday, etc.  I never knew that I could love someone the way I love the 2 of them!

While being a step-parent is hard some days and a challenge that I never imagined myself taking on, I wouldn’t trade it for anything!  These are the top 5 things about being a step-parent, but honestly…the real list is endless!!