I'm new to the site but i've been reading for a while and it's the craziest thing that so many people go through the same things and feel the same way as me lol. I also think it's insane how many people on here can't stand their step kids. So anyway to introduce myself i have 3 skids. SS13, SD10, and SS6, then i have my BS2 (almost 3). My boyfriend and I have been together for 3 years now and I have become a 3rd parental figure in the skids lives, and to be quite frank they tend to confide in me more than BM or BF. I love these kids so much and would do so much for them, in fact i have done sooo much for them. I have had many a showdown with BM because of her parenting and I understand that there are BM's on here with SM's in the picture and you probably won't like alot of things i have to say on here because i do cross the line, and i understand that it's bothersome because i know i would be pissed if there was a SM in my BS's life. However, these kids are very important to me and as long as i am a big part of their life and if i can take on the responsibilities of being that other parent and picking them up from school and keeping them during the school breaks and what not then i feel i have just as much of a say so in their upbringing. Fortunately so does my boyfriend So the fact that she never watches them is her parenting and yes it will affect them in the long run, but when i step in is when it affects them now when they're coming to our house with injuries that could have been avoided by parents being parents.