Is it normal to be friends with your child's step-parent?

duchy

Does it really matter how other people handle/mishandle their relationships ?

Despite no biological link you were clearly a loving presence in the child's life - and that has continued -as the mother and her new partner have no problem with it why is it any one else's business ?

I think you are either overthinking things or wanting a pat on the back - when actually you've just been fortunate .

pigpen

I think it is lovely that you are included in their new lives.. My ex's current thing tells all manner of lies and crap about me yet has never once actually had a conversation with me! .. I'd swap with your situation in a heartbeat!!

thorsoak

Far better for the child that you are on good terms.

Petra_70

There is nothing wrong with it. However, as some have already said; it is quite unusual; especially as you have no blood connection with the children.

Funnily enough, my friend (Jen) still gets on very well with her ex husband, (John) which annoys his new partner (Lynn) quite a lot actually. Lynn is very insecure, and doesn't like the fact that Jen and John get on well. What makes it worse is that Lynn's daughter (Lily) thinks Jen is 'cool,' and has become good friends with Jen and John's daughter (Katie.) In actual fact, Lily has stayed with Katie (at Jen's house,) and it incenses Lynn, as she wants her daughter to hate her partner's ex LOL.

Everyone is happy as a pig in muck, except Jen's ex partner's new partner.

So all I will say is if you get on fabulously with your ex, and are still in regular contact with her and her kids, just be careful, because their new partner may not be too happy about it.

As someone said earlier, the kids may be a bit confused as to who you are though. And I would imagine that other people may think it's a bit odd - because you have no blood connection with the kids. And as I said, the new partner of your ex may not be very happy about it.

You will have to play it by ear, but there isn't actually anything inherently wrong with it. However, it is a bit unusual.

Lunar_Eclipse

Not typical, but fantastic.

I once read that children look to the 6 key adults in their lives as role models; you will be one of hers. :-)

FBaby

Not that unusual in my environment. Unfortunately, it isn't the case with my ex and his new partner (could have been but him not paying anything towards maintenance means I struggle to feel friendly), but his partner is in excellent term with her ex and new partner. So much that even my children (so the children of her partner) have stayed with her ex (and her/his children/my kids step-children if you follow!!).

Despite not being on friendly terms with my ex and new partner, their daughter is a regular visitor to our house (with my children) and I have no issue with this at all.

It is much more likely to be the case where there are no lasting feelings whatsoever all around and therefore no jealousy.

fuzzyduck22

What's normal?

I think it's fantastic! My parents both spoke horribly about each other after they seperated when I was a child, not nice.