These Stepparents Want You To Know What It's Really Like In Blended Families

"Since I am the one in their everyday life my husband makes sure they respect me and knows that I am the parent. The eight-year-old decided that I am her mom and we respect that choice—we didn’t ask her to call me that, but I answer her when she does. The boys being older call me by my name most times, but know that I love them like my own." Paula T.