So thankful to be a (step) parent

[JugsyMalone]

I have 2 DSs and have had DD (DSD) since she was about 10. Both her parents dipped out and she got to be mine, her Dad left her with me. I have never formally had custody of her and her mother has always claimed the CB for her. But DD was always scared of her Mum so I left it.

I always told her to call me FirstName and one of my proudest moments was when meeting a counsellor from her school who called me Mrs Blah and I said no I am Mrs Blog - I am DD's SM not her Mum and she said - "oh she says you are her Mum".

I chatted to DD about it later and she said "well, whatever, you are my Mum innit".

I think I am blessed to have got a bonus kid.

Jugsy,

That's a really nice post - how old is your DSD?

I was brought up by a woman who wasn't my mother and I truly felt that she was my only "Mum" and feel so lucky to have had her around (she has sadly passed away now).

Reading the bit about the child benefit made me wonder if the Mother might decide to take her daughter back at some point? Have you thought about getting things formalised so you know you have continuity going forward? It would also mean you could claim child benefit and any other benefits that could be available for your DSD?