07/05/2026
On Friday I picked up my son for the 4Th of July weekend. As we were getting ready to leave I reminded him to say good bye to his Mom and Charlie (moms boyfriend) who was sitting on the couch. Mom and Charlie have been together for about a year and a half, I don't really know the guy other than brief in passing conversations. I don't pry into my Ex's life, I pay attention to my son's behavior when Charlie is around and he seems to like him a lot.
Christopher turns and gives his Mom a hug goodbye and turns to Charlie and says goodbye STEP DAD CHARLIE. I smiled said goodbye and we left. I only live a half mile from my Ex, shortly after getting home my Ex text me, she wanted me to know that step dad comment was all Christopher and that she nor Charlie put that in his head. And Charlie wanted me to know that in no way would he come in between me and my relationship with Christopher.
There was no need for an explanation. Our son is 9 years old, in that moment he said goodbye step dad Charlie what I felt wasn't anger it wasn't jealousy, but rather happiness. I am happy that my son's Mother has found Happiness after our divorce, I'm happy that my son is happy with this mans presence in his life. I am happy that my son trust and respects this man enough to give him the title of STEP DAD CHARLIE.
Children need to know they are loved, That their parents love them even after divorce. As a father it is my responsibility to model healthy emotions for him to see, and that it is oaky for them to love their bonus parent without hurting their Mom or Dad. It is okay for parents to love someone else after divorce. Christopher has a loving Bonus Mom as well. He is a pretty lucky kid. To Charlie welcome, Thank you for being the kind of guy Christopher can trust and respect enough to call STEP DAD CHARLIE.
