Would I be the bad person if I wanted to take my biological child on a weekend trip with me but didn’t want to bring my spouse’s child (my stepchild), with us?
Just you and your own child? No. Even if your stepchild were unhappy about it, you and your blood relative son are entitled to spend some time together by yourselves. Heck, my own father would take each of his kids on a little trip just the two of them (father and one) child for a one on one kind of experience with Dad. ‘Nothing at all wrong with what you’re contemplating.
There are some stepparents and stepchildren who form a strong and loving bond as deep as the bonds we associate with biological parents and children, but this is the exception, not the rule, and the difference between the parent-child and stepparent-stepchild relationship is not your “fault” nor is it your responsibility to change.
Of course you should show love and attention to your stepchild too, even if going on a trip with just your own son may be perceived by some as “loving the stepchild less.” It’s not. And your stepchild would benefit from learning—and it’s worth explaining this to your stepchild—sooner than later.
Utah Family Law, LC | divorceutah.com | 801-466-9277
