This is the quote:
[quote="EnglishInvader"]I think it's very admirable that you're willing to take on that much baggage. Your son is lucky to have a stepmother who cares about him. There are many people on this website who have not been so fortunate. I hope your son realises this.[quote]
I'm not trying to criticize EnglishInvader for this comment, I just think it warrants mentioning that the concept of step-children, and in this case step-children with complex issues being "baggage" is fairly common, and in my opinion needs to be challenged.
As step-parents it's easy for us to pat ourselves on the back for being willing to take on step-children, but I have tried to avoid this. I believe it takes away from a child's inherent integrity. I also personally disagree, as I said, with the concept that a 10 year old (especially one on the spectrum) should 'realize how fortunate' they are to have a step-mother who actually cares about them. I think that implies that there is a debt owed in exchange for that caring parent. All children deserve parents who care for them. They should no more be expected to act in a grateful manner for a caring step-parent, than they do for oxygen.
Again, I am expanding on the concept touched on in the quote - I know that EnglishInvader likely didn't intend any of this directly, but I still feel it warrants mention.
31 Mar 2010, 4:38 pm
