step-parent
Spouse's kid's parent
A step-parent is the spouse of one's biological parent who is not oneself a biological parent—a stepmother or stepfather.
The relationship forms through marriage rather than birth or adoption: My step-parent came into my life when I was twelve.
The prefix step- derives from an Old English word for orphan or bereaved, reflecting the historical context of remarriage after a spouse's death.
Protective care or control
- guardianshipLegal care of another
- adoptionLegal family formation
- co-parentingJoint child-rearing by separated adults
- noncustodialWithout guardianship rights
Child sharing one parent
- remarriageWedding after divorce/widowhood
- householdDomestic unit of residents
- integrationCombining into a whole
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
Supportive care-giving
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- caregiverOne providing daily assistance
- providerOne who furnishes things
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
guidance · support · involvement · authority · responsibility · co-parenting · encouragement · protector
Forming close connections
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- trust-buildingEstablishing mutual confidence
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
rejection · warmth · connection · rapport · understanding · patience · communication · reconciliation
custody
Protective care or control
- guardianshipLegal care of another
- adoptionLegal family formation
- co-parentingJoint child-rearing by separated adults
noncustodial · visitation · divorce · ex-spouse · nonbiological
half-sibling
Child sharing one parent
- remarriageWedding after divorce/widowhood
- householdDomestic unit of residents
- integrationCombining into a whole
nurturing
Supportive care-giving
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- caregiverOne providing daily assistance
- providerOne who furnishes things
mentor · guidance · support · involvement · authority · responsibility · co-parenting · encouragement · protector
bonding
Forming close connections
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- trust-buildingEstablishing mutual confidence
resentment · rejection · warmth · connection · rapport · understanding · patience · communication · reconciliation · estrangement
- familymother, father, parents, siblings, son
- caregiverscaregiver, parents, carer, mothers, babysitter
- family lawchild custody, child support, alimony, family court, divorce petitions
- child support rolesfoster care, guardian, legal guardian, grandparent, godparent
- genealogyfamily trees, family history, descendants, ancestors, ancestry tracing
step-parentbiological parent
One who conceived offspring
birth parent · natural parent · biological mother · biological father · birth mother