Opening my Eyes to my Stepson

I have been a stepmother since the day I married my husband, to a wonderful little boy named Shawn. When we were engaged we had his 6th birthday party, and this July he will turn 10 years old. It has been a definite change to my life for the better, but it has taken a lot of learning and understanding. It has not always been easy, especially being the "step monster" because I had rules at our house. He and I have strengthened our relationship over the years and we both respect each other and have love for each other. In general it is hard to enter into a relationship with stepchildren, but when one has autism, it makes it that more challenging. Thankfully my previous job allowed me to explore autism by attending conferences and learning a lot about autism spectrum. Since I have had my own child, I have realized a new understanding about my stepson and the love and patience his mother has for him. She and I actually have a great relationship now which I am so thankful for because I think it is important.

My daughter adores Shawn and watching him talk, and play, and unlike other people in the world, she will grown to always know him and his different ways and accept him without question. That is the beautiful thing about brothers and sisters, and the innocence of children.

My stepson taught me ways of being a mother before I had my daughter and now I understand him in a new way. I am not exactly sure how to describe it, but it is comforting to have this new perception. At the moment he is on the floor with my daughter watching Baby Einstein, and she is so content sitting with him, its adorable.