Graham asks :
Hi Lucy,
My step daughter recently told me that both she and her sister felt more towards me than their "natural" father. I am confused as to why this was said!
Hi Graham,
Agony Aunts on Female First
Although this could be taken as a compliment it is understandable why you might have other feelings of confusion too.
It is expected that most children will feel closer to their biological father than their step father, however if a step father has been present more than a natural father then this might encourage the children to be fonder of their step parent.
If you have been there for these girls, then that is something they will likely always remember and appreciate, especially if their real father has been absent.
Perhaps they said it to let you know how much they think of you- which might help to reaffirm that you are doing a good job.
That said, children can get confused and play people off against one another when their parents break up (depending on age), so it might not be to your advantage not to read too much into it or share it widely.
If it was genuine- then it could make your home life with them easier, (if you live together), however if it wasn't then it might be best not to press further over any instances of present favouritism.
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