It’s a hard thing to do, entering into a new family. The same goes for any existing social dynamic, meshing in with all these people who share a rich history of laughs, trauma, and drama when you’re just starting fresh and have nothing in common by comparison is really difficult. Just ask anyone who has ever married into a close-knit family and forever afterward felt like an outsider any time they’re around their in-laws, it feels like you’re just iced out of every interaction. Even joining existing friend groups is daunting, you turn up to the gatherings to find everyone already engaged in deep conversation and sharing old stories while you’re left standing there awkwardly and making friends with whatever dog or cat is hanging around to help ease the tension.

Still, even though joining a family as the «new mom» when the kids already have a mother might be difficult, you shouldn’t frame it that way in your mind—’cause that’s not even what it really is. It’s a chance for new relationships and new experiences for everyone outside of the relationships that already exist. What you should certainly NOT or NEVER do is try to replace or erase the person who came before you when you’re entering into someone’s life.

But that’s what this stepmother—or dad’s «new wife»—tried to do when she came into the home. Demanding that all photos of the son’s mother disappear immediately from the home, and then taking offense when she realized her new stepson carefully rescued all of them.