Q: "I married Irene. She has two daughters. I was so excited about my instant family, and later we had a son of our own. We’ve been a household for several years now. But more and more, I realize that my feelings for my Stepdaughters are different from my feelings for my son. I mean, I would literally give up my life for my son. I feel like a terrible and horrible person, these girls are adorable and I love them. Am I an evil Stepparent? "

A: This is one of the hardest things for Stepparents to acknowledge, as it taps into our feelings of not being loving enough, and that wicked Stepparent image rears its ugly head. The biological bond can often be so surprising and of course, it’s your first child. You’re the one and only with your son and that will bring up many powerful feelings. Not only that, but your Stepchildren have a father that they share a part of their lives with. Take heart, many Stepparents who care a great deal about their Stepchildren feel the same way. It’s normal.