Gisele Bundchen: Step-Parent Boundries
April 1, 2009 by Eliza Ferree
Filed under Family, Parenting
Now I’m not a stepparent so I can’t really tell you all the rules that go with being one. Gisele Bundchen, you know the supermodel that’s been
INFdaily.com
with Tom Brady for two years now has finally made statements about his son, John Edward that he had with Bridget Moynahan. From my understandings, many believe she was in the wrong when she made the following comment to the press.
“I understand that he has a mom, and I respect that. But to me, it’s not like because somebody else delivered him, that’s not my child. I feel it is, 100 percent.”
Keep in mind she was dating Tom when he got the news that his ex as pregnant, so she’s kind of known Little John his entire life.
“It was definitely a surprise for both of us. You’re thinking this can’t be true, it’s so good! And then whoops, wake-up call!”
“I want him to have a great relationship with his mom because that’s important. But I love him the same way as if he were mine.”
Out of all honesty I thin it is great that she looks at this little guy as her own. It shows she loves him unconditionally. I know some stepparents that just can’t do that no matter what. But since I’m not a stepparent, has she ovesteppd her boundries? Should she back off? Should she love him less?
The love a parent has for a step child can be every bit as strong and as real as their love for their own biological child. I have one of each, so I know that for a fact. My adopted daughter IS my daughter, just as my other daughter is. The parent-child bond is about much more than shared genes.
Now, given the fact that this child’s birth mother is still around, she does need to be careful about the boundaries. They all need to get together and work out what her role should be in the parenting triangle. But professing her love for the child, I don’t think that crosses any lines.
Jeff
Do you know how many children are neglected and abused in this world. only in a sick country like the US can someone proclaiming to love her stepson like he was her own would be considered a bad thing. I guess it would be great if she hates him because he’s not hers’.
I agree with both NP and Jeff, it is a great thing that she loves him. I’m a bit shocked that others think this is a bad thing. As long as she isn’t telling him she’s his mom and the other isn’t I don’t see the harm. She announced to the press she loves this little boy like he were her own. They may have asked her something like “is there a difference since he isn’t yours?” but I think she covered all grounds.
(sorry typos I think my keyboard is dead)
I think that by saying that she wants him to have a good relationship with his mother, she is showing that her intent is good.
I had a stepdad who made me call my dad by his name (Ernie) rather than “Dad” when I was around him. I hated that. He was a lousy stepparent.
Was looking at articles on step-parenting when I came across your website. I came across another parenting website called Daughters.com. They have a section about step parenting. Thought i’d share this with you. Thanks for the post and I like your site