Opinions on the status or name of “step-parents”

This is purely supposed to be opinion based. There is no wrong or right answer to this question in my opinion. We all have our own families, and do what we feel comfortable with involving children.

I want step-parents, girlfriends of men w/children, separated parents that co-parent with ex partners having new partners around their children, and just people with opinions to chime in on this topic. I’m just simply curious! (Please don’t go arguing or bashing one another under this thread)

How do some of you feel about your child(ren) calling another man or woman dad or mom?

Do you automatically think one should be able to adopt all of the things that come with being a parent if you marry or date a person with kids? (I mean being that authoritative figure in a kid’s life , but also being the third parent in other aspects too)

Generally, what do you think the role of a step parent is or should be?

Are you okay with step parents disciplining your child? Or what are your thoughts?

If one parent decided they aren’t okay with a step parent taking the dad or mom title, but the other parent was, would it be okay for the child to refer to you as their other parent or mom or dad?

What if some step-parents just simply are okay with being a friend to the child or the figure of an aunt or uncle more than being a third parent to them?

Do you think step-parents should be obliged to be a parent figure even if they’re okay just remaining a healthy relationship with the child without any titles like mom or dad?

(I am personally in a situation in which I don’t prefer to be called mom by my step child, but we have a fun relationship together. And I’m sorry but i wouldn’t be okay if my kids called someone else other than me and their father, mom or dad. As long as the relationship is healthy, that is my only expectation! And children are being treated correctly)

My opinion: I think a step parent’s role is like that of an aunt or an uncle with their niece or nephew.