One woman has gone viral after sharing her rather unusual family online.
As she shares two children with her ex-stepson and people have a lot to say about it.
“That poor man is gonna suffer so badly with all types of mental health problems if he doesn’t already,” wrote one person.
Another added: “I’m sorry this is sick, being a stepmum myself and having 3 stepkids which I didn’t raise from small children, I can’t even begin to understand it I class them as my kids. So wrong.”
Scroll on to see their story.
Now, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as parenthood.
The love between you and your child is something unlike any other feeling on earth… It’s a pretty magical thing.
Although you try and do the best for your child…
Everyone has an opinion on what you’re doing wrong.
There are many things that make parenthood irritating…
But there’s one thing pretty much every parent out there can relate to, which is feeling like you’re not giving your kids the best.
And there are a whole host of controversial decisions to be made around parenting.
It’s safe to say, people have some pretty strong opinions…
Like, for example, how to split duties between parents…
With single parenting being even tougher!
And modern parents have even more stresses to go through.
Technology has made the already hard job of parenting even trickier — especially as kids grow older.
There’s another big issue for parents, these days.
The highly topical issue of helicopter parenting.
It can be tricky to toe the line between responsible and overprotective.
But it’s important to foster independence and trust in your kids, to risk a serious rebellion down the line.
It often all comes down to communication.
And making sure your kids feel they can come to you with their problems will always make things easier.
Respect is another pertinent issue when it comes to parenting.
As a lack of respect is really what most fights between parents and kids come down to.
Patience is also key.
As any parent will tell you, you need the patience of a saint on some days.
The feeling of inadequacy can also bring parents down.
But if you’re trying your best, rest assured — you’re being a top-level parent!
Trying to instill discipline is key.
But, let’s be honest — it’s not always possible! Sometimes kids just aren’t in the mood to be obedient.
There’s something else that can make parenting seem scary.
That feeling that there just isn’t enough time!
Not only do days rush past when you’re super busy taking care of a little one…
But you want to treasure the precious, fleeting moments of your child’s early days (and years).
Dealing with fear is another big issue of parenting.
With a world out there that feels vast and frightening, it can be tempting to wrap you child up in cotton wool.
But you need to allow your child to experience life for themselves!
So long as they always know they can rely on you to help them out in times of need!
A lot of good parenting actually relies on relinquishing of control.
Which is, as any parent knows, easier said than done.
But not every family looks the same.
Russian blogger Marina Balmasheva and partner Vladimir ‘Vova’ Shavyrin prove it.
Marina raised Vova from the age of seven as his stepmom.
But now, the two are a couple, and even share kids of their own.
Marina left Vova’s father after falling pregnant with her step-son in a secret affair.
She told The Sun: “He fell in love with me with all my scars from plastic surgeries, cellulite, excessive skin and personality.”
However, Vova’s father was understandably unhappy.
“She seduced my son… he had not had a girlfriend before her. I would have forgiven her cheating — if it wasn’t my son,” he explained.
Marina and Vova already shared a daughter, Olga.
And they have now welcomed their second baby into the world.
Take a look at Marina’s controversial Instagram right here.
What do you think about this family?