I’m definitely not complaining but my stepchildren both call me at work when they have issues or are sick at school. I always text my wife to make sure she’s okay that I handle it and she thinks it’s sweet.

I got a call to pick one of them up today due to an illness. On the ride home I asked why she called me instead of her mom. Her response had me holding back some dad tears.

She started by saying she trusts me to take care of her and that I make her feel safe when she’s not feeling well. She likes that I ask all the questions I do to know what she needs. I reminded her that her mom does that too. She told me “she’s never had a dad that did, until me.”

I was happy to be that for her but sad at the same time. I’ve been in these kids lives since they were young and to know they didn’t know a dad could be there for the simple things broke my heart.

I know it drives their “dad” nuts but he’s not allowed in the school. I don’t mind that he’s going to complain that I shouldn’t be the one but I’m who they call. He also only gets the one EOW. I’m sure I’ll catch hell at some point from him but today’s conversation just emphasizes how worth it really is to make those kids feel loved and cared for.

TL;DR: Kids call me at work when they need to go home sick. How does your spouse do with that and are there issues with the outside parent?