#biological parents

[laenaism]

it’s kind of crazy to me how often people are so quick to downplay Laenor’s father role when it comes to the velaryon boys. i know their bastardy is rumored in the book and pretty much ‘proven’ in the show (even though they don’t actually know for certain bc they can’t do a paternity test lmao), but even if they are bastards, they are still Laenor’s sons. in that case, Laenor would be their adoptive father but that wouldn’t make him any less of their father than if they were his biologically. like imagine if you said to an adopted child, “but who’s your ACTUAL father?” that would be so offensive and cruel to both the child and their father. Don’t get me wrong, they could also acknowledge Harwin as their father, which Jace does in the show, but the complete disregard of Laenor i see in this fandom is WILD! Laenor spent ten years of his life with his sons, he taught them to fish, he sang them songs, no doubt snuck them food (like cake 😉) and told them about his adventures, and yet he’s looked at as ‘inferior’ bc the velaryon boys may not be his biological children 🤨? i know he left in the show, but let’s not act like he had a true choice in the first place. if he tried to stay, no doubt he would’ve been ‘mysteriously’ killed. all of this is to say that i genuinely hope some of y’all don’t go up to adoptive children/parents and go “you’re not actually their child/parent” but i fear some of you would feel inclined to. weird.

anyways, love how fondly Jace spoke of his father Laenor in the latest episode :)

i know f&b/hotd is fictional, but it still irritates me, i needed to rant about this lmao.

[theoctopuswhoisscottish]

Fry’s biological parents

I wanted to draw inspiration for Ophelia from Shelly Duvall because I thought it would be kinda fun. I also wanted Fred to look like Fry had his looks. A not-so-fun fact: if Fred were (somehow) still alive, there would be a lot of heavy angst between him and Fry.

[onceuponafosterkid]

I met my bio mom once when I was 15. I remember thinking it was strange that this woman had given birth me and I had never met her before. She told me she loved me, and I didn’t say it back, because how can you love someone you don’t even know? Growing up, my adoptive mom told us horror stories about our birth mom, saying she never wanted us and probably never thought about us. I wondered about her every day. We lost contact, and when I was 18, I got her number. I would try to text her, but it always went one of two ways. She would either ask who I was, and I would have to remind her that I’m one of her daughters. The other times she would text me on accident, thinking I was her granddaughter, and asking me to bring her a beer from the fridge. At the time she lived in Oklahoma, but just recently she moved out here to Denver after her mom passed away. I never met my biological grandmother, or my niece and nephew. My brother knows them all and has a good relationship with everyone and sometimes I get jealous over that. It’s weird that one decision changed my whole life, but it’s like her life just kept going. I’ve always had this empty spot for her, and I don’t know if it’s like that for her. We reconnected recently and now I’m going to see her on Wednesday for the second time ever. I’m nervous. I also just recently changed my name, which is the third name I’ve had in my life. It’s probably stupid, but I want her to like the name I’ve chosen for myself. It’s the last string that connected me to my ex adoptive family, and it feels very freeing to no longer have that name. I’m nervous that my mom won’t like me, which sounds ridiculous. I’m also nervous that she’s going to disappear again. I’m not sure what to expect, so I’m trying to keep an open mind while also protecting myself emotionally. I guess we’ll see how it goes.

[thestreamweaver]

Evan Munroe Theory

Storm is in her 30s, making her 30-39 years old.

Spyke is 15-18 throughout the series.

Possibly in her late teens (18-19), she powered the first version of the Cerebro system, enabling Professor Xavier to locate Logan.

Evan could've been born after she turned 21! Giving her and Logan time to get to know each other and fall in love.

It's very possible... I don't know exactly how it would've happened if it did, just that it's very possible...

In some info, I looked up about X-Men Evolution. There was a tidbit about who Evan is, and it said something very interesting...

Which could mean a bunch of different things. But if my theory about his family tree is correct that would mean that maybe Ororo gave him over to Vivian at birth before she was married and then to keep it hidden she just told her later husband that she'd "had a kid before" which assuming the theory is true would really mean that she had adopted him for her sister...

Or this could have been much darker.........

Another thought I had was, what if Vivian actually dated Logan for a time, but the times he'd disappear and get into fights were disturbing enough for her to break it off... somewhere around that time, she found out she was pregnant, but didn't tell anyone about it... Weapon X had already gotten ahold of Logan and screwed him over so Ororo couldn't kill him. Then later on Vivian met her now husband and they raised Evan together...

When Evan got old enough, Vivian told him the truth about how he wasn't her husband's son, but another man's (let's say she didn't name him for a while).

When he finally did find it the truth, he started acting out because of what he now knew... but all that acting out didn't stop him from wanting to find out more about his biological father and maybe even be closer to him.

I don't know what to think of this myself... but I just put it out there...

[theloreofmandy]

@mra1f Forget Phillip and Claire. They are not Mandy's real parents. Phineas and Claudia are. She would NEVER brainwash her real parents EVER. Mandy gets her scowl from her father and her blonde fur and looks from her mother. Why does Mandy never emote like a human being? Because she was never human to begin with. Hoss Delgado was onto her not being a human in the episode "Bearded Billy".

When Mandy starts growing up, she will shed her human skin and show her true self. She will revert back to her natural quadrupedal body shape. But because she already taught herself to walk and run on her hind legs, she'll still be completely capable of doing so.

[lmsr-lilitu-sephiroth]

Poll for fellow dissociative systems. I just want to figure out what are the more common experiences. It seems like I'm an oddball, with pretty decent parents that life got in the way of me being with.

[edwin-ting]

The Foundation of Trust: Strengthening Blended Family Bonds

Blended families are increasingly becoming the norm in today's world. As divorce rates continue to rise and remarriage becomes more common, many families are navigating the complexities of merging two distinct family units into one cohesive whole. Trust is one of the most essential components in ensuring the success of blended families. Trust is the foundation of all relationships, and it is even more crucial in the context of a blended family. Without trust, the relationships between stepparents, stepchildren, and half-siblings can become strained, making it difficult for everyone to feel secure and valued. Building trust in blended family relationships is not an overnight task; it takes time, patience, and a collective effort from every family member. However, when trust is established, it can foster a sense of belonging and emotional security that forms the bedrock of a thriving family dynamic.

The Role of Patience and Time in Building Trust

One of the first lessons to learn about trust in blended families is that it cannot be rushed. Relationships take time to develop, and in a blended family, every member needs the opportunity to adjust to the changes that come with the new family structure. Children, mainly, may experience feelings of loyalty to their biological parents or resistance to accepting new authority figures. On the other hand, Stepparents may feel pressured to establish a relationship with their stepchildren while navigating the nuances of a new marital relationship. This can be challenging, as children and adults need time to adjust to new routines, living arrangements, and dynamics. In these situations, trust forms slowly through consistent actions, reliability, and openness. It is not built through grand gestures but through everyday interactions demonstrating dependability, understanding, and care.

Patience is vital when trying to establish trust in a blended family. No one can expect a seamless transition from one family structure to another. There will be bumps in the road, misunderstandings, and moments of discomfort. However, trust takes root as family members consistently show up for each other and keep their promises over time. Small acts of kindness, honesty, and reliability will gradually lay the groundwork for deeper and more meaningful relationships.

Honesty and Transparency in Communication

Effective communication is pivotal in building trust in any relationship, especially in a blended family. All family members must communicate openly and honestly without fear of judgment or rejection. Stepparents should strive to establish a relationship based on transparency, showing their stepchildren that they are open to hearing their thoughts and feelings. Likewise, biological parents must foster open dialogue by ensuring all family members feel listened to and respected.

In some blended families, children may initially feel unsure or resentful about the new dynamics, mainly if they are unsure of the stepparent’s intentions. By being transparent about feelings, motivations, and boundaries, each family member can better understand one another. Family meetings or one-on-one conversations can create a safe space for sharing concerns, addressing issues, and navigating conflicts. When family members communicate openly, they remove ambiguity and the potential for mistrust. This transparency reinforces the idea that everyone’s emotions and concerns matter, and this shared respect helps to solidify trust over time.

Setting Clear Expectations and Boundaries

Establishing trust in blended families also requires setting clear expectations and boundaries. A lack of boundaries or role confusion can often lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Stepparents may feel unsure about their role in disciplining children, while children may feel uncomfortable with a stepparent attempting to fill a parental role that they aren’t ready to accept. Parents, biological and stepparents, must openly discuss their expectations with each other and their children to avoid overstepping or creating unrealistic expectations.

Boundaries also involve respecting the relationships that children have with their biological parents. For instance, stepparents should avoid pushing too hard for a close relationship with their stepchildren too quickly. Instead, they should give the child space to form a relationship on their terms. Similarly, biological parents should be careful not to create unnecessary tension by pitting their children against a stepparent or vice versa. Everyone involved must be mindful of each person’s needs and feelings to avoid conflicts that might erode trust.

By establishing clear expectations, family members can understand their roles and responsibilities within the household, reducing confusion and resentment. This transparency about boundaries and roles allows family members to interact in a supportive and respectful way, ultimately building trust and fostering positive relationships.

Consistency and Reliability in Actions

Consistency is key when it comes to trust. Family members must be able to count on each other, especially in the early stages of blending a family. If promises are made, they need to be kept. If a stepparent agrees to a specific rule or guideline, they must follow through to establish credibility with their stepchildren. Likewise, children need to understand that their biological parent and stepparent will remain united in their approach to family life, reinforcing the idea that the adults in the family are a stable source of support.

This consistency doesn’t only apply to rules and expectations but also to emotional support. Family members must be reliable in showing care, love, and empathy for one another. A child who sees their stepparent consistently acting in their best interest will feel more secure and trusting. Similarly, when parents consistently put effort into nurturing relationships, everyone in the family will feel valued and respected. Over time, this predictability creates an environment in which trust can flourish.

Navigating Challenges Together

Lastly, overcoming challenges as a family can significantly strengthen trust. Every blended family will face difficulties—whether it’s a disagreement between parents, sibling rivalry, or difficulties in forming relationships with stepparents. However, it is during these challenging times that trust can grow. By addressing issues together, family members learn they can rely on one another for support, even in the most trying situations. When family members work together to solve problems or navigate difficult emotions, they build resilience and deepen their bonds with one another.

Overcoming challenges as a team fosters loyalty and unity, strengthening trust in the family unit. Instead of falling apart under pressure, a family that tackles problems together becomes more cohesive and connected. Trust is solidified in the understanding that, no matter what happens, the family will face challenges together and support one another through thick and thin.

Building trust in blended family relationships is not easy, but it is undoubtedly worthwhile. Trust takes time, patience, and commitment from all family members. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, remaining consistent, and navigating challenges together, blended families can create strong, trusting relationships that last. As each family member contributes to the process, they help build a solid foundation that supports the family's overall well-being. While the journey of building trust may not be quick, the bonds that are formed will ultimately create a family unit that is resilient, loving and united. In the end, trust will allow a blended family to thrive and grow together, even in the face of challenges.

[antvnger]

"Hey dad... do you think my parents would be proud of me.... you know my biological parents?" Jax asks semi randomly from where he was sitting on the couch thumbing threw his moms book

The question startles Scott for a second because it was unexpected, but he quickly recovers and nods. “Yeah, Jax. I totally think it. I believe it 100%.”

[syppys-den]

I love that ^^

contemplating kryptonian fashion once again so clark and his parents doodle

[lilislegacy]

You know how we all love to say Percy and Annabeth are everyone’s parents? Well I literally think their friends treat them that way.

You messed up and now a dark force is out to get you and you don’t know how to handle it? Call Mom (Annabeth). She will know exactly what to do and she’s going to bring research. She’s not gonna let anything happen to you.

You need to go to a really scary monster lair and you’re scared of getting ripped to literal shreds? Call Dad (Percy). He will kick its ass and protect you at all costs. He’s not gonna let anything happen to you.

Feeling overwhelmed after moving? Call Mom. Annabeth will bring homemade cookies, unpack everything in an orderly yet efficient fashion, and then sit down with you, listen, give advice, and then help you make a plan.

Got arrested? Call Dad. Percy will want to know what happened and make sure you’re okay, but he’s not gonna judge or scold you. He’ll pay your bail, take you for ice cream, and then tell you his own stories about getting arrested.

When people need advice about men, they call Annabeth. When people need advice about women, they call Percy. Because who better to ask than the couple who’ve been super happily married for what feels like forever (even if they’ve only technically been dating for 6 years or something).

Dating someone new? Mom and Dad do NOT get to meet them yet. Percy and Annabeth are going to be unnecessarily intimidating (in different ways) and scare the person away SO fast. And if the person somehow passes the test, then Percy and Annabeth are going to go back to bickering and flirting and overall just being so embarrassing.

Mom and Dad are a couple of menaces, but they also know how to handle anything and will always come running if you call.

[onceuponafosterkid]

I want to talk about the relationship between adoptive families, adoptees, and biological families. Sometimes when a child is adopted, the adoptive parents will change the child’s name from their original birth name. This in itself is not a bad thing, however there is a right way and a wrong way to do. My parents changed my entire name in order to hide me from my biological family. I didn’t know my name was changed until three years after I was placed back into foster and I met my biological mom at 15. I wasn’t allowed to know my birth parent’s names, and I had never seen a picture of them either. The other thing that happens way too often is that some, not all, adoptive families will talk bad about their child’s biological family and make them out to be horrible people. As you can imagine this is not only problematic, but harmful for adoptees. I spent the majority of my life believing that my biological parents were bad people because that is what I was told. I was also told that I was unwanted and that’s why my parents lost me. Some biological parents do awful things, and make bad decisions, but that does not automatically mean that they are bad people. It is not within an adoptive parents right to make the decision whether or not their child’s birth parents were bad people, and it is unacceptable to push your opinions about them onto your adoptive child. It is your job to support your child, not to judge their parents. A child who has been adopted is going to have questions about why they were adopted, and where they come from. They have every right to ask these questions and have age appropriate answers to those questions. If you don’t have the answer, it’s okay to tell them that you don’t know. It is not okay to make up stories and lie about who their parents are or what they have done. Adopting a child does not give you the right to destroy a current or future relationship with their birth family. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what you personally think or feel about their biological family, it matters what your kid thinks and feels. Give them as much information as you can or as is appropriate, and allow them to decide what they feel. It is your job as the adoptive parent to be there for them as they figure out those thoughts and feelings, not to influence, persuade, or manipulate them either negatively or positively. If you can not be a neutral safe space for your adoptive child, then you have no business adopting them.

[oh-dear-so-queer]

In a number of cases, homosexual pairs raise young without being the biological parents of the offspring they care for.

"Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity" - Bruce Bagemihl

[theloreofmandy]

These aren't Mandy's real parents. They're just a childless couple that she tricked into believing that they were her real parents. They also happen to be named Phillip and Claire like her real parents.

Here are Mandy's "real" parents. This is a sketch of what they look like. They are both noseless quadruped, horn-haired creatures like she is. Mandy takes a lot more after her biological father than her mother, obviously.

Mandy is a lesser demon dog just like her parents. Lesser demon dogs are more natural-looking and not a hellish-looking as actual demon dogs. Most of them ironically lack visible noses and possess hairless faces.

[nightmarestat]

no you don’t understand. louis and lestat were friends first. lestat could’ve easily invaded louis’ mind and used his deepest darkest secrets to draw him in. but no. louis confided in him willingly. he trusted him more than anyone else before his turning strengthened their bond. he never felt like he had to hide from lestat, even when stuck in oppressive human society.

[bet-on-me-13]

Sam is Adopted

So! Have you ever noticed how Sam doesn't look like either of her Parents? Her Mom and Dad are Blonde and Ginger, and neither of them have Purple Eyes. How would Sam ever come from either of them?

She tells people that she dyes her Hair and wears Contacts, but the reality is that she was adopted as a baby by them. They had just found out that Pamela was Infertile and they wanted an Heir foe their company, so they decided to Adopt a kid.

But the Adoption Agency didn't have any kids who would realistically look like them, so they just got the first kid they found.

She had been left at the Orphanage by her Mother citing an inability to raise her and an unstable income. She never told the Agency her name, but told them that the baby's name was Sam, named after her Grandfather.

Sam was raised knowing that she was Adopted, but never really put much interest into it. Until one day when she decided that her adoptive Parents support of the Anti Ecto Acts was a step too far for her. She took an Ancestry DNA Test to see if she could find her Bio Mom to get away from them.

The results came back, and she found out that her Mom was a woman from Metropolis named Lois Lane.