Step-Dad, Daddy and Names... What to Call Dad?

Question

I have a 4 and 2 1/2 year old from a horrible man. I am with a great guy now, we've been together over a year and are expecting a baby next month.

The older kids dad is 'Daddy' he is not around, in and out of jail, and is possibly facing prison time. We are going to court to restrict his visitations.

My 4 year old knows he is 'Daddy' but refers to my BF as her dad - like she says he is my dad or father. But she calls him by his first name. My 2 1/2 year old knows him by his name, but does not talk yet - I am sure he thinks thats his dad because he's been around sence he can remember.

I am just wondering how it is going to work when the new baby calls him 'Daddy' and the kids dad is not around anymore... Plus he will be sure to point out that HE is their ONLY father....

Do kids that age start to call Step parents Dad, or have 2 Daddys. I have just left it up to them so far.....

Answer 1

I think in situations like this, they should call their real dad (dad) and they step dad (daddy) or one pa and one dad... or something, ya know? So when you talk about Daddy they know it means the guy your with, and when you say Dad they know it's their real dad... Kind of like that being their names

Answer 2

Let them call him a cute nickname...one of my friends called her step-dad Pop or Papa.  She didn't have a relationship with her biological father but her step-dad is the one who pretty much raised her.  It was very cute the relationship they had.

Answer 3

Glad you asked this. I was about 4-5 when my mom remarried. Although i knew who my "Daddy " was and thats what i called him. YES in and out of jail too. She remarried and i got a step-father. She asked me what i wanted to call him. Not "dad" i said , i called him Jeff. 2 years later my mom got pregnant with my twin brothers. She explained to me that Gary was MY father and Jeff was THEIR father but my step-father. I understood, just make sure the other 2 know who their REAL dad is.

Answer 4

id say leave it up to them, but i like what my cousin used to do when he was younger he called his step-dad "daddy Al", but of course ud replace Al with their step-fathers name and he called his biological dad , dad... but let ur kids make the decision on what to call this guy as long as its not disrepectful and everyone ifs comfortable with it..

♥

Answer 5

I guess just leave it how it is until they get older when the 4yr old becomes 8 tell her that her real dad isnt here with you guys and (ur bf's name) is her dad or stepdad

Answer 6

My kids were 8, 6 and 2 when I remarried.  They call their biological father dad.  They call my hubby by his name or D2 (short for dad #2).  We left it up to them.