I think you guys are two families who share a unique situation as do a lot of step families and bio families. I don't see where it could hurt. Hell kids should get along as best they can. If it does not cause issues for the kids - then i don't see why not. I think sometimes we are parents put our kids in adult situations and pass off our adult feelings about situation to the kids. They (the kids) may not have a problem with it. So i don't see why not, IF it is not causing the kids any harm or drama.

If the parents are doing what is in the best interest of their children they will encourage their children to have positive relationships with those within their families and skids are their siblings.

I really have a hard time understanding parents who attempt to create a divide between kids who did not ask for this situation to happen in their lives.

Bm in our case kept ss13 away from both of our oldest girls high school graduations, she even sent an email to bf that "they are not the boys sisters, and will never be so get over it". I wonder how she feels about her husband's children spending time with her kids. Seems like I saw a family picture with the boys and their step sibs. in ss's room. Kinda a double standard ya think.

I think, with step- or half-siblings, all parents involved should encourage bonding and closeness. I think it would be more the responsibility of the parents actually in that home, but if the subject comes up at a child's other bio-parent's home I definitely think they should encourage those relationships. Really, what is the downside to the kids getting along?

Maybe calling on birthdays and whatnot would be a little much, especially like others have mentioned not all BMs (or BFs) know those dates, but a general positive attitude towards bonding is really in the kids' best interest.

In a perfect world, yes...but it hardly happens...

Yes, they should.

In our case the opposite is true.

She refused to let them come to our DD's 3rd birthday party. She tells them she's not their 'real' sister since they have different mommys. There was a huge fiasco where she insisted our then 2 yrs and 1 week old was 'bullying' her 7 year old and her 5 year old and saying she wouldn't let them around her anymore...it goes on and on.

Oh but that's NOTHING compared to what she's told them about MY kids. She has told them clearly that they are NOT their stepsister and stepbrother. She sent nasty emails to SO telling him that I'd better not even talk to her children about this topic without clearing it with her first.

god she's a bitch

My opinion is that if someone is a good parent, they will encourage their kids to have good relationships with everyone, especially siblings! I know many half and step siblings that are closer than some full bio-siblings. I just can't believe these parents that try and discourage these relationships (unless they are unsafe in some way). The parents are putting their own interests in front of their children and I think it's incredibly selfish.

I can understand the other parent not remembering dates of everyone's birthdays and whatnot, but they should always try and encourage a good relationship, or at least getting along.