I am a stepmother for 6 years. No children of my own. It has been a hard road. There are 2 girls-27 & 23, both married, & a boy-17. We have shared custody of the 17 year old every other week. Trying to be acknowledged has been difficult. I'm not trying to be their Mom, just at least respected & noticed. I have tried but it never seems right. Conversations seem to be between them & their dad. And I am thinking, hello, does anybody see me over here! I feel invisible. I am getting to hate family gatherings. It is a lot of work for lack of acknowledgement.