I have a step-mom. Parents split when I was 4. Had the step-mom since I was around 7. I hated her so much, but now I have come to appreciate all she has done for me. My dad felt guilty about the divorce so he didn't discipline me and my sister. We lived with my mom, but she was a drunk and couldn't even get us up for school sometimes she was so hung over. It turned out that the only person the keep us in check all those years was my step-mom. I am so thankfull for her now!!