"My Parents Cared More About Them Than Me": People With Poly Parents Share What It Was Like

"I was raised in a family with 10 half-brothers and half sisters, 5 regular step-moms, and many one-time aunts. Worst, I was the only child without a biological mother, so I was bullied and isolated most of the time. I was lost and learned to be very independent throughout my life."

"It showed me you can be loved by multiple people in different ways, and as long as everyone is happy and communicating, do what you want. I'm in my 30s now, and they still go on trips, and I still consider them my aunts and uncles. They do not know I know that the relationship is a bit more than just really good friends."

"When I was 8, and my little brother was 5, one of my parents' friends was visiting more often, and that was cool. And then she was staying with us a lot, in a spare room, and that was cool too. We liked her."

People who grew up with polyamorous parents share their experiences navigating unconventional family structures. One person raised with multiple step-parents and half-siblings struggled with isolation and developed independence. Another discovered their mother's polyamorous network through accidental discovery but maintained positive relationships with their extended family, recognizing the value of multiple sources of love and support. A third person grew up with polyamorous parents and accepted the arrangement as normal, appreciating the additional caring adults in their life. These accounts reveal that children in polyamorous households often adapt well when relationships involve honest communication and genuine care, though some face social challenges due to family complexity.

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