They might need distance.

They might have questions.

They might struggle with the unusual family structure.

No one could predict the future.

But the mothers could control one thing.

They could try to make sure the children grew up knowing they were loved.

The Children Should Never Carry the Adults’ Shame

This became perhaps the most important principle.

A child should not be told:

“You came from a terrible situation.”

A child should not be made responsible for the actions of a parent.

And a child should never feel that their existence is somehow a mistake.

The circumstances surrounding their birth may be complicated.

Their family history may be unusual.

But none of that changes their value.

The adults made the decisions.

The children inherited the circumstances.

Those are very different things.

What Happens When the Children Eventually Ask Questions?

One day, they may ask.

“Why do we have the same father?”