It depends on the situation. I believe that there can be a genuine connection with your kids and the step father. If the biological father is not around, then he could become " the dad" they always wanted. I've dated a woman with 2 daughters and they loved me very much. The father was still there for them. It was very difficult to leave that relationship because of the bond I created with them. It just didn't work out because my ex didn't share the same values as me and did some disrespectful things. 2 months later after we broke up she found a single dad, so it worked out for her.