What’s in a word?
NEARLY EVERY KIND OF MODERN FAMILY.      WELCOME.

Para-kin

Para-kin terms are often used without a hyphen (parakin, paramom, etc.), and in shorthand version (p-dad, p-daughter).

We encourage you to feel your way to your own variations. We hope these terms help reflect your belonging to the important people in your life.

Might As Well Be

By

I don’t know what to call her
the mother of my son’s three children.
Nothing sounds right; all the words
too awkward. Not a wife. Not a lover.
Significant other, too cumbersome
partner unfitting for their union.

Para-wife, I reply.

Why Me?

By

WHO IS THIS WEB SITE FOR?

Men and women who are in serious, committed relationships with a domestic partner, spousal equivalent, significant other, or same-sex union, where the “traditional marriage” between the couple is not an option. These committed and loving relationships may or may not include children from a previous union. To be called one’s “Para-Wife” or “Para-Hubby” is a loving alternative to the more traditional designations of the relationship.

Origin of Para-Kin

By

Welcome to My Para-Kin. What’s this all about, you might ask? It’s about holes in the English language. Let me explain.

It was quite by accident that we stumbled into this word dilemma. A few years back, my partner and I went to the ER at a local hospital. On the intake form, he was given three choices as to who had accompanied him. His choices were “acquaintance,” “friend” or “spouse.” None of those applied and as a typical man, he checked “friend.” Months later, this sweetheart and life partner resolved some household catastrophe and I turned to him and said, “Honey… you are as wonderful as any Para-Hubby could be!