Calling someone "dad" or "father" even if they are not the biological father of the child can happen for various reasons, and the motivations behind it can be quite complex. Here are a few possible reasons why someone might do this:
Emotional Bond: The child and the non-biological father may have a strong emotional bond and a close relationship. The child might feel loved, supported, and cared for by this person and, as a result, chooses to call them "dad" as a term of endearment and respect.
Father Figure: The non-biological father may have taken on the role of a father figure in the child's life. They may have been present and actively involved in the child's upbringing, providing guidance, love, and support, similar to what a biological father would do.
Absence of Biological Father: If the biological father is absent or not involved in the child's life, the child may naturally look to another male figure who has been present and supportive as a father figure. In such cases, the child may call this person "dad" as a way of acknowledging their significant role in their life.
Blended Families: In blended families, where a parent remarries or enters a new long-term relationship, the child might develop a strong bond with their stepfather or their mother's partner. In these situations, the child might choose to call the stepfather "dad" as a way of embracing the new family dynamic.
Cultural or Social Norms: In some cultures or communities, it's common for children to address adult male figures with a term like "dad" or a similar endearing term, even if they are not biologically related.
Choice and Consent: In some cases, the child and the non-biological father might discuss and agree upon using the term "dad." It could be a mutual decision based on their relationship and the fatherly role the person plays in the child's life.
It's important to remember that the use of the term "dad" in such situations is ultimately a personal choice. It reflects the unique bond and relationship between the child and the non-biological father. What matters most is the love, care, and positive influence the individual has in the child's life, regardless of biological connections.