Celebrity Parents Gabrielle Union Explains Why She Finds the Term Stepparent 'Very Annoying': 'Not a Word That I Use' "I wanted to make sure I was consistent in their lives," Gabrielle Union said of becoming a parental figure to Dwyane Wade's kids after the couple began dating in 2008 By Glenn Garner Glenn Garner Instagram Twitter Glenn Garner is a Writer/Reporter who works heavily with PEOPLE's Movies and TV verticals. Since graduating from Northern Arizona University with a dual major in journalism and photography, he got his professional start at OUT Magazine, The Advocate and Teen Vogue, and he's since consistently kept his finger on the pulse of the LGBTQ community. His first book The Guncle Guide was released in 2020 and was featured on Katie Couric's list of 100 recommended books of the year. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 21, 2021 12:52 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Dwyane Wade, Zaya Wade and Gabrielle Union. Photo: Andrew Toth/Getty Gabrielle Union doesn't like to be called a stepparent. The LA's Finest star, 49, explained that she finds the term "very annoying" as she appeared on Tuesday's episode of Glennon Doyle's We Can Do Hard Things podcast. "The stepparent label was put on me by the kids' school because you have to describe yourself: Who are you if you're not their mother? It's very annoying. It's not a word that I use," Union said. She married Dwyane Wade, 39, in 2014, becoming stepmother to his three children, Zaire, 19, Zaya, 14, and Xavier Zechariah, 8, as well as Wade's nephew Dahveon Morris, 20, for whom he serves as legal guardian. The couple also shares 3-year-old daughter Kaavia James. Gabrielle Union and 14-Year-Old Zaya Wade Pose Together in Prada: 'Great Minds Think Alike' Union explained that Wade was awarded full custody of his kids shortly after they began dating in 2008, and she became the "additional adult in their life." "I wanted to make sure I was consistent in their lives," Union added. "Whatever personality I was trying on that day, or whoever I was, I just needed to be consistent so they can get used to me. They've already gone through so much upheaval, moving states away, not knowing anyone, having gone through a divorce. I knew I needed to be consistent. I just didn't know what my role was." "I knew that when I married him, I was married to them. What I realized very quickly is you will never, ever, I don't care if the other parent is dead, you will never be able to replace the other parent. Don't try to replace the other parent. That is not your job. Your job is to be consistent. If you're a disciplinarian in your own life, continue to be that. Just be consistent so they know who you are… and kids adapt," she said. RELATED VIDEO: Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Celebrate Wedding Anniversary: '7 Years and a Lifetime to Go' Wade recently told PEOPLE that he "missed structure" as a kid, which taught him what he did and didn't want for his own family. He wrote about it in his newly published self-titled photographic memoir Dwyane. "I missed the ability to be able to call my dad when I go through something," Wade said. "I missed a lot of important moments that I try to make sure I give my kids, but also throughout that journey, I learned a lot."