Eight Tips for Successful Stepparenting
8 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL STEPPARENTING
1. Realize that your marriage comes first. If the two leading partners in a family can't communicate and demonstrate loving behavior, then the family can't survive.
2. Make an effort to form a solid relationship with your stepchild or stepchildren, but be clear that you are not trying to take the place of their biological mother or father.
3. You must accept the ex-spouse into your life. Or, if your stepchild's parent has died, you must allow him or her to keep their parent's memory alive. Try to maintain a healthy relationship with the ex-spouse to make the transition as smooth as possible for the children. By the same token, don't allow the ex-spouse to take over your life or your home.
4. Your new spouse must accept his or her role in the new family, its not enough to just be there, he or she must take an active role in the parenting process. Don't let your spouse take himself or herself out of the family parenting equation.
5. Always keep the communication lines open. Some blended families have weekly meetings to talk about the challenges and problems they're facing.
6. Don't let your stepchildren manipulate you. If they ask you to make a major derision, consult with all the parents first.
7. Be consistent. Let your stepchild know that you will do your best to be fair in all situations, and that he or she should not expect perfection. Make sure that all the children in the family are treated equally.
8. Don't rush. It takes time for a blended family to get to know one another.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Johnson Publishing Co.
This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.
This document provided by HighBeam Research at http://www.highbeam.com
Recent News & Articles
Steps to Releasing Depression
Depression comes in many degrees from mild to debilitating. It affects your ability to live the abundant life that God intends for us to live. It can become a prison that locks you away from relationships, goals and dreams. The following steps to releasing depression caused by painful circumstances can be a key that unlocks your prison door.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
7 Steps to Resolving Anger
When we are wounded by someone, we often harbor anger against that person. In effect, it keeps the wound open and causes emotional, mental, physical and spiritual "infection." Taking steps to resolve anger is vital to our health and well being! The following seven steps to resolving anger have been excerpted from and article by June Hunt, Hope for the Heart Ministries.