| I am a step-parent and have been one for almost 24 | | | | you than very young children. |
| years. When I married my husband he was the | | | | 4. Show respect towards the other parent. If your |
| custodial parent of his twin sons who were 5 years | | | | partner is bashing his/her ex-spouse, you don't have |
| old at the time. I didn't have children of my own. Our | | | | to go along. It will not enhance your relationship with |
| first child came along when the boys were 8. I | | | | your step children. |
| quickly learned that being a step-parent is quite | | | | 5. Parenting someone else's children can be very |
| different than being the biological parent. If I were to | | | | stressful. Make sure you take time for yourself doing |
| summarize what I know to be important factors in | | | | things that make you feel good. |
| establishing a positive relationship with your step | | | | 6. Keep in mind that these are not your children and |
| children I would say: | | | | the job of disciplining and setting rules is primarily up |
| 1. Allow for plenty of opportunity for your partner to | | | | to the biological parents. You may disagree with their |
| spend time alone with his/her children. Support the | | | | parenting style but it's not your place to try and |
| relationship that was established long before you | | | | change things. |
| came along. | | | | 7. Attend a support group for blended families or |
| 2. Be sensitive to what your step children are going | | | | step parenting. You'll appreciate the support and soon |
| through and don't take things personally. Read books | | | | find out that issues you're dealing with are similar to |
| on becoming a successful stepparent. | | | | what others are going through. You'll also gain helpful |
| 3. Be aware that each age will adjust differently to a | | | | tips. |
| stepparent. Teens will take much longer to accept | | | | |