Step parenting advice

There are many different situations to talk about when it comes to step parenting. Taking on the role of step parenting is one of the most difficult. Each situation is different from others as being a step mom or dad to an infant is different than getting involved into an established family having teenagers. The way you raise your child and the rules and regulations you have to follow are the same no matter you are child’s birth parent or a step one. It is all about the way you approach your role and the attitude you develop to adapt in different situations. Raising step children is multi faceted endeavor. You cannot expect that you will be accepted in the family instantly. Allow some time to know the family and work on being friend. 

Tips on step parenting:

Patience:

Most of the people get into blended family to desperately make it work. Do not try too hard for affection and approval. Always have your limits set, if you tend to overdo the kids will resent it. Be patient as love grows slowly. Bring in occasional gift or arrange some special time alone, all this will help you to bond with the child. Care, love and affection will come with a good relationship, but you have to give it the time and space to grow.

Communication: 

The only way to resolve the problem between the step parent and child is by sensitive and thoughtful communication. The first step of teamwork is by having mature and thoughtful discussion. When you say teamwork it includes sharing duties, disciplining, supporting each other and passing out rewards and fun. Communicating with children takes both instinct and openness.  It is very important to listen respectfully to one another. Best discussions take place in an open and nonjudgmental atmosphere.

Discipline:

The biggest challenge for any step parent is to discipline the children. It is best to discipline before the need arises. It is often noticed that step children can often resent the discipline coming from step parent. To manage the relations successfully, establishing ground rule is the key. Calmly but clearly express to your child what acceptable behavior in all sorts of daily situations is. The discipline guide lines have to be discussed by the couple before telling to the children. It is important that both parents abide by the set rules. Also by doing so, expect some misbehavior at each stage of child’s development. Establish the stepparent as more of a friend or counselor rather than a disciplinarian. It is important that let the biological parent be the disciplinarian till the step parent has strong bond with the kids. 

Money Matters:

It is very important that the step parent and the biological parent discuss about the money issues before the wedding. To make your child understand include him in your financial discussion and planning. Discuss spending habits, child support, income and expenses and also about kids allowances. Make your children realize the value for money this will help you and them to cope up various financial issues. 

It is very natural that the child will direct anger upon a particular family member or openly resents a stepparent or parent. As a stepparent you will have to learn to accept it initially and deal with it. With the passage of time and with right efforts things will ease out. It is very important to have unified parenting approach. Communicate clearly, openly and frequently as this will reduce the opportunities of misunderstanding and increase more possibilities for connection. Kids can adjust to new family members and a new living situation when they feel empathy and understanding from their parents and stepparents.