Healthy Step-Family Relationships
Kids can be extremely sensitive to changes in the family. It takes time to adjust when their parents split up, and it takes time to feel comfortable with and get used to a new stepparent. But a healthy stepparent-stepchild relationship is possible. Here, our top tips:
Have a frank discussion with your new partner about child-rearing issues before he or she assumes step-parenting duties. You need to make sure that you're in sync when it comes to the really key child-rearing fundamentals.
Set aside one-on-one time. Spending time with your child just the two of you is important. The new stepparent doesn't need to be involved in every activity.
Have your new partner do the same as well. That way your child can build his or her own relationship with the new stepparent.
Set boundaries. It's totally common to see anger, sadness and lashing out from kids, but a stepparent doesn't need to be the doormat. If you set clear boundaries from the get-go about what you'll tolerate and what you won't, the relationship will be smoother for everyone.
Be patient. It can take time for a relationships to gel.
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