How to Make Friends With a Spouse's Kids

To keep peace in the family, make the effort to be friends with your step-kids. They'll need to cooperate but you should take the lead, since you are the adult. When they see you respect and like them, they'll eventually return the courtesy. Look on them as you would any stranger's children whom you want to get along with.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Let them spend quality time with your spouse. Each child should do some activities alone with their biological parent. Make sure these are fun times and not times to run errands or do chores.
2. Make friends with the kids by planning activities you'll enjoy with them without your spouse. Take them to a museum, festival or other kid-friendly event.
3. Discipline the kids with positive reinforcement. It gets your point across without making the kids feel you're trying to tell them what to do.
4. Encourage their creativity and take an interest in what excites them. Find creative projects you can all participate in, like planning a birthday party for your spouse or volunteering for a local cause.
5. Let them get to know you as a person. Make friends by opening yourself up to them. They'll appreciate learning about your likes and dislikes, talents, beliefs and ambitions.

Tips & Warnings

• Make friends with your step-kids by recognizing their achievements and talents.
• Give them a birthday gift exclusively from you. Make sure you tell them how special they are.
• Kids are very sensitive to favoritism. Monitor their behavior and talk openly with them if you sense resentment against your biological children.