How to Make Stepchildren Feel Welcome

No one ever said being a step parent was easy, but it can be a bit less stressful if you make your step children feel welcome. Making stepchildren feel like a part of the family can be done, if you know how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Don't talk bad about the other parent. No matter what you think about the child's other parent never ever voice your opinion in the presence of that child.
2. Develop your own family traditions. Start a family game night, a weekly pizza ritual, or a movie night out. Remember never to do the same things as the child participated in when her parents where together. If the child used to have pizza and dvd night on Friday, come up with something else.
3. Expect resistance. Avoid being pushy especially with older kids. For the most part you are not their parent, they do not have to accept you, but you should make them want to.
4. Let the biological parent handle discipline issues when possible.
5. Develop a civil relationship with the child's other parent if the situation allows.
6. Don't try to be the parent but be available when needed.