-
Step 1
Coaching your stepchild is a difficult task with several problems inherently built in. Coaching alone is a challenge but when you add your stepchild to the mixture all types of problems can crop up. Jealousy, favoritism and being to hard on them are all possible outcomes. You will want to prepare your stepchild for the upcoming season. The first thing to do is to let them know that they are the most important thing in your life and that they should always remember that.
-
Step 2
After assuring them of their place in your life, then proceed to let them know that their will be rules to follow throughout the season. For the stepchild's own good, they will need to adhere to those rules as well. Explain to them why favoritism cannot be allowed, and remind them that if another player's dad was coaching, you would want the same.
-
Step 3
Once you go over the rules with them, tell them that you want them to be the leader of the team in this area. Keep all of the rules perfectly, so that he or she can help you as a coach. Let the stepchild know they are valued and needed. Explain that you are counting on them to be the example for the rest of the team. This will stoke confidence in them as well as a desire to excel.
-
Step 1
It is inevitable that your stepchild will test you throughout the season. It might be with the team rules, or it might be that you are not catering to them, but do not give in to this. If you do, you are not only crippling your future relationship with them, but you are also crippling the team.
-
Step 2
When your stepchild challenges you, be firm, fair and decisive about punishment. Make sure that you penalize him no differently than you would any other member of the team. If he does not run out a pop fly, for example, have him run a lap around the field. Just be sure everyone else does the same.
-
Step 3
Finally, use the time you are together to grow close to your stepchild. Revel in his success, and be there for his failures. Do not neglect the rest of the team. Make sure they receive this as well. But when you and your stepchild climb in the car, give them lots of compliments when they earn it. It will give you a chance to be a role model and an important figure in the child's life.
-
Step 4
Finally, celebrate every game. After each game, make it a day or night out for just the two of you. You can take this time to bond, and remind the stepchild that you see no "step" in him. When you are finally able to call them son or daughter, you will feel a rush of contentment that will be worth the effort. You do not have to take the parent's place, but it never hurts to have more than two.
