How to Be a Successful Step-Parent

Getting divorced and remarried, and getting married is difficult stress enough. This article will show you how to navigate that difficult terrain of adjusting to living with children who are not your own. This article will tell you how to be a successful step-parent.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

How to Be a Successful Step-Parent

1. Tell your step-kids you're not interested in replacing a parent, but that you want to be their friend. Show that you respect both their parents.
2. Find out their interests and hobbies. Try to get to know them without being too intrusive.
3. Suggest a game they enjoy when you have spare time. Let them win and encourage them.
4. Pay attention to them. Reassure them when necessary of your concern for their well-being.
5. Tell your spouse about all this communication between you and his/her kids. Tell him or her to keep what you tell them in confidence, though. You don't want to be seen as a rat or spy.
6. Try to be involved in their life whenever possible. Attend their sports and artistic events.
7. Go for walks, and use that time to talk to them about their life. Giving them both space and attention will create a great balance for successful step-parenting.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not fake affection for the step-kids or lie to them.
• Never criticize either of their parents to them.