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Step Parenting Advice to Prevent Driving a Wedge Between Your Family Part 3


Step parenting is a tough business because sometimes, you can find yourself stuck in the middle of a no-man’s land. And it is a very uncomfortable place to be.

So what to do?

Well, as parents, the both of you must accept the fact that you are the adults and the children are the guests in the house. In so many words, they must toe the line of respect and obedience. And the both of you (the adults) must come to some sort of agreement to present a united front so the children so try to use that old divide and conquer strategy of ruining the family unit.

And note this… even if you disagree on the issue… as parents, you must agree to disagree in private (way outside the ears of the children). Never, ever let the children know that they are causing dissent among the two of you… trust me on this… it is much easier and simpler to do it this way.

And of course, as adults you must decide between the two of you who is going to discipline the children. Who is going to modify the behavior of children when they break the rules. And the children must know that they cannot appeal for a reprieve from the other adult. The children must understand that if they break the house rules, there are consequences and the discipline is applied equally. Doing it this way will give the step parent authority that the parent will back up… always.

To be honest with you… step parenting is a very tough job because you will be viewed as an outsider that has no authority. And as adults, the parents must remember that keeping the family strong means the parents cannot be the weak links. And being great parents means you will have great children that love and respect you… even if there are disagreements. And a strong family means a strong marriage relationship.

Everything is figureaboutable.

John

Topics: Relationship Advice | Tags: , | 1 Comment »

One Response to “Step Parenting Advice to Prevent Driving a Wedge Between Your Family Part 3”

  1. Craig Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    Great article and advice. Ive experienced the difficulties. My partner and I have been togethor for 2 years, I do not have kids, she has a son, he is now 14. Things were really great to start with, I tried to engage with him and we could talk, play video games etc. Things changed once they moved in with me! Almost immediately I noticed money going missing from my wallet. To cut a long story short, over a 12 month period he has been caught stealing from me on 4 occasions.

    He doesnt seem to have any boundaries and as much as his behaviour has upset his mom, she has not really taken any action and because I dont seem to have any authority, nothing really changes. I have now asked them to leave….so if you’re a stepparent and finding it tough; just imagine this situation!

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