Surviving Step-Parenthood Essay
Being a stepparent is not easy. That’s apparent even to those with no experience with the situation due to the multitude of pop culture references to the “step-parenting” (movies, sitcoms, etc.) But while it’s not easy, it can be an amazing experience. If you are considering becoming a stepparent or if you are currently struggling to come to grips with your new role, consider these tips on surviving step-parenthood.
5 Tips for Surviving Step-Parenthood
1. Be patient. There’s a reason that they call patience a “virtue.” It actually is. Stepparents need to have extra reservoirs when it comes to patience. It can be difficult to discipline a child that is not your own (biologically). You can’t expect your stepchild to immediately fall in love with you, and you should probably just assume that there will be times when they will state quite clearly that they hate you. This is one of the many situations in which you may find …show more content…
It’s their home, too. You are married to their mom or dad. But it’s very important for most stepchildren to be able to clearly see/understand that you don’t assume this makes you their mom or dad. You came into their lives. You married one of their parents. In almost every case, they do not want you to be mom or dad to them. At times, they may not want you there at all, and this can be the most difficult aspect of step parenting of all. Give them time and space to become comfortable with your presence. Make sure they still have some one-on-one time with their parent as well as getting some one-on-one time with you to get to know you better. If possible, find something that interests them and learn more about it. Be what they need: a friend, a go-between, a peacekeeper, a role model, a sounding board…there are many needs you can fill and many things you can be to your stepchildren without attempting to “replace” their mom or dad. They already have a mom and a dad and need you to let them see you as
5 Tips for Surviving Step-Parenthood
1. Be patient. There’s a reason that they call patience a “virtue.” It actually is. Stepparents need to have extra reservoirs when it comes to patience. It can be difficult to discipline a child that is not your own (biologically). You can’t expect your stepchild to immediately fall in love with you, and you should probably just assume that there will be times when they will state quite clearly that they hate you. This is one of the many situations in which you may find …show more content…
It’s their home, too. You are married to their mom or dad. But it’s very important for most stepchildren to be able to clearly see/understand that you don’t assume this makes you their mom or dad. You came into their lives. You married one of their parents. In almost every case, they do not want you to be mom or dad to them. At times, they may not want you there at all, and this can be the most difficult aspect of step parenting of all. Give them time and space to become comfortable with your presence. Make sure they still have some one-on-one time with their parent as well as getting some one-on-one time with you to get to know you better. If possible, find something that interests them and learn more about it. Be what they need: a friend, a go-between, a peacekeeper, a role model, a sounding board…there are many needs you can fill and many things you can be to your stepchildren without attempting to “replace” their mom or dad. They already have a mom and a dad and need you to let them see you as