Tips for Stepmothers
- You do not have to love your stepchildren. It is important that you treat them respectfully and fairly.
- Make yourself available, but continue to enjoy your own activities, too.
- Be patient. Relationships take time to develop.
- Clarify parenting expectations with your spouse.
- Treat the ex-wife respectfully, and accept that your husband needs to communicate with her regularly for the benefit of the children.
Tips for Stepfathers
- You do not have to love your stepchildren. It is important that you treat them respectfully and fairly.
- Share yourself. Spend time with each stepchild.
- Let a friendship develop between you and the children before attempting discipline.
- Help your spouse develop rules, and let her be the primary enforcer of rules.
- Talk to your wife if you feel undermined.
Tips for the Biological Parent
- Allow your partner and your children to get acquainted on their terms.
- Maintain realistic expectations. It takes time for relationships to develop.
- Take the role of primary disciplinarian.
- Spend time alone with your partner, your children, and yourself.
- Keep your partner informed.
- Set a tone of acceptance and respect.
- Remain open and flexible.