Arizona Family Law Attorneys Arizona Family Law Attorneys
"Peace of mind, there is no substitute."
Call Us For A Consultation 480.418.0840
  • Home
  • Attorney Profiles
  • Firm Overview
  • Family Law
  • Foster Care Support Group
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Call Today
  • Email Us
  • Our Map
  • Menu

Father's Rights Attorney in Arizona

Blog 2017 November 5 Major Tips That Will Help You With Step-Parenthood
Previous Post  |  Next Post

5 Major Tips That Will Help You With Step-Parenthood

Posted By Arizona Family Law Attorneys || 20-Nov-2017

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. 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 that only appropriate response is to be patient with them. 

2. Make sure your stepchild has their own “space.” 
When attempting to create a place for a blended family, it can seem wasteful to give children of similar ages their own rooms; particularly if the budget is tight and the house is smaller than you might like. Many stepparents will push their children/step-children to share a room. Be cautious. If at all possible, allow each child to have their own room, and at the very least, make it very clear that they have their own space and their own “things.” You want your stepchild to know that your house is his/her house, too. They need to know that their space and belongings will be respected.


3. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page. 
Nothing can make for a more miserable step-coupling experience than for the couple to not be on the same page regarding everything from types of discipline, structure of bedtimes, and manners to be exercised in the home to how the child's other parent will be regarded and respected in your home.


4. Make your own traditions 
Holidays and traditions are what you make of them. Don't get hung up on a date on the calendar. Consider making traditions that allow you to have your own family time. Maybe you’ll celebrate Thanksgiving the weekend before the actual holiday every year. Maybe you’ll have a party every President’s Day. It can be difficult to feel like you are getting all the necessary family and holiday time to really feel like a family, so make sure that you make it happen.


5. Don’t attempt to replace “Mom” or “Dad.” 
Your stepchildren live in your home and it’s their home, too because 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 a 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 different.

Did this help you?

If so, please leave a comment and like this post. 

If you need assistance with your legal matter -
Please Give Us a Call To Schedule Your Consultation - 480.268.9393 ext. 1

Categories: Family Law

Share Post

Family Law

How Can We Help You?

  • Adoption
  • Birth Mothers
  • Child Support
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce
  • Establishing Paternity
  • Family Relocation
  • Father's Rights
  • Grandparents Rights
  • Guardianship of Children
  • Mother's Rights
  • Modifications
  • Parenting Time & Legal Decision Making

Find Trusted Counsel

Request Your Consultation

Sending us information does not create an attorney/client relationship. Do not send us sensitive information by this link
Submit
Info
Arizona Family Law Attorneys

Call Us (480) 418-0840

Arizona Family Law Attorneys -Phoenix Family Law Lawyer
2727 N 3rd St, Suite 302, Phoenix, AZ 85004 View Map
Call Us (480) 418-0840
Website: www.azfamilylawattorneys.com/
© 2019 All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Internet Marketing Experts The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. This site is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct. Viewing this information does not create an attorney/client relationship.