Why You’re Failing at Being A Good Stepparent
Your role as a step-parent can be tricky. I suggest we erase the word step and just have how to be a good parent. I say this because the roles of the stepparent are the same as the biological parent. Sometimes kids can say you ain’t my real mum. Don’t lose hope. Just be a good human.
But what is your job now? You are supposed to love them unconditionally. So maybe what you need is to try and get authority as a parent. Make sure you read our article on How to be an authoritative parent.
You should be able to set limits for the kids.
Be seen as a provider of good times. Don’t let them see you as a guy who has come in to destroy their lives. Give them an incentive to have a relationship with you.
Your roles as a stepparent
It ain’t your job to replace anyone or anything. Don’t try to replace the biological parent. Kids shouldn’t see you as a replacement.
You shouldn’t step in to try to become the guy who disciplines the kids. You know this will bring a lot of tension.
It ain’t even your job to fix kids who were broken by someone else like their stepdad.
Being a stepparent has certain difficulties. The majority of children who see their parents remarriage while the divorced parent is still alive want a chance at reconciliation. This is frequently the root of animosity toward stepparents. Negative emotions like rage, hatred, or perplexity could be sparked by the prospect of their parents reconciling.
It is typical for a stepparent to feel stressed out by their new family dynamics. When the kids are present, almost 60% of remarried couples fight frequently. Before you can build a solid relationship with the children, there may be a few obstacles to overcome.
What not to do as a stepparent
You should try to stay away from the following errors as a stepparent:
- Many stepparents make excessive efforts to win over kids. Being truthful to yourself and them could increase your chances of influencing them. Children frequently slow down at their own rate.
- Impose your own rules without consent: In stepparent situations, rules frequently lead to misunderstandings. Before enforcing your own rules in the home, try persuading your spouse (and their ex, if you and your spouse are co-parenting) of the necessity of such restrictions. Making a firm choice in a particular circumstance might be difficult at times. Refer to one of the parents in this situation.
- Do not have unrealistic illusions that you will quickly blend into the new family. Children could take a lot longer than you anticipate to become used to the unusual home environment. Instead of imposing your expectations, let things develop naturally.
Crossing the line as a stepparent
You might believe that punishing your stepchildren will earn their respect. The likelihood is that it won’t go in your favor, though. There’s a chance that your stepchildren will start harboring grudges hence harming your bond. When discipline is necessary, take into account involving the primary parent. As they get accustomed to you and as time passes, you will acquire their respect.
If your stepchildren are having trouble adjusting to their new family environment, that is normal. They can need some time to come to terms with the fact that their primary parents are no longer together due to a divorce. You should think about and concentrate on empathizing with them.
What should you do?
It is more advantageous to concentrate on finding a solution to the difficulties your family may be experiencing.
Additionally, stepparents shouldn’t interfere with the relationships between the kids and their biological parents. Instead of attempting to separate them, think about assisting them in resolving their problems using constructive measures like assuring the kids that everything will be well.
Conclusion
Talk more and don’t pick favorites! In blended families, talking makes the relationship stronger. A clean line of communication leaves minimal room for misinterpretation.
If there is stepsibling rivalry, think about reassuring them that you love them all equally and that you want them all in your life. Bias and favoritism ought to be avoided.
Lastly, please check out our guide on being a good parent. it also applies to stepparents.
