Step Parenting

Step Parent Question and Answer I have a twenty-three year old step son who moved back home a year ago. He has a job, but refuses to help out or even try to find a place of his own, and I know he's trying to cause problems between his father and I. What can I do? As a step parent, the first thing you need to do is have a heart-to-heart talk with your husband. Rather than focusing on your fears, focus on the opportunities presented by this situation. Start off by telling your husband that you love him very much and that you know how much his son means to him. Since he cares for him so much, he needs to help him grow into a man who can take care of himself and his family, rather than enabling him. In order for this to happen, suggest that he establish firm ground rules that encourage a sense of responsibility and help prepare his son for the realities of moving out and living on his own. Since you are the step parent, make your husband responsible for laying down the rules and enforc...

The best step-parents will leave the most memories in a child's lifetime. It's up to the parent and their new spouse to ensure they make the most memorable memories together. Open communication lines must be established right from the start. Here are some tips on how to make sure your new spouse is the best step parent ever.     Talk to your new spouse and your kids about their expectations. How would they like to be treated by the other person?     Clarify upfront that there should be no disrespect from either of them.You don't want to be caught in the middle of that.     Decide how you will handle misbehaviours. If you as the parent should step in and exercise a punishment on the child or if the step parent will take the task upon themselves. Make sure you feel comfortable with them giving out punishment to your kids.     Do they know what they want to gain from the relationship with your kids? Explain this to your kids so th...