Step Parenting Preparation - How Does This Step Parenting Thing Work Anyway?

Step parenting is a fuzzy role. Most people aren't real clear what's expected of them. Today, let's focus on some hazard areas so you can be sure to avoid them.

People rarely have a clue what a relationship with a step-child will be like. It's not because we're stupid. It's just that there aren't any guide books for step families. We just assume it's ok to play by biological family rules. A lot of false beliefs happens as a result of this. Today, I'd like to look at some of the most common and present a more realistic view of what you're likely to experience.

1. I get along fine with the children now, so our relationship will only improve once I'm married to their parent.

Once you are married to their parent, children will view their relationship with you VERY differently. Things are permanent now. Any hopes they may have been holding onto about mom and dad reconciling are dead, and you're a part of that death. This quite obviously can cause serious resentment.

2. The kids are only over every other weekend. That shouldn't cause much of a disruption to our home life.

Just because a child is over every other weekend, doesn't mean they can't wreak havoc on your home and life. I receive tons of questions from fledgling step-parents struggling with what to do to manage what they view as the "disruption" to their lives when the kids come to visit. It's not that they don't like the kids, it's just that their usual schedule gets turned topsy turvy.

3. My partner loves me. so obviously their kids will too.

Nowhere does it say that just because a child's parent loves you, that they have to. Many kids have the opinion that they already have 2 parents and they aren't interested in having any more. Your goal in the beginning needs to be for a friendly, civil relationship - not one full of love. If you get love, great! But, don't count on it.

4. I'm an adult... How tough can it be to win a kid over?

It can be VERY difficult to "win over" a step-child. The problem is your attitude. It's really a manipulative one. Rather than "win" them over, the focus needs to be on being present in their lives and slowly trying to build a relationship with them.

5. I won't have to be the "bad guy" with these kids. My spouse will take care of all the discipline.

While this SHOULD be the way things go, it rarely does. Most of the time single parents are so happy to have another adult in the house, they expect that person to step in and share the responsibility of discipline.

6. My new spouse will make sure the kids treat me with respect.

This is another one that SHOULD happen, but unfortunately a lot of parents are still wrestling with a sense of guilt over breaking up the family. The guilt continues as the parent feels that the children are being forced into a new and different family. Guilt can get in the way of biologicaly parents requiring their children to treat the new member of the family with respect.