Becoming a Stepparent
Unfortunately, stepparenthood can be a tremendously difficult transitional period. Even though you can offer major contributions to the family unit, you will have to go through an adjustment period, where you will have to adjust to the family and the family will have to adjust to your presence.
Stress will undoubtedly be a part of your adjustment period, but you can help remove some of the tension by using some basic guidelines in your dealings with the other family members:
- Be respectful to the other family members, and expect the same from them.
- Communicate with your stepchildren and spouse openly and honestly. Speak from your heart. If there is something that is bothering you, you have to be able to discuss it as a family.
- Communication will only work if you are willing to listen as well as talk. Do not interrupt one another or attack each other. If you have your defenses up, you cannot listen.
- Younger children are usually much more adaptable to a stepparent. Teens may have to go through a longer adjustment period.
- You can and will form bonds with your spouse's children, but it will take time, patience, and effort on your part.
Workplace Options. (Reviewed 2018). Becoming a stepparent. Raleigh, NC: Author.