A Step-Parent’s Views on Parenting Tactics

Disciplinary Schools For Teens

Being a step-parent is tricky. Knowing how much to intervene in your step-child’s life without doing too much… or too little. Here are some important parenting tactics you can use to strengthen your relationship with your step-child.

Don’t Try to Change Everything Too Fast

Parents.com provides some great advice for step-parents on the subject of discipline, specifically how it is important not to change all the rules too quickly. Yes, you may come from a different background than your spouse, and if you have children, they may be used to different rules. But a good way to make sure you can build a beneficial relationship with your step-child is to ease them into your way of parenting. Remember, they’re already dealing with a lot of change: divorce, new parents, new siblings, etc.

Don’t Try to Become an Authoritarian

This is your spouse’s job. Still, you don’t want to be a pushover either. It’s good to stay strong in your resolve when dealing with your step-child but better not to raise your voice, lay down the law too hard, or start implementing punishments (especially not early on). The best tactic to use when your step-child does something they shouldn’t is to be clear with your feelings and to let them know the issue won’t just disappear.

Build a Relationship

According to C.E.L. & Associates, Divorce Meditation & Parenting Coordinators, it’s important to let the child set the pace for your relationship. Building a relationship isn’t easy and will likely take time. However, we all know how it’s done: through time and shared experiences. So it can help to get involved in an activity your step-child likes or to find something the two of you have in common. This will allow you to start building a bond, albeit slowly.

Never Forget Your Responsibility

When you married someone with a child or children from a former relationship, you’re taking on those children as a part of your life just like you took on your new spouse. Therefore, you have a responsibility to build a relationship with them. This responsibility is even stronger, though, because the other party is a child and, as such, cannot be expected to take on an adult portion of responsibility. It is always up to you to take the high road, to remember that you are the adult in the relationship and to keep reminding yourself that you are a parent.

If you need more help, don’t be afraid to reach for it. There’s plenty of support available, so you can get through this difficult time in your life.

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

5 Jun, 2017

Recent Posts

Does Cost Impact the Quality of Troubled Teen Programs?

Does Cost Impact the Quality of Troubled Teen Programs?

Many factors come to mind when considering a treatment program for your teenager. From location and specialty to care provided and length of the program, it's vital to consider all the finite details before making a final selection on a behavioral school, military...

Teens and Sexting, How to Protect Your Teen

Teens and Sexting, How to Protect Your Teen

It may not be something that you want to think about your teen taking part in, but sexting is a very real issue that many are facing today. It’s uncomfortable for parents to think about and of course uncomfortable to discuss with teens. And, none of us think our teens...

Programs for Teens With Bad Behavior

Programs for Teens With Bad Behavior

Is your teen’s behavior out of control? If his behavior has progressed from what is considered the norm for a rebellious teenager, you may struggle with knowing the next step to take to help your teen get his behavior back on track. Timeouts worked when he was a...

Do Teen Military Boot Camps Really Work?

Do Teen Military Boot Camps Really Work?

How much do you know about teen boot camps? Are you curious about whether a military boot camp could be the right choice to help your teen work through the issues he’s struggling with? Boot camps for teens are often highlighted in a negative way when they pop up in...

Helping Teens Struggling With PTSD

Helping Teens Struggling With PTSD

Has your teen experienced trauma that he doesn’t know how to process and heal from? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can leave long-lasting mental health issues that may follow your teen into adulthood. Without getting into a treatment program that addresses...

No One Likes Me, How Do I Fit In?

No One Likes Me, How Do I Fit In?

When you find it difficult to make friends, it can feel like you’re alone and no one likes you. While it’s true that not every person will click with you, it could just be that you’ve not yet found the best ways to connect with those around you. It’s hard to make...

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *