When you meet a new person that you like, one of the first questions you’ll want to know is if your new potential partner has a child. If so, and things start to get serious, you’re naturally going to start wondering how you will handle becoming a step parent to this child. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind if you want to be a good stepparent.
Tip Number One: You Are Joining the Family; Not the Child
As the non-birth parent, you must accept and realize that you are the one joining the family—they are not joining your life, you are joining theirs. Learning how the household structure works takes time and patience. At the beginning, it’s important to observe and learn the personalities and habits of the child. You must also be willing to do any and everything the birth parent would do. For example, be willing to make dinner, help with homework and have quality family time doing what the kids love to do. Most of all it is crucial that you show genuine concern and attention to the children at all times. If you truly love the child’s parent that means you also must love and care for her kids.