{"id":58959,"date":"2020-02-05T09:10:16","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T09:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/family\/how-to-make-a-blended-family-work-as-a-step-parent\/"},"modified":"2023-03-15T08:25:11","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T08:25:11","slug":"how-to-make-a-blended-family-work-as-a-step-parent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/family\/how-to-make-a-blended-family-work-as-a-step-parent\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Blended Family Work as a Step-parent"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"HowIf you have ever been apart of a blended family or if you are currently a step-parent, you know how complex blended family challenges can make <\/span>family life<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes it feels like the back and forth between homes, the differing time schedules, and opinionated adults are controlling everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s easy to forget that you have the power to influence this new life positively, and it’s easy to forget that the <\/span>children in the blended family<\/span><\/a> are watching and what you do (or don’t do) can determine the health of their adult life.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a step-parent in a blended family, <\/span>you have committed to helping your spouse raise their children and provide stability<\/b>, which children thrive off.<\/span><\/p>\n

“A stable home, a stable school which enables children and young people to form positive, trusting relationships so they can thrive, and stable, <\/span>strong relationships<\/span><\/a> with consistent professionals, all contribute towards helping children and young people to feel safe and ready to succeed,” says Debbie Barnes, Chief Executive of Children’s Services at Lincolnshire City Council.<\/span><\/p>\n

More than anything, children need love and respect. <\/span>Being a step-parent<\/span><\/a> is a tough job, but with intentionality and persistence, you can protect yourself and the children from the hurt that can ensue from blending families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is some blended families’ advice on how to deal with blended families as a step-parent<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Don’t perform for credit<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the first steps to bridging the gap between the two homes is not performing for credit.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you try to say and do the right things to get praise from the children and their parents, you will quickly find yourself disappointed and not motivated to try anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that you are a bonus parent, and<\/span> you are super to your stepchildren when you genuinely care.<\/b><\/p>\n

Step-parenting can be a thankless job<\/span><\/a>, but don’t let that stop you; you have a significant role to play.<\/span><\/p>\n

When your sole purpose for doing what you do is for the child (or children) and their future’s well-being, you’ll keep going even when it seems like your efforts are going unnoticed.<\/span><\/p>\n

You are important as a leader; let your motivating factor be love. Your reward will be seeing your bonus <\/span>children’s happiness<\/span><\/a> and their transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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