How to work together in a stepfamily

Parenting in general comes with great and many expectations, fears, rewards, joy, confusion, laughter and tears. Parenting in a stepfamily you may feel all these and then some. The roles are more complex and responsibilities can be somewhat divided.

These challenges are best met when parents and stepparents are united and reach agreements on how to handle certain situations. You will have your own style, but it is very important that parents and stepparents are on the same page when it comes to the wellbeing of the children and one another.

This means regular, positive communication and planning along with a unified or shared understanding of acceptable behaviours, behaviour management strategies and consequences for any children’s misbehaviour. It is crucial that you all reassure your children that they are loved and will always have a place in your life.

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