Tips for Positive Stepparenting

Golden Rule #1

Refrain from saying anything derogatory to your stepkids about either of their parents - that means your partner AND your partner's ex.

You may be correct in how you feel, but voicing that to the kids may come back to haunt you when the children are older.

Meeting Your Future Step-Kids For the First Time

If you are about to meet your partner's kids for the first time, I have one word to say to you:

"Relax".

Every fellow step-parent I have spoken to has voiced surprise at how nervous they were before meeting their future step-kids.

Your first meeting is not the defining moment of your future relationship with your partner's kids. If it does go well though, it can help to create a healthy foundation for the future.

For some great tips on having a smooth first meeting, I can recommend this article, "Meeting Your Partner's Children For The First Time".