If you think being a parent is challenging, 37 percent of American families will tell you there is one job that is even tougher—being a step parent!
Step parenting is often filled with a great deal of discontent and disappointment. A step mom remarked that she has “most of the responsibility but ultimately no real authority” in raising her step kids. She felt like it was all of the work of a “real parent” but without any of the love or commitment from her step kids. “Ultimately, I feel like a glorified babysitter but without the pay from an employer or the gratitude from my stepchildren. When things get tough, I hear “you’re not my real mom!”
Here are some suggestions for making step parenting a rewarding and meaningful experience for you and your kids.
- Clarify your role before you get married. Make certain that you and your potential spouse are in agreement about your responsibilities and rights in raising your step children.If the step children will be living primarily with you and your spouse, you need to have the authority (with your spouse) to set rules and discipline the children. This is the most frequent source of conflict in