- Build a friendship with your stepchild before attempting discipline. Be patient. Research shows it can take up to two years before the child will be comfortable with your discipline.
- Work as a team with your new partner to establish new house rules and methods of discipline.
- If you feel the biological mom is being unreasonable with her child, take the side of the stepchild. This will begin to build some trust with you and the child.
- Take part in family meetings and be open for suggestions from the children on chores and special tasks that need to be done.
- Talk to your spouse in private if you feel undermined or left out.
- Respect each other’s privacy. Knock on doors before entering. Be an example of respect and courtesy.
- Recommended Reading: “Keys to Successful Stepfathering (Barron’s Parenting Keys)
by Carl E. Pickhardt, Ph.D
- See Stepfamily Guidelines and Resources.
- Also see our recommended reading list for stepfamilies.
