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What should a step parent’s role be

Obviously, becoming a step-parent can be one difficult situation any adult can find himself in. For that matter, most step-parents are always looking around to find answers on the kind of role they are supposed to play in the lives of their new step kids.

It is also common to see stepkids proving very difficult for their stepparents for various reasons.

This usually happens because stepkids disregard their stepparent as their guardian and thus constantly disrespect their orders. Most of the kids go by,‘’ you are not my parent to tell me what to do.’’

That is why it is vital for the stepparent to first establish a good relationship with the ex. Creating that relationship can help you gain the parent's trust, whereby he will give you full permission to play his role for him as a parent.

Today’s article is to help step-parents identify the roles a step has to play in the life of their new ward.

Without going on further, let’s quickly look at these roles.

1.     Discipline;

Many step-parents don’t like to involve themselves when disciplining their step kids, but it is a crucial job parents taking care of kids must not shy away from.

This is very important because, without discipline, children might become wayward and a nuisance to society at large, and I don’t think you would want this for your ward.

Some step-parents take the role of being deputies when it comes to disciplining their wards. This means that they give support to the child's parent in any reasonable discipline being meted out to their child.

This can be a start for you if you are a step-parent who doesn’t want to be the disciplinarian.

2.     Encourage them to be in touch with their other parent;  

It is no doubt that most kids who have their parents separated stop talking to their parent who leaves if that parent is alive. The reason is that they put the blame on that parent for being the cause of the separation and stopped talking to them.

Here is where you come in as the step-parent.

It is your role to help the child reconnect with the father if that is the case. Be sure to always ask your child to give him a call or text to know how he is doing.

Be the bridge in reconnecting them.

3.     Encourage them;

Growing up, children will face a lot of difficulties at school and in society as well, and that can have a drastic impact on their lives if they don’t have someone to guide and encourage them that things will be fine.

You can step in this one by encouraging them that though things seem to be tough, they will get better.

Sometimes encouragement is just what kids need to help them rebuild their confidence.

4.     Be a friend;

freepik.com

This is the most critical time your step teenager needs a friend to help him process the new changes. Though there is no way you can replace his biological parent, being a friend can help a lot.

5.     Show up;

When there is an important event that your stepchild has to show the world what he loves to do, you must be present to show your support for that child. This cannot be understated because it indicates to the child that you admire and support them in what they love doing.

If there is a sports event, recitals, or any other event apart from those held by schools featuring your ward, be willing to commit a hundred percent of your time.

Conclusion

I forgot to stress that you must remember that you aren’t the child's natural parent and whether the real parent is alive or dead, you cannot fill that position as a stepparent.

And also, don’t expect appreciation when you do something for your stepchild or from the natural parent, though that will be nice but don’t push it. You were aware of the stepchild situation before accepting to take on that responsibility, so expecting appreciation from doing what is required of you is a No for me.

I hope this article has helped answer your question.

If you know of other step-parent responsibilities that have not been listed, please share with us in the comment section so we can learn from you.

Thanks for reading.

 

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