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Relationships between children, parents, and stepparents can be very
stressful. Parenting can be a challenge in any family, but living in a
stepfamily makes the parenting role even more difficult.
Stepparents often are put into the role of "instant parents" without previous parenting knowledge or experience.
The children are a reality that can not be ignored. Relationships
between a stepparent and stepchildren are usually challenging, whether
or not the stepparent has other children.
Q: I'm
a divorced dad and don't get to see my kids as much as I'd like to. I
miss them and I know they miss me and I try to make it up to them by
packing our time together with all sorts of really fun activities and
trips. By the end of the weekend I'm completely exhausted and stressed
out. I really want to spend some quiet time with the kids but they seem
to want each visit to be more fun than the last. What can I do?
Being
a stepfather is far from easy. Not only do you have the challenge
of "instant fatherhood," you have to father someone
(or several someones) who may not welcome you with
open arms! But with the right attitude you can forge a powerful,
influential bond with your stepson or stepdaughter that lasts
a lifetime.
