* Argument over stepmum’s title goes to court
* Couple split when baby is four months old
* Mother argues dad “attempting to replace her”
AN Adelaide mother went to court to prevent her daughter from referring to her ex-husband’s new wife as “Mum” or “Mummy” or “my other Mummy”.
‘The woman, who cannot be named, argued that her ex-husband was deliberately undermining her role as their child’s mother, by encouraging his new wife to answer to the terms “Mum” and “Mummy” and “Mummy-D” (D being the first letter of the stepmother’s first name.)
# Treat them like they’re your own. No child likes to be disrespected! Let alone a stepchild. They may act like you’re unwelcome, but that may be because they assume you think that you are their ‘replacement Dad’. Ignore the discouragement, and just treat them like your own kids.
# Go easy on the discipline. They’ll hate you for sure if you constantly nag, nag, nag about their grades, or nag, nag, nag about uncompleted chores. In their minds, no matter how awesome you are, they aren’t yours. It’s your job to teach them otherwise. They’ll never appreciate you if you mother them.
# Do amazing things. You have to think about them. They are your precious angels. When you’re out at the store, call their mother and ask if she or the kid(s) need anything. Anything at all. Or, better yet, want anything. If you can’t find what they want, call again and ask for a cheaper/more commonly found replacement. (WARNING: Guessing the replacement is an absolute no-no! What if you buy the cheapest of cheap brands and end up wasting your money?)
Read more…How to Be a Good Step Dad – Wheretofindpedia
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For a child who is used to getting all the attention, a new sibling can seem like competition. The older child may feel left out and pressured to grow up, which can create short-term and long-term problems for both siblings and parents.
As a parent, it might be challenging to give both children the amount and the type of attention they need. However, there are several ways to make all of your children feel valued.
Read more…Blend a New Baby With an Older Step Child – Wheretofindpedia
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