What is the role of a step parent?

The initial role of a stepparent is that of another caring adult in a child’s life, similar to a loving family member or mentor. You may desire a closer bond right away, and might wonder what you’re doing wrong if your new stepchild doesn’t warm up to you or your kids as quickly as you’d like.

How do step parents discipline?

The Do’s and Don’ts of Stepparent Discipline

1. DO keep talking with your spouse.
2. DON’T start with too many changes.
3. DO set up a base level of respect.
4. DON’T be the disciplinarian.
5. DO get to know your stepchild.
6. DON’T be a pushover.
7. DO realize that stepchildren will test you.
8. DON’T take everything personally.

Should a step parent be involved in discipline?

Disciplining stepchildren as a stepparent is tough. Open dialogue about discipline must be on-going between the biological parent and the stepparent in order to be consistent and effective regardless of the child’s age.

What it means to be a step parent?

a parent who is married to the father or mother of a child, but who is not that child’s own father or mother; a stepfather or stepmother: We offer confidential advice to stepparents on creating good relationships with their teenage stepchildren.

What should be the role of the stepparent?

Papernow says the stepparent should be in a mindset of “connection versus correction.” She suggests the biological parent should handle most of the discipline while the new parent builds a relationship.

How are stepparents supposed to discipline their children?

Initially stepparents act as extensions of the biological parent. They can enforce consequences, set boundaries, and say “no,” but do so knowing full well they are not standing on their own authority. They live on borrowed power until such time as their love-relationship with the child matures and opens the door to more influence and authority.

Can a biological parent discipinate a stepparent?

Disciplining biological children is tough, but disciplining someone else’s is almost impossible. Open dialogue about discipline must be on-going between the biological parent and the stepparent in order to be consistent and effective regardless of the child’s age.

What’s the problem with being a step parent?

However, Poizner says that step-parents “need to basically unplug [their] inner parenting GPS. The problem with being a step-parent is that there are two biological parents who have all the rights to raising those children as they see fit, and it’s very often at odds with what the step-parent would do.” Not everyone recognizes you as a parent.