Here are some stepfamily integration tips, tips
to bonding with stepchild and building happy step family.
Stepfamily Integration Tips
Stepfamily integration and bonding with a stepchild
is not something that can be controlled. It takes time, sometimes even
years, for stepfamilies to begin to think or act like a normal family.
In fact, it is never easy to build intimacy and affection in step
relationships. During the time of remarriage, be it in the event of
death or divorce, most adults tend to believe that the blending process
will be quick and painless. However, they need to understand the psyche
of a child, how much he/she feels uprooted. Still, genuine love, care
and concern can go a long way in building a close-knit bond. Let us know
more on building a happy step family.
Tips For Bonding With A Stepchild
- Never ever start pushing your stepchild for intimacy in the
initial stages only. In fact, you need to give him/her enough time
and space to get used to the new family and the new parent.
- Always make sure to respect the privacy of your stepchild. If
he/she wants to be left alone, just let him/her be. At the same
time, make sure that you are always emotionally available. Wait for
the time he/she comes to you on his/her own.
- Try to indulge your stepchild in fun activities with you. You can
take him/her out for movies, to an amusement park, on a vacation,
and so on. However, do not expect him/her to change in a day only.
Keep up with your efforts and, sooner or later, they will bear
fruit.
- While you don't need to be too stern with your stepchild, it is
not advisable to be too lenient as well. You want to be a parent to
him/her and not someone who is always bribing the child with gifts
and money. You just need to be a bit easygoing.
- Learn to accept silence as a part of your life, mainly in the
initial stages. Rather then being upset about it, try to relax in
your stepchild's company. If you can get him/her to indulge in idle
chit-chatter, all the more better.
- Go on a solo outing with your stepchild, just the two of you,
leaving even your partner behind. Let the child know that you care
for him/her because of who he/she is, not just for the reason that
he/she is your partner's child.
- Involve yourself in the daily routine of your stepchild. It might
be as simple as calling him/her for a meal and sitting for the same
with him/her all through or something difficult like helping him/her
get ready for school. You need to remember that routine and rhythm
create a sense of security in a child, something which forms the
basis of a relationship.
- Never, never, never give up! The few months of your life together
are surely not going to easy. The child is sure to push you to the
extent many times. Remember that this is because he/she wants to
know how much he/she can depend on you. You need to stand by the
child throughout, to let him/her know that you will love him/her
totally and unconditionally, just like his/her biological parent.
