Don’t Try to Replace

When a relationship is just beginning defining it can help both sides understand and clarify expectations. Stepparents tell your stepkids you are not trying to replace their biological parent and you respect the special place that parent has in their life. This helps kids relax. Suggest that if they ever feel caught between you and their biological parent they can tell you and you won’t take it personally. Bottom line: you know where you fit and they can love their biological parent freely.