Being a good dad is admirable but being a good step dad takes someone special…

The title “Stepfather” comes from the time when a man “Stepped” into the role of dad following the death of the biological father. More often now though, the biological father is alive and its a relationship breakdown that has opended up the space for a step dad in a childs life.

Here are a few tips which will help you be a Super”step”dad:

• If your stepchildren aren’t overly happy by your relationship with their mother, be patient. they probably miss their dad and wish, depending on circumstance, that their parents hadn’t split up.
• If you don’t already have kids and are being thrown in at the deep end then parenting classes could be very beneficial.
• If you don’t love your step-children as much as you love your biological children don’t feel guilty. Just focus your energy on making sure you treat them all the same irrespective of the emotions you have.
• If the children don’t call you dad don’t take it personally, just accept it. They may not be ready to see you replace their biological father or if their biological father is still alive they will probably feel a little confused by having two dads and will find a different name for you.
• If you are having difficulties with your stepchildren don’t assume that they are being this way to spite their step dad. It may just be that they are expressing themselves and developing. Just deal with it the best way you can and don’t take it to heart.
• Keeping the biological father on sid eis beneficial. The affection of the children isn’t something that needs to be competed for and the stronger the relationships between the adults the easier it may become for the children to adapt and accept the new situation.
• Budgeting is important. Draw the boundaries as to what is expected financially from yourself in relation to what the biological fathe provides. Many people say money is the root of all evil…..don’t let this become the case.
• Avoid laying down the rules and being the diciplinarian for your stepchildren. Let their mother set the rules whilst you support her. This will stop the kids hating you for what you believe is in their best interests.

Books that may be of use to you are as follows:

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

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