Step-parent Like a Pro: Equality without comparison
Pro-Level Step-Parent Skills
So far in our step-parenting blog series we have looked at the very important role that step-parents play with their step-children, and specific ways you could add to your step-parenting skillset.This week we are going to look at how to establish equality among step-siblings without the pitfall of comparison.
Some blended households have kids from both parents living under the same roof. (And God bless you in all your endeavors.) When that is the case, the main pain points often surround discipline and expectations being unequal between step-siblings. But, as is often the case, what works in a traditional nuclear family can still provide a good framework for blended families.The traditional advice of parenting siblings is to set discipline and expectations for each kid individually, based on their own personality and strengths. This is true for blended families as well.
What doesn't need to be case by case is the set of rules for how you treat each other.
There doesn't need to be inequality in attitude expectations, language that can be used, signs of respect, etc. These should be seen as household rules and everyone at the house should follow them.
Handing down consequences.
Unless you've been around for a *very* long time (5 years or more maybe?) or you entered the scene when the child is very young (before Kindergarten, I'd say), then I feel strongly that discipline and consequences should either be handed down jointly or by the birth parent, when possible. It's not always possible because perhaps you provide a lot more face-to-face parental contact than the birth parent (like they work off-shore, for example) but when possible, let the birth parent take the hit and handle the conflict.
You can join in and support the birth parent when appropriate (silent presence is okay, too), but you're the support person here, not the one dropping the hammer. The step relationship by its very nature can sometimes be strained, so there is no sense in complicating it further, unless specifically requested by your spouse or you've been around a long enough time or came around when they child was very young to not be considered fully in the "step" role.
When it's not possible for the birth parent to handle discipline, a pro-tip is to use "we" based, joining language to remind/gently correct: "Let's get our chores done before mom gets home so she won't have to ask us about them!" Whenever possible, join your step-child, side by side, shoulder to shoulder. Not out of equality necessarily, but out of humility, comradery and openness.
Back the birth parent’s play. Even if you disagree. Even if you would have handled it differently with your kids. Don't disagree in front of the kids about discipline. Kids will suss out this type of division so quickly and launch a full-scale ninja attack to play you guys against each other!
Support. Listen. Empower. This is the fun stuff. Be a cheer leader and not a task master.
Structuring Your Household
Steps or not, if the adults are at the top of the food chain at home, and the adults are seen loving each other and modeling a healthy relationship, the whole house runs better.
God's design still works, whether biological parents or step. If the mom & dad figures of the house feel solid, the household feels solid. So don’t feel bad about prioritizing each other. And still yet, use creative solutions that keep anyone from feeling like attention and quality time are zero-sum games.
All kids want to feel close, to feel securely attached, like the have a solid place to belong. You can do your part to act as the salve to that wound and it just may be the most impactful role of your life.
No blog can be exhaustive of all the challenges faced by step-parents. If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding your household, feel free to reach out to me. We can set up a time to come up with a game plan together! I have offices in Baton Rouge and Walker, Louisiana.