As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed the examples that were set for me years before when I became a step parent. The way my stepson finally came to love and respect me as his step mother, was through all of the "trying" experiences we had. Excuse the pun, but raising kids is a very trying experience!
One of the first times my stepson "tried" or tested my word and consistency was over catching the school bus. Nick was not a morning person and that made getting up in time for school in the morning a problem. Myself having lunches to pack, and two other kids who were already responsible for getting themselves up, Nick knew that I expected him to do his thing in the morning. When he missed the bus the first time, I informed him that I would drive him to school that one time, and one time only!
Just a couple of weeks later on another early school morning, I could tell Nick was going to miss the bus if he didn't move a lot faster and told him so. I left it at that, went about my business, and sure enough Nick came to me with a sorrowful look on his face saying that he had missed the bus. I said, "You had better get your rollerblades on then or you will be late for the start of school!" Nick was incredulous and asked if I was sure I could not take him to school, and I told him that he got his one and only ride the first time he missed the bus and he better get a move on.
His next excuse was that he was going to be all sweaty if he had to blade all the way to school (about 4 miles), and I told him to take an extra shirt. When next I saw him, he was sitting on the curb in front of our house lacing his skates up, shirt off, back pack at the ready and I watched him skate off down the road with a smile on my face.
He had just experienced the result of testing my consistency as a step parent and found that it was the same as my habit with my biological kids! Whether they know it or not, all kids feel safe, special, and protected when rule is consistently applied.
Sandy Williams, Life Coach at International Stepfamily Foundation, member of Stepfamily Association of America & founder of http://www.stepfamilysuccess.com
disinfecting cleaning services Arlington Heights ..I've often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will... Read More
In seminars I am often asked about pocket-money and whether... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Q. I don't like my children spending so much time... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More
In 1996-97 we were contracted by VAXA International of Tampa,... Read More
Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among... Read More
Why Is Spending Time with Your Child So Important?For children... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
In dealing with children with autism spectrum disorders, its all... Read More
Today the little red school house is not what it... Read More
The biggest trick some child predators' are using these days... Read More
Lead is one of the most dangerous toxins a person... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
We all want to comfort our children after they suffer... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
Public education in the United States has never been equal... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Mundelein ..When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More
Choosing to leave your child with a caregiver is one... Read More
"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More
Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More
Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
The biggest trick some child predators' are using these days... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
Saturday mornings. Cold cereal and Scooby Doo. How many parents... Read More
Time management is an organisational concept traditionally associated with adults... Read More
Many children are jittery on the first day of school.... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
The snow was getting heavier with each lift of the... Read More
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
ADHD comes in differenty forms, or types. What... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Here are some tips that I have picked up from... Read More
Although it might seem pretty corny to a lot of... Read More
Parenting |