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
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..Part of the responsibility of being a father is to... Read More
As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
I WAS AMAZEDI could hardly believe what I was hearing.... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
Seven-year old Michael was on a school trip to a... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More
Night Visits From Your ChildIn the middle of the night... Read More
Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
As a parent is seems that the majority of your... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More
Q. I don't like my children spending so much time... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More
"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas SalkThe... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 31,... Read More
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
scheduled maid service Park Ridge ..When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
Did you know that inconsistency on matters of discipline gives... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
For over fifty years, public-school officials and politicians have tried... Read More
1. They can make mistakes under your guidance2. They will... Read More
Memorizing math facts is a necessary part of elementary school.... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 31,... Read More
Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
You send your child to school and the teachers teach... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
Now I know that is not how the song goes,... Read More
Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
There may really be a real monster under your kid???s... Read More
Homework. It doesn't have to be a daily battle of... Read More
Reading is the most efficient and economical way to help... Read More
The law of -ing.The law of -ing refers to a... Read More
1. New Word of the DayIntroduce your preschooler to a... Read More
Why Is Spending Time with Your Child So Important?For children... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More
One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
Parenting |