005 - The Relationship Between Step Parent and Step Child

Welcome to the Everything Always podcast! Summer and Michael here, and today we’re going to talk about bonding with your step-kids. The relationship with a step-kid can be a tricky one to navigate, but there are some things you can do as a step-parent to show them that you care.

You can’t force your step-kids to like you. And the journey to reach the relationship you want may be longer than you’d hoped. But what you can do is foster an environment of respect, openness and love so that, when they’re ready, they see you as an ally – and even start to like you a bit!

We’ve got some tools that will help you create a bond with your step-kid that is powerful and lasts. So, listen in, look at our checklist, and find out how to be a calm, consistent, and kind adult that your step-kids can count on.

00:45 – 05:00 - Introducing today’s topic: Bonding with your step-kids

5:00 – 15:30 - Be available, show interest, have patience, be empathetic, and be mindful

15:30 – 17:00 - Find a common interest with your step-kid

17:00 – 22:30 - Alone-dates with your biological and step kids

22:30 – 27:00 - Maintaining consistent rules and values; resisting the urge to hide

27:00 – 33:00 - Support your step-kid’s love for their other parent; the checklist