Stepfamilies - Focus on building relationships

Perhaps the most important task in creating a happy stepfamily is building individual relationships.

Stepmothers and fathers can build trust and respect by developing a warm and involved relationship with children before becoming involved in discipline.

Spending one-on-one time without the demands of other people helps with direct communication.

Doing fun activities together – such as taking a walk or a bike ride, going on a special outing, going shopping or teaching a new skill – can show children the step-parent’s good qualities.

This sort of time together shows children their step-parent cares about them, not just their parent.

Source: http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/raising_a_stepchild.html