Table of contents:
- Factors that influence the relationship with the prospective stepchild
- How to build good relationships with potential stepchildren
- 1. Initiate relationships patiently
- 2. Value your partner's relationship with her ex-husband
- 3. Understand the child's point of view
- 4. Doing fun activities with children
- 5. Describe your role
Connecting with those who already have children has its challenges. Taking heart and approaching your would-be stepchildren may not be as easy as it sounds. The reason is, you need to find the right way to introduce yourself as their prospective new parent.
Factors that influence the relationship with the prospective stepchild
Before introducing yourself as a potential new parent, understand that there are a number of factors that can affect your relationship with your partner's children. These factors include:
- Child age. Usually, it is easier to approach potential stepchildren when they are still children. However, some children may rebel after a few years. The key is to talk openly to children.
- How long have you known them. The longer you get to know your partner's children, the better your relationship with them will be.
- How long have you been in a relationship with their parents. If you are in a hurry, the kids will just think that your attitude is not sincere. Even your efforts to approach potential stepchildren may not be smooth sailing.
- Communication between your spouse and ex-husband / wife. You can build a good relationship with your prospective stepchildren, if the communication between you and your spouse and ex-husband / wife goes well.
- How much time do you spend with them. This is a moment for you to get closer and open to each other's children of your partner.
How to build good relationships with potential stepchildren
Good relations with your prospective baby cannot just happen. Here are some steps you can take to approach potential stepchildren:
1. Initiate relationships patiently
One of the initial keys before being able to approach potential stepchildren is to be patient. The responses they give are sometimes not as expected.
That is why, try to be patient when your partner's children give negative responses. They will not simply give you love and trust. Instead, you have to create it.
2. Value your partner's relationship with her ex-husband
In order to build a good relationship with your future stepchildren, you must also respect the existence of your ex-husband / wife.
For example, suppose you are in love with a person single mom.Give your future stepchildren a chance when they want to spend time with their father.
3. Understand the child's point of view
By understanding your child's point of view, you show that you care about their happiness. Let him do what he wants as long as it's positive.
Through this, your future stepchildren can trust more and you can build good relationships.
4. Doing fun activities with children
Fun activities such as exercising, recreation, and cooking together can be ways to get closer to your partner's children. Every child has different hobbies, so try to find out first.
5. Describe your role
Children who do not really understand about stepparents may give a negative response. If so, try to explain your role as a stepparent.
To approach potential stepchildren, explain that your existence is not a substitute for the love of their biological parents.
Building good relationships with potential stepchildren does require hard work, consistency, and patience. Of course it is not easy to gain the trust and affection of a child who really loves his biological parents.
However, this is not impossible. The key is to convey your sincerity patiently. With time and communication intensifying, your partner's children will begin to open up to them.
