Dr. Wisdom’s Tips on Stepparenting
December 10th, 2012
Dr. Diana Weiss-Wisdom is a psychologist who works primarily with blended families. The insight she has gained from working with families and couples over the past several years has come in very handy recently because Dr. Wisdom just got married and now is the stepmother of three teenagers. In a recent article, Wisdom describes her experience adjusting to this new role, and how her professional experience has helped her along the way.
The number of blended families is growing rapidly. Sadly, second marriages have a greater chance of ending in divorce than first marriages do. That’s why Wisdom believes it is so important to learn how to stepparent effectively and successfully—for the success of the children and the marriage. Wisdom admits that when she became a stepparent, it was not always easy. Similar to what happens when you become a parent, becoming a stepparent requires that you put other people’s needs before yours. It can have a significant maturing effect on a person. “It’s really an opportunity for stepparents to work on their own character … you have a better quality of life because you have to rise to the occasion,” Wisdom said.
Wisdom reminds people that although the children are important, the marriage must be a priority. Kids who have already seen one relationship deteriorate really need to have the stability of a loving relationship. Couples who are having problems adjusting to life as a blended family should work on their marriage first. Once they are back on the right track, the children can be brought into family counseling with the parents if necessary. But Wisdom believes it is also essential for children, especially teenagers, to have their own opportunity to work one-on-one with a psychologist or counselor. Children need to know they can express themselves honestly and openly, without fear of hurting either parent. Wisdom recommends that couples take it slow, be patient, and take advantage of books, workshops, and counseling in order to become the best step-parents they can be.
Reference:
Billing, Karen. Local psychologist’s new book offers “wisdom on step-parenting.” Rancho Sante Fe Reveiw. N.p., 28 Nov. 2012. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. http://www.ranchosantafereview.com/2012/11/28/local-psychologist%E2%80%99s-new-book-offers-%E2%80%98wisdom-on-stepparenting%E2%80%99/
Read More
Dating After Divorce and Blending Families
Creating Divorce Rituals with Your Children
Understanding Open Adoption
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5 Comments | Click here to leave a comment.
Comments
Yes the marriage needs to be A priority but not THE priority. I think that the number one priority needs to be the stability and happiness of thr kids.
Man, this is such a hard thing to deal with! My second wife and I were so happy before we got married. Not that we don’t love each other now, but adding her kids and my kids into the mix has been a ticking time bomb. Her kids don’t see me as an authority figure and mine don’t see her that way. She has been bugging me for months to go see a therapist. I guess we really do need to for our own sakes and the kids. Here goes nothing…
As step child and now a step parent the one thing that I have figured out is that you have to know when it is time to take a little step back and let the biological parent do the talking. I always want to jump right in there and be involved because that’s just my way, but there are some times when I have realized that the better thing for me to do it to sit back and let my husband handle it instead. There are just some times when you have to step away from that role because no matter what you say or do you will not be appreciated. Let them come to you and I promise that the relationship will be stronger.
being married to a man with two teens is not easy.they want to have nothing to do with me and I feel terrible about this.maybe we should have given ourselves some more time before marrying.after all,it is not a good thing to go in for the marriage and then pull in the kids to the therapist’s office.I feel bad about all this now :(
Hike some kids are readily fine with their stepparents some others can be quite a tough but to crack. They may view you the stepparent as someone who is trying to take their original parent’s place or as someone who is goin to take away their biological parent from them. I think this is what causes the hostility in many cases. If you are able to assure them and show them that you’re not going to do that or even intend to I think that removes a big wall from between you and your step children.
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