DON’Ts

• make your stepchild call you mom -unless they want to.
• do the disciplining, let the biological parent do it if this is possible-heard of good cop/bad cop? UHHHH…you HAVE to be the GOOD cop!
• badmouth biological mom-”badmouthing my stepchild’s mom worked for me” said no one ever!
• be a pushover-These kids will eat you alive!!
• take it personally-Sometimes it’s just not about you.

DO’s

• give your attention-#1 Rule when it comes to KIDS!
• be a good teammate-2 is better than 1! Your partner needs your support.
• let your relationship evolve organically because it will-Kids need time, this is a sensitive matter.
• be consistent-Whether you  or the kids realize it or not, you are now a role model.
• be fair-Instill values by setting a good example, you won’t always be a fan favorite but one day you will be appreciated.