How would you deal with a child that didn't like their step parent?

Answer 1

Get a new step-parent.

Answer 2

You have to try and understand the reason WHY they don't like them: that will determine how you handle the situation. It will be one of three reasons:

1) they are missing their real parent. Encourage them to talk about these feelings, and don't judge, it's totally natural for a kid to miss their parent. Try to keep communication lines open with the real parent if possible, and be careful not to have a go about them when the child's around.

2) they feel the new 'parent' is trying to act with an authority they don't have the right to. You need to establish ground rules early on, as these won't be clear-cut. For example, does the step-parent have the right to tell them when to go to bed? What to eat? When to get home? Respect is earned and authority will come in time. Make sure you keep to your rules, don't let your child take advantage, or your partner make other rules that you and your child have not agreed.

3) there's a genuine personality clash between your child and your partner. If this is the case, think about what you'd say to them if someone at school was irritating them. You need to appear the neutral party and diffuse tensions rather than taking sides, this will probably be an ongoing process.

Whatever the real reason, remember that it is almost NEVER the child's fault, don't forget that they are dealing with a load of scary emotions just like you are, and they probably aren't as able to express these, so whatever you do, be firm, but don't blame them.

Answer 3

Is there a reason or is it just a territory issue? If you have recently married, give it time but my kids still do not like their step parent, we have been married almost 9 years......if there is not a valid reason, i.e. abuse (verbal, emotional, etc.) then the child needs to be taught to respect the step parent, beyond that, not much you can do. You could try counseling. Good Luck.

Answer 4

This is a good question and I live it everyday. I am married to a man who has 3 daughters and I have 2 daughters. All of our children are from previous relationships. I handle it by being as open and honest as possible with all of our children. We talk things out instead of holding back the hurt or hate. If I feel that one of the children is not happy with me I encourage them to tell me what they are feeling and why. I then explain my feelings to them on the situation and we almost always find a solution to the problem. Believe me it works! I think as parents all too often we get caught up with our own feelings and forget that the little people involved have feelings too that should be considered. Good luck to you and I hope everything works out.

Answer 5

father or mother, tell this child that he or she may not be the parent and is not there to replace them, but there is a vacancy that needed to be filled and he/she is there to help, and ask this child if he/she don't have to like it, but at least give them a chance and become friends, at least that would be a start, and be patience, kids are people too, it will happen. This is my opinion

Answer 6

if i were u, i would tell the kid, hey why dont u like ur step dad, or mom. and usally its cuz they think that ur luver now, is replacing ur previous luver.

Answer 7

OMG GET A DEVORCE!!!!!!!!!!!or something YOU LOVE YOUR CHILD MORE RIGHT?

Answer 8

firmly, but lovingly.