Many were left triggered on Twitter and Facebook when the Daily Thetha opened a discussion about how having a step parent benefits or affects a child.
As two families are blended, differences in parenting, discipline and lifestyle can create challenges and become a source of frustration for the children and step parents. Having to adjust to these differences while trying to get to know each other can be overwhelming for both the child and step parent.
According to Raising children, an Australian parenting website, as a step-parent, raising your partners child gives you the chance to play a central role in the child’s life. It gives your partner’s child the opportunity to build a strong relationship with another adult. It also gives you and your partner the opportunity to strengthen your relationship by raising a child as a team.
“It is important to have a good relationship with your step child because that will also help your relationship/marriage to stay strong and once this child sees you that you love her/him you become very close with them they start to trust you with everything,” a facebook user commented.
Many reflected on their horror stories of being raised up in blended families.
“This is a very sensitive issue from my experience. When a child is made to believe the stepparent is his biological while the real father is alive becomes a problem,” one tweep commented
“It depends on how the person is, but from my side I think it benefits a child a lot because the gap of an absent father will be filled, all kids deserve to be raised by both parents, He will also play a big role mentally, financially and physically especially for a boy child,” a facebook user added.
According to Help Guide, Your trusted nonprofit guide to mental health & wellness. You will increase your chances of successfully bonding with your new stepchildren by thinking about what they need. Age, gender, and personality are not irrelevant, but all children have some basic needs and wants that once met, can help you establish a rewarding new relationship.
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