How to Survive Step Parents

Divorce is hard on everyone involved, especially the kids of the now separated parents. I was once in this very position many years ago, so I understand the pain and agony many kids these days must suffer through. Although the divorcing process is hard, it's actually minor when compared to the task of getting comfortable with a new parent. Sound like terrible news? Well i'm here to enlighten you on simple methods that will greatly improve your life with a new parent(s)!

NOTE: These methods/opinions may or may not apply to ALL step parents.

1. The first six months or so will be fairly easy. Do NOT expect this to last.
You should most certainly enjoy your step parents awesome behavior while it lasts, but if you began to think that it's always going to be like that then your in for some major disappointment. To save yourself from that sort of grief, always remember that he/she is only acting this way because they're not fully comfortable with living with you yet. They want to get things off on the right foot before they reveal any of their flaws. Remembering that their "good behavior" is only temporary will make the transition much easiar for you when the time comes for them to show their flaws.

2.Make some sort of attempt at making this new relationship with him/her work.
Hopefully you knew before reading this aritcle that this new life won't be a cake walk without you doing a little work as well. It's not all just given to you, you have to learn to go and get what you want. In this case, going and getting what you want requires coming out of your shell a little bit. Reveal your true personality to the step parent a little at a time over the course of a few months. Spend a little time with him/her with the rest of the family, and also try to get a little one on one if possible.

3. MOST IMPORTANT: Do NOT give up when times with step parent get rough!
Even when you follow the two steps shown above perfectly down to the very last detail, things in your household will never be perfect. That's life, and the sooner you accept that as a fact, the happier you will be. There will be times when your step parent may get onto you, get on your nerves, force you to do something you don't wanna do, or even leave you out of something completely, but you have to realize that when your mom/dad married this new person, he/she then became another authority figure in your life. It may feel more annoying at times than your biological parents simply because there not "actually" related to you, but this feeling can either make you or break you. Allowing this annoyance to cause you to quit attempting to form a strong relationship with your step parent will lead to catastrophic results. On the other hand, forgetting this annoyance will give your relationship with him/her a boost and make you stronger than you ever imagined.

Following these 3 very crucial steps above will definately help you and your step parent to bond more quickly and efficiently. I send my most sincere hopes out to all step children that you learn to form a stronger relationship with your step parent than I did. I did NOT follow the three steps listed above, and let's just say that my household was a little stressful. Good luck!