CrystalsCrafties

How to tips for Crafters and Etsy Shop owners

  • Cricut Tips and Tutorials
  • Canva
  • Inkscape
  • Etsy Tips and Tricks
  • Shop
  • Cart
  • My Account

in Co-Parenting· Parenting

3 Easy Tips for Parenting a Stepchild

Parenting is hard. Parenting a stepchild is even harder! There is so much confusion around what is okay and what is not. What your role is and what it is not. Thankfully Tasha, my son’s stepmom, does a top-notch job at parenting my son right along with her own kiddos.

Okay, it’s no secret that I’m actually the bio mom so I had to call in some reinforcements for this post.  I asked Tasha to give me a little insight into what parenting a stepchild looks like for her.  If you’ve read any of my previous posts you know that I strongly advocate for the mom and step-mom relationship. I have a beautiful relationship with Tasha and you can have a beautiful mom and step-mom relationship too! Here are Tasha’s top 3 tips for parenting a stepchild.

how to parent a stepchild

 

  1. Structure and routine

You need to keep the same structure and routine when you have for your bio kids even when your bonus kids are with you. With the bonus kids only being with you part of the time it tends to throw things off. You need to make sure you keep the same routine and structure. For example, nap time. My 2 bio kids are still very young and they nap every day. My bonus son does not nap anymore. To keep the same routine and structure on a consistent basis my bonus son has “quite time” alone in his room when the 2 younger children are napping. This keeps the same quite environment my little ones are used to while napping and it gives my bonus son a little alone time which he greatly appreciates since his little brother wants to be all up in his business at all times.

 

  1. Discipline

Discipline is still very important when parenting a stepchild. You may want to “take it easy” on your bonus kids since they aren’t there all the time. You want them to feel loved and welcome in your home and sometime you let them slide a little on the rules. This will certainly lead to disaster. This teaches your bonus kids they can “get away with more” at your home and it teaches your bio kids that the rules don’t apply for their step siblings. This train of thought leads to hostility, self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy and rejection from your bio kids. It also leads to entitlement and disrespect from your bonus kids.

 

Stick to the same discipline methods for both your bio and bonus kids. The expectations and consequences need to be the same. Go over these things with your husband to make sure the two of you are on the same page and are both enforcing the same rules and consequences. You should also talk with your bonus kids’ mom about what kind of rules and consequences you have in your home. Ultimately it is your home and your rules but peace and comradery go a long way in the mom and step-mom relationship. It’s always a good idea to have open lines of communication.

  1. Make things a little special

So we just talked about keeping the same structure and routine and keeping the same rules and consequences but there are little things you can do to make it special when the bonus kids come. Pay attention to what favorite foods your bonus kids have and try to prepare those foods when they are home.  Keep a special toy or two at your house that they don’t have access to at their moms’ house. Come up with special “sibling” games or activities that you only do when you have all the kids. This gives your bonus kids and bio kids something fun and special to look forward too and it doesn’t change the rules for anyone.

 

  1. Bonus tip

Being a Step-mom is hard. Co-parenting is always going to have its ups and downs and that’s okay. Give yourself a break! You’re doing a good job!

There will be ups an downs during any parenting journey. One thing you cannot survive without is a support system. You need the support of your husband and family and you need the support of the bio mom. If you can all work together co-parenting for the betterment of all your children then you will rock this whole co-parenting thing!

And there you have it. Some pretty solid tips from the best Step-Mom I know. If you’re looking to start a loving relationship with your step child’s bio mom, check out my post here for some great mom and step-mom date ideas.

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook

« How to make an Easter Centerpiece for just $5
DIY St. Patrick’s Day Treat Bags »

Archives

Are you crafty or do you have a unique talent? Do you want to learn how to use the Cricut or be your own boss by starting your own Etsy shop?

At Crystal's Crafties I provide detailed tutorials on how to use the Cricut and create other DIY crafts. I also provide step-by-step instructions and tips for creating an Etsy shop and being a successful Etsy seller. When I started with my Cricut and my Etsy shop I found that I was having to look through dozens of websites to get all the info I needed. There just wasn't a one-stop-shop for everything I needed.

That's why it's my mission to provide you with all the info you need to set up your Etsy shop and be a successful Etsy seller. And to get you crafting some of the DIY's you're going to want to sell in your Etsy shop.

If you're struggling with how to use the Cricut, with DIY crafts or your Etsy shop I think you'd really enjoy reading my blog.

  • About Me
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Market theme by Restored 316

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT