Are you a successful stepparent or married to one? Many people who divorce move on to remarry or re-partner. If you have children this means that your new spouse or partner is your child’s stepparent. If your ex also remarries or re-partners, your child will have two stepparents. Your child goes from having two parents to having four parental figures in his or her life.
When step-parenting goes smoothly it is a great benefit to your child. Every child benefits from having a larger circle of adults that love him and are invested in his future. There are more people to spend time with your child, provide childcare, offer advice, and for your child to rely on. The ideal scenario for step-parenting is that you and your ex have made your peace with each other and gotten to a place where you can co-parent with little drama. You accept each other’s partners and support the roles they have in your child’s life. Together you make up one large support network for your child – a nontraditional family.
In reality though stepparent relations can be a challenge. It may take a long time for your child to accept the stepparent and time for you and your new partner to figure out exactly what his or her role should be. Your ex may be resentful or simply unpleasant to your ex. If your ex re-partners you may not trust this new person and question his or her relationship with your child.
It is often a good idea for parents and stepparents on opposite sides to get to know each other and create, if not a friendly relationship, at least a civil one. The more smoothly you can get along, the easier it will be for your child to deal with the new family dynamics
DeTorres & DeGeorge handles divorce and custody in Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties of New Jersey and surrounding areas. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.