Ten Tips to Being a Good Step-Mom

A Day in the Life of a Step-Mom

Becoming a step-mom is a scary prospect. I grew up in a divided home, my mom being the step-mom. She was rarely looked on in a favorable light by my step-brother and step-sister, but she did the best she knew how. I never imagined myself to become a step-mom. Actually I was quite convinced that I would never marry a man who had kids. I just didn't want the drama. But, all that changed one day when I met my now husband and his four year old son.I knew right away that I could love this man and his child.

When I met Dean he was four, cute as a bug, and had a huge imagination. He was not your typical four year old who threw fits and didn't like to share. Infact, he loved to share and was the best mannered kid I'd ever been around. Today he is thirteen and not much has changed. People keep warning me about the teens,but so far he is still the same sweet kid. Oh now he likes to pour on the cologne and is quite a pest, but other than that a really good kid. I know that it isn't always possible to have the greatest relationships with your step-children or step-parents. But for those of you who could have a better relationship and just haven't taken the time, here are a few things I have learned a long the way. I am sure I'll be adding on to these things as the years continue and I continue to learn more.

1.Remember you are not their mom.
Whether you are the only mother they have or whether they have a great mom, you can never be their mom. You can share many things with them and be involved in their lives as much as allowed, but you can never really be their mom. You can have definite ways that you run your house hold. You can expect them to respect that when they are in your house. You have no control of what they do when they are not at your house. You teach them things and love them, but that does not take place of their real mom. You cannot be offended by this. Mom's have an amazing hold over their children. This is okay and should be not only expected but encouraged.