How to Get Along with Your Stepparent

Getting along with a parent isn't always easy, but when a stepparent enters the picture, life can become even more difficult than usual for kids of divorced parents. Tension can reach peak levels, especially when families are blended and don't agree on certain issues. The old saying blood is thicker than water becomes more apparent than ever before when a stepparent literally steps in and begins implementing his or her rules and expectations.

My teenage son is easy going, but he doesn't hesitate to speak his mind if he believes something isn't fair or doesn't make sense, and I must admit my husband occasionally rubs him the wrong way. They've had a couple of disagreements that I worried would send my son packing, but my son eventually learned that my husband has specific ideas on parenting, and he has learned not to take every harsh word to heart.

I recently asked my teenage son to write something on getting along with a stepparent, and he provided the following information. It's advice from a kid with plenty of experience on issues regarding kids and stepparents, and it's sound advice that parents, stepparents, and kids alike should consider when struggling to get along.

Control Issues

Many times a stepparent will try to be controlling. This will of course make you mad because they're not really your parent, and you probably don't think they should be able to decide what happens or what you should be able to do or not do. No, they're not really your mom or dad, but if they're trying to provide for the family, they should be able to decide what happens, and they should be able to help decide what you can and cannot do. This may not sound right, but if they provide the family, that's how it is.

Give it Time

Get to know your stepparent before deciding you don't like them. Try to get to know them to figure out what makes them happy, what kinds of things they like, and what kinds of things you have in common to effectively get along with them. It's possible to get along with anyone, but if you really get to know your stepparent, it's possible to become friends so life at home isn't so bad.

Becoming Friends