Making step-parent relationships work with Tracy Poizner

<p>The principles of being a step-parent or a parent in a blended family are totally different from a normal family. I have been a step-son and a step-Dad. Whilst there can be love and affinity, a step-parent should not try to be a replacement for a biological parent. Rarely will this turn out well.</p><br><p>Starting a new relationship after a divorce or separation is desirable for many men and women. Not surprisingly with children and ex-partners though it is rarely easy to make work. It is possible though to create an effective blended family - what you must not do is presume it is going to be easy.</p><br><p>Tracy Poizner specialises in working with Step-Moms and Dads in new relationships. I had an amazing level of response from our first podcast cast together where we discussed Dads and <a href="https://pod.fo/e/b7646" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to talk effectively with your ex-wife and children</a>. There simply wasn't time to do the subject of making blended families work so we decided to do this follow-up.</p><p><br></p><h2>You Are The Primary Parent</h2><p><br></p><p>What Dad says goes. At least in your house. What your children do when they are with their mother is not really anything you can control or even worry about. Sure if there are well-being and safety concerns but otherwise in most situations, you need to not sweat the small stuff.</p><br><p>Back in your own home, the rules of the primary parent are what needs to come first. The step-parent is there to honour these but not get into conflict around them. Sure that can be tricky to navigate. In a well-working parent + step-parent set up though this will all be discussed. Yes, between you and your partner but also with the children. Let them know how it is all going to work and what is expected of them.</p><br><p>You do not want your children taking advantage of the step-parent or abusing their role in the family, neither though do you want to place the step-parent in the position of policing your rules. Ultimately this will lea