Parenting Thought

Eight ways to make step-parenting work. 

1. Look out for the well-being and safety of the children.

2. Have fun with the children, and let them know how much you enjoy them.

3. Make sure there are times when the children are the center of your attention.

4. Be involved in the children’s lives and encourage them in their activities.

5. Teach the children new things and allow them some independence.

6. Agree that discipline will not be the “job” of the stepparent. Instead, it will be the job of the biological parent.

7. Be in charge when you are with the children and support the biological parent’s discipline (curfews, allowances, bedtimes, etc.) as well as your own house rules.

8. Expect respect from the children.

(See “Why Grandparents Are Important” for more about how stepparents and grandparents are alike.)

Autumn’s Picture Books

We have been amazed at how much good parenting information is in children’s picture books – books that we hope you are reading everyday to the children in your lives – your own, your class, those you take care of.  For each book, we are noting there is something in it to remind you of how to be the parent you want to be.

• BECAUSE I’M YOUR DAD by Amet Zappa

A reminder that Dad’s are important with many ideas about how to play with and just be with your child

• LET’S GO, HUGO! by Angela Dominguez

A reminder that fear can be overcome and that being a trusted friend is helpful when your child is afraid

• NURSE CLEMENTINE by Simon James

A reminder that holiday gifts should show that you know your child really well and that if what your child wants is safe and affordable, it is a good gift – no matter how small or how unusual

• SUKI & MIRABELLA by Carmela and Steven D’Amico

A reminder of the dangers of overindulgence and out-of-control competition.

Read All About It:

“Why Grandparents Are Important”

SELF-ESTEEM A FAMILY AFFAIR, Jean Illsley Clarke

GROWING UP AGAIN: PARENTING OURSELVES, PARENTING OUR CHILDREN, Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson

Surf the Internet:

self-esteem

stepparents

step-parenting

unconditional love