Prior to using this Quick Discussion Guide, you and your child may want to do any or all of the following activities on "It's My Life":
Discussion Questions:
- Do you have any concerns about how my remarriage will affect the relationship between you and me?
- Do you have questions about how the household will be set up; for instance, bedtimes, chores, room-sharing, etc.?
- What traditions, privileges, or routines are you most afraid of losing once our new stepfamily is living together?
- How can I help you feel like you have privacy in the new household?
- Are you worried about how your mother or father will react to you having a new stepparent?
- What can we do as a family to all get to know each other better?
- What can I do to help you feel like you can talk to me about any problems or questions that come up along the way?
- Would it help to arrange a regular family meeting so we can address these and anything else that needs to be dealt with?
Remember:
--Emphasize that the new stepparent is not meant to be, and will never be, a replacement for a biological parent. Rather, he or she is an additional source of emotional and financial support in your family.
--Encourage your child to think of your family, your ex-spouse’s family, and all grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. as one larger familial unit.
--Set a good communication example for your child by using “I-Messages” to express your feelings and concerns.
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