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	<title>Better Relationships &#187; PARENTING</title>
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	<link>https://www.better-relationships.com</link>
	<description>Marriage &#38; Couples Counseling, Psychotherapy, Premarital Counseling</description>
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		<title>Prevent Caregiver Stress &amp; Burnout</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/prevent-caregiver-stress-burnout/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/prevent-caregiver-stress-burnout/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 23:20:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[burnout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caregiver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caregiver burnout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caregiver fatigue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caregiver Stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elder care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fatigue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4429</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress The following article is an excerpt from: A Caregiver’s Guide to Coping with Stress and Burnout &#8211; Caring.com (downloaded March 21, 2023 from Caring.com) &#160; Caregiver stress doesn’t just affect you mentally- it can also lead to physical problems, including chronic pain.  “The mind and body are connected. When you experience stress, there are a whole range of physiological changes — every organ in the body is affected,” says Vicki Rackner, a clinical faculty member of the University of Washington School of Medicine and the author of Caregiving Without Regrets. We recommend the following strategies to help you maintain your own wellness while supporting your loved one. Seek Professional Guidance and Support Groups Many people choose to seek the help of a therapist or support group to manage their caregiver stress. “That provides a safe, sympathetic, and constructive environment where caregivers can express their wants and needs,” says Darren Sush, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. Support groups for caregivers, even highly tailored ones such as for Alzheimer’s caregivers or particularly for men, may also be available in your area, though most caregivers find it difficult to get out of the house for support groups in their limited free time. Ask at local hospitals, senior centers, places of worship, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Ask Family and Friends for Help Find others who can step in and give you a break. It can be hard to ask for help, but know that your good friends and family want you to be happy. Not only will it give you some time to relax, but those filling in will better understand both your needs and your care recipient’s needs. Make sure to express your gratitude: It’s sometimes a good idea to compensate family or friends informally with things like gift cards, a bag of their favorite coffee, or a dessert to-go. When approaching potential helpers, be specific about what’s required and get a solid commitment about the days and times they’re available to avoid uncomfortable arguments down the road. Bring Your Employer Into the Loop Caregivers are often [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Growth During Crisis</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/growth-during-crisis/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/growth-during-crisis/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2020 21:35:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DEPRESSION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GRIEF & LOSS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change. sudden change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dealing with crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elderly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[isolation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[suicide]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4375</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For many of us, life as we know it is or soon will be gone, be it socially, professionally or personally. Being aware of and expressing our thoughts and feelings during this crisis is important to our mental and emotional health.  Sudden change often creates anxiety. To help reduce your stress, focus on what you can control; add structure to routines; develop near-term plans (i.e., days or one week out); avoid obsessively watching the news; and talk about your feelings with friends and family. One quick way to calm yourself and stay in the present moment is to do a simple grounding exercise. Pick up an object and concentrate on its weight, shape, color, texture and scent. You can also learn relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation through free online apps and eBooks specific to anxiety. Helpful websites include anxiety.org and www.adaa.org. Feelings of grief and loss are also normal. Grief may come out of nowhere, completely consuming you. But you can have some control over your response. For example, you can schedule a specific time for grieving. Then when it strikes, tell yourself “Not now, later.” Then at the specified time allow yourself to grieve. Free online apps and eBooks related to grieving and depression are available. For additional resources go to griefcounselor.org, nami.org and nihm.nih.gov. People who we thought were strong may need our help and emotional support. For example, trauma victims and those with mental illness already have compromised emotional and psychological resources. Additional stress may weaken their existing coping capacity and lead to more symptoms. The effects on children of long-term school closures, social isolation and daily interaction with parents who are now their teachers are unknown, meaning they may also need support. Under stress, it’s normal for kids to regress and act younger.  Once parents determine and address what’s wrong, normal behavior usually returns. Extra reassurance and encouragement are vital to a child’s emotional well-being. One way for parents to help their children feel valuable is to ask what they’re learning at home, from them, about relationships. Resources for helping children include kidsmentalhealth.org and acmh-mi.org. Loving relationships [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Healthy Pleasure</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/healthy-pleasure/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/healthy-pleasure/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2019 21:39:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DEPRESSION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[having fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy plesure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pleasure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[simple pelasures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work-life balance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4289</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[  Engaging in Simple, Healthy Pleasures Can Restore Balance to our Hectic Lives The brain has several pleasure centers which are activated by chemicals which speed satisfying sensations from one nerve to the next. Children the world over, when they are left alone to do what they choose, engage in endless hours of play. They pursue fun. Childhood may be the time in life when our brains are trained to experience pleasure. If we accomplish this task well as children, we may have healthier lives as adults — as long as we don’t lose the ability to play that we acquired in childhood. Pleasure guides us to better health. When experiences are enjoyable, we want more of them. Our bodies tell us that sleep, reproduction, eating, companionship, and exercise – to name just a few of our common daily activities – are enjoyable. Our survival depends on engaging in these activities. And we define these basic actions as sources of fun or pleasure, and this may explain why we feel impelled to engage in them. A &#8216;Mindset&#8217; for Healthy Pleasure Think about what children do when they play. They lose themselves in the pleasure of the moment. We have all observed children at play. They glow with pleasure — they shout, smile, and move their bodies. Engrossed in their world of play, they are aware of neither the past nor the future. There is only the moment. As adults, we also have an ability to shift our awareness from rational and logical concerns to a level which is freer and centered on the moment. People who can shift appropriately between the “there and then” to the “here and now” are good at reality testing and adapting to the demands of the world. They can draw on both their thought processes and their ability to take effective action. What would happen if these behaviors were not pleasurable? Eating would disappear and sleep would vanish. We could no longer survive. Balancing Fun and Work Balance is the key to understanding the role of having fun vs. meeting real-world obligations in our lives. [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Actively Listening &#8211; the Other Half of Effective Communication</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/actively-listening-the-other-half-of-effective-communication/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/actively-listening-the-other-half-of-effective-communication/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2019 23:41:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ARGUMENTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[concentration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[conversation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[language art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[listening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pay attention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[understanding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4274</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[  Active Communication Requires One Person to Talk and the Other to Listen &#8230; and Both to Do Their Parts Well Listening is the other half of communication. Our first thought, when we think about communication, may be to consider the speaker’s ability to convey ideas effectively. What we often forget is that without a listener the speaker may as well be talking to the wind. Just as effective speaking is an acquired skill, so is good listening. Some do it better than others. But all of us can learn to enrich our own listening skills. Think about what happens when you hear someone speak. You pay attention to the person’s appearance, to activity in the background, to what you did earlier in the day, to a conversation you had with someone else, or to your counterargument, and how you will present it. Your mind flits from topic to topic as you take in only fragments of what the other person says. It seems a wonder that people understand each other as well as they do. The speaker conveys only a portion of the real meaning of an intended idea – and the listener may pick up on only a fraction of the information transmitted. We think we know what the speaker was trying to say, but often we are absolutely wrong. Have you ever played the “rumor game” in a large circle? The first person whispers a message to the next in line, and this message goes from person to person until it gets to the end of the circle. Something like “two kittens were playing with a ball of string” easily mutates into “the lion sleeps tonight” as the message is relayed around the circle.) Listening is itself a form of communication Listening to another person sends the message that you care and that you are truly interested in the other person’s ideas. Without the ability to listen effectively, true intimacy and mutual respect between partners, two of the hallmarks of a successful relationship, are not even possible. When you fail to listen to your partner, you may [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Talk to Your Child about School Violence</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-school-violence/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-school-violence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2018 03:32:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[School Violence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[communicating with your child]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[school violence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talking to kids about school violence]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4177</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[School violence has become a central concern for both students and parents. In this day and age, parents find it necessary to have painful but important conversations with their children about this topic. For instance, talking about what to do if a violent incident occurs in their school and asking what their feelings and concerns are. Some parents wonder if they should buy their child a bullet-proof backpack. As a parent, of course, you want to protect your child from even worrying about these things. But you also know that you need to talk to them about the issues, no matter how hard that may be for you. So, what to do? How can you approach the subject? Consider some of these helpful tips for talking to your child about school violence. Prepare for the Conversation Before you even sit down with your child, do your homework and prepare for the conversation. Ask what is being done at your child’s school to keep them safe. Have there been new procedures put in place? Don’t be afraid to call up the school and question them or attend a parent meeting that will be covering this topic. Also, prepare yourself emotionally to have this discussion with your child. Make sure you are in the right frame of mind to talk. Ensure a Distraction-Free Discussion When you do sit down to talk, ensure that both of you are free from distractions. That means turning off the TV and cell phones. It’s important that both of you have each other’s complete attention. This is important for two reasons: Your child will know you are taking this matter seriously and are genuinely interested in having this discussion. You will be able to put more attention and focus on both what they are saying and what they are not saying (body language). Otherwise, you might miss something important. Listen to Your Child When you do sit down to talk, actually listen to your child and hear what they have to say about the subject and their concerns. Take a moment to absorb what they are saying before [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Aftermath of Infidelity: How to Help Your Children Cope with Your Affair</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/aftermath-of-infidelity-how-to-help-your-children-cope-with-your-affair/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/aftermath-of-infidelity-how-to-help-your-children-cope-with-your-affair/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 00:27:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FORGIVENESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INFIDELITY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cheating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children and divorce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional affair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[infidelity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4086</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When a relationship is rocked by an affair, the betrayed partner is often the focus of attention. This is normal, since the hurt partner is traumatized. In the immediate aftermath of the affair, addressing this partner’s anger, pain, shock and confusion is of paramount importance. But if you have children they also feel the effects and need as much help coping with the painful situation as much as &#8211; or even more  &#8211; than your partner needs. So after your children learn about your affair, what can you do? Note: The worst possible scenario you could face would be that your child becomes suicidal. At the end of this article are the Warning Signs of Childhood Depression including what actions you would need to take. Prepare for Their Anger In the aftermath of your affair, your partner’s anger and pain can surge at any time, day or night. Sometimes it can seem like their emotions flood the home. If you have children, they too will struggle with their emotions. And if you’re unprepared for this you can get overwhelmed. Your child’s anger is a common reaction, especially if they are old enough to understand what an affair is. It&#8217;s also common for your child to immediately mistrust you about everything. And just like your partner, their pain and angry can erupt at any time. Sometimes children blame the hurt partner for allowing the affair to happen. If this happens try to be patient with your child. Refrain from overreacting if your child lashes out at either of you. During your affair you probably made excuses to the kids about not being able to spend time with them. Children will often do emotional somersaults in their mind in order to believe a cheating parent’s lies, despite knowing or feeling like they’re being lied to. Furthermore, they can feel unwanted and what’s worse, blame themselves for the affair. Once the affair is revealed a child can get very angry about having had to deal with these feelings and for wasting the energy trying to believe the lies. Regardless of what happens between [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Talking to Your Kids About Sex: Do’s and Don’ts</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/talking-to-your-kids-about-sex-dos-and-donts/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/talking-to-your-kids-about-sex-dos-and-donts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2018 22:17:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children and sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids and sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen sex]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4061</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; It’s the one conversation that makes parents cringe and squirm: the sex talk. It&#8217;s natural if you feel anxious about this and you can let your child know this if it happens. They too will probably feel awkward but if you keep calm and aren&#8217;t afraid of having this discussion, it will help them feel safer with you. If you are finding yourself in this position, considering these &#8216;Do’s and Don’ts&#8217; may help you handle the situation: Do Start the Conversation Early This means starting the discussion much earlier than you might imagine. So be prepared, learn what to say and agree with your partner on how to approach this sensitive topic. Parents who choose to do so have “The Talk” just before their child&#8217;s teen years. Yet, the conversation really needs to happen earlier than that, and not just once. Of course, you want to be age-appropriate, especially with young children. One good resource for knowing when to start and what to say is your child&#8217;s pediatrician. Also, several excellent books on this topic are available. Young people are usually way ahead of their parents when it comes to leaning about sex.  They&#8217;ve already seen or heard a lot of sexual references in TV shows, movies, social media and music. But without proper guidance, trying to make sense of this on their own can leave a child confused and anxious. So instead of waiting until your child starts believing what they see and hear from friends or on social media, consider starting these discussions more sooner than later. Don’t Overreact to Questions If your child starts asking questions about sex, don’t overreact. Instead, take a few deep breaths to get yourself centered and ready to talk. Thank them for coming to you and tell them you know how hard this might be for them. Their curiosity is normal, and taking the initiative to ask you indicates that they trust and feel safe you. But, if they see you getting upset or overreacting, they may blame themselves and learn not to ask you again. Their questions are an opportunity [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How Birth Order Affects Our Behavior and Relationships</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/how-birth-order-affects-our-behavior-and-relationships/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/how-birth-order-affects-our-behavior-and-relationships/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2018 21:33:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ARGUMENTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COUPLES THERAPY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[birth order]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=4016</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Researchers have studied the effects of birth order for nearly a century now, but learned only within the past few decades about the influence of birth order on our behavior and the nature of relationships with our partners. We now know that the strategies we learn in childhood for dealing with our parents and siblings has a lasting influence on our behavior, often in ways we barely recognize. Same Home but Worlds Apart If brothers and sisters are raised by the same parents, how do they end up so different? Why does one sibling grow up to be successful academically and professionally but with few friends, while another becomes the athlete with loads of friends? To the degree that one of the siblings is a responsible person, another will be attention-seeking or rebellious. One follows the ways of the parents and another looks outside the family for support. Consider two parents, possibly newly married, who have their first child. Determined to be the best parents in the world, they dote on the child, give the child an abundance of attention, and try to show just how responsible they are. They want to be perfect parents and they want the child to be perfect – and it’s a lesson the child learns well. First- borns often grow up with perfectionist tendencies, and they strive for approval and success in the adult world. The world of the first-born child differs markedly from the second born, and if a third comes along, he or she will carve out territory within the family system that differs from the first two. This is not to say that these patterns are carved in stone – there are always exceptions to the rules. For example, if the first two children are born close together and the third child comes along much later, the last-born may have characteristics resembling the first-born. The second child usually doesn’t get nearly as much attention, and different from the first born, this child often goes outside of the family as they grow up &#8211; the support of their friends becomes more important [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>From Single Life to Stepparent: 5 Tips to Help You Adjust</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/from-single-life-to-stepparent-5-tips-to-help-you-adjust/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/from-single-life-to-stepparent-5-tips-to-help-you-adjust/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Mar 2018 22:56:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COUNSELING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PARENTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stepchildren]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stepdad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stepkids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stepmom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stepparent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=3977</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Marrying the love of your life is always exciting. And while it’s very possible to achieve happiness, giving up your single life is a huge adjustment. Becoming a stepparent at the same time can make the challenges even greater. Consider these 5 tips to help you adjust. 1. Don’t Assume You Know How to Stepparent While you may be eager to assume a parenting role, keep in mind that you’ve remained single up to this point and you probably know very little about day-to-day demands that most children make on parents. Although you may have spent nights or weekends together, everyone in the home still has to adjust once you move in, and this change probably won’t happen overnight. It will take time for the children and your spouse to adjust to seeing you there every day and adjusting  to your new stepparent role. Even though you’ve already spent time with the children, once you move in each one will require different parenting approaches and each may want their own unique relationship with you. Boys and girls have different emotional, relational and psychological needs and this varies depending on their age. Depending on their age, it&#8217;s normal for stepchildren to expect you to understand what they need and to provide it. You can help them (and yourself) realize that this will take time. 2. Be Consistent with Your Partner on House Rules As it is with most parents, it’s important that you and your spouse agree on house rules and how these will be enforced. It helps if both of you, together, meet with the children and make sure everyone understands boundaries and consequences. Your spouse needs to clarify to the kids when you have full authority to set limits and when you can discipline them.  Children have a unique talent of trying to ‘split’ parents, and clarifying rules and boundaries up front can help prevent this. For example, let’s say your spouse isn’t home and the house rule is lights are out by 10 PM. The kids may try complaining that the other parent let them stay up later. [&#8230;]]]></description>
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