Blended Family Resource Center has lots of great new articles to help blended families and step families with their everyday struggles of blending a family.
Here are some of the articles:
Five Rules for Divorced Dads
Managing Family Stress and Conflict Resolution
Top Ten Signs of a Successful Blended Family
Spend some time on the website today and help your family.
Have a great day!- Shirley Cress Dudley
Showing posts with label stepdads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stepdads. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Biological Mom has traits of narcissism and antisocial behavior- what to do?
Mom asks- I’m a stepmom to a 4 ½ year old boy and biological mom to a 17-month girl. Biological mom of son alienates and has many behaviors of narcissism/antisocial. How do we handle this?
Shirley Cress Dudley responds:
It’s hard enough to deal with the “other” parents in a blended family- much less when a parent has a possible personality disorder. Here are some tips that may help.
Don’t take her attacks and negative comments personally
Respond to her when you are calm and can look at the situation objectively. Don’t respond to any emotional comments or attacks. You don’t have to pick up the telephone every time she calls or respond immediately when she sends you a text. Take time to settle down and figure out if this is a message you need to respond to, or should ignore.
Focus on the child and his well-being
Respond only to issues concerning your stepson. Ignore anything non-related to him.
Speak positively about the other parent around your stepson
I know it’s difficult, but set the right example and speak positively about his biological mom. You may say, “I know your mom wants what’s best for you, so we’re going to talk as adults and get this figured out.”
Do the Right Thing
Keep your focus on doing what’s right for your stepson and your family. Work together as a team with your spouse. Continue to speak positively to the biological mom, stating that everyone wants what’s best for the children and you appreciate her working with you to make this happen. Keep your expectations up and continue to guide her to a healthier co-parenting relationship.
For more information, read Chapter Six of Blended Family Advice.
Shirley Cress Dudley responds:
It’s hard enough to deal with the “other” parents in a blended family- much less when a parent has a possible personality disorder. Here are some tips that may help.
Don’t take her attacks and negative comments personally
Respond to her when you are calm and can look at the situation objectively. Don’t respond to any emotional comments or attacks. You don’t have to pick up the telephone every time she calls or respond immediately when she sends you a text. Take time to settle down and figure out if this is a message you need to respond to, or should ignore.
Focus on the child and his well-being
Respond only to issues concerning your stepson. Ignore anything non-related to him.
Speak positively about the other parent around your stepson
I know it’s difficult, but set the right example and speak positively about his biological mom. You may say, “I know your mom wants what’s best for you, so we’re going to talk as adults and get this figured out.”
Do the Right Thing
Keep your focus on doing what’s right for your stepson and your family. Work together as a team with your spouse. Continue to speak positively to the biological mom, stating that everyone wants what’s best for the children and you appreciate her working with you to make this happen. Keep your expectations up and continue to guide her to a healthier co-parenting relationship.
For more information, read Chapter Six of Blended Family Advice.
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