A is for a fresh start . It can work but you will require extra effort and wisdom to make a strong family.

B is for blood, which is thicker than water. Don’t compete. Rather strive to compliment the already existing relationships.

C is for co-parent . Do this effectively, your children need you to be the adults you are supposed to be.

D is for discipline, your children need your guidance and training that will correct and mold their character. 

E is effort, you will have to put in work and time to build and maintain healthy step relationships. 

F is for fear of failure, beware of it to overcome it.

G is for God, he will pull you through it all. Trust in him.

H is for homes, there will be more than one and the kids need to feel wanted and loved in every single one of them.

I is for information, learn all you you can about stepfamilies. 

J is for jealousy. Beware of the green eyed monster and the damage this can have on your relationship.

K is for keepsakes, build them.

L is for love, your greatest weapon, generously use it all day everyday.

M is for marriage. Your family is only as strong as your marriage so make it a priority.

N is for new beginnings, forget the past and start working towards a better future, embrace the journey.

O is for open up about everything, the good, the bad and ugly and be ready to roll up your sleeves and make things better.

P is for plan, for visitation schedules, finances, co-parenting structure, family holidays basically every aspect of family life. Otherwise you will be overwhelmed.

Q for is for quit second guessing yourself.

R is for respect each and every member of your new family as a minimum requirement 

S is for sharing, your love, time, your life.

T is for trust, develop and nurture it.

U is for unfairness, be careful not to fall into this trap especially when it comes to the children.

V is for values. What values does your family live by?

W is for work, work work on your relationships everyday.

X is for ex spouses, you can’t wish them away, learn how to co exist respectfully.

Y is for YOLO, life is too short to sweat the small stuff, have fun, laugh out loud and let no one drag you down.

Z is for zip it. If your words will destroy rather than build up, keep it to yourself.

Want to learn more about stepfamily life and what to expect? Download a copy of my free ebook ‘The truth about stepfamilies’ HERE