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
