https://cruciallearning.com/blog/caught-in-the-middle-conversations-between-stepchild-and-parent/ VitalSmarts is now Crucial Learning Wed, 10 May 2023 13:23:45 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://cruciallearning.com/blog/caught-in-the-middle-conversations-between-stepchild-and-parent/#comment-10890 Wed, 03 May 2023 17:00:09 +0000 https://www.vitalsmarts.com/crucialskills/?p=9476#comment-10890 Nothing is more important than your love to your kids. They need you to spend QUALITY time with them to show that you love them (not material things).

]]> https://cruciallearning.com/blog/caught-in-the-middle-conversations-between-stepchild-and-parent/#comment-10889 Wed, 03 May 2023 16:26:23 +0000 https://www.vitalsmarts.com/crucialskills/?p=9476#comment-10889 My teenage boy stepson and I had very little to talk about, and I often felt that many of my questions seemed invasive – and we would sit in silence. Then we got our six-month old “teenage boy cat” who loves attention. Now we both share regular photos of the bad cat getting into trouble. Our cat was able to give us something in common to regularly talk about, which then made it easier to extend the conversation to school, life, and more. Good luck.

]]> https://cruciallearning.com/blog/caught-in-the-middle-conversations-between-stepchild-and-parent/#comment-10888 Wed, 03 May 2023 14:16:53 +0000 https://www.vitalsmarts.com/crucialskills/?p=9476#comment-10888 I have been in a blended family for 12 years, with 5 children in the mix. Teen angst is so very real and often adolescents just don’t have the emotional capacity to handle situations like this the way WE expect as the mature adults. My husband and I work on our own relationship to show the kids how to have a healthy, nurturing marriage and we communicate and check in often with our kids. Even when we ask them how they are and we get the typical, one word, “FINE” response. We say “ok, we are here for you if you need anything”. With time, you may find if you are more gentle in your approach with zero expectations of their reciprocation, they may actually open up. Also good to remember that time naturally heals some angst, as he won’t be a teen forever.

]]> https://cruciallearning.com/blog/caught-in-the-middle-conversations-between-stepchild-and-parent/#comment-10887 Wed, 03 May 2023 13:08:15 +0000 https://www.vitalsmarts.com/crucialskills/?p=9476#comment-10887 Wow. I could have used this years ago. I have been in a similar situation and have taken it on as my problem and it has caused me some stress FOR sure. Not to mention the others involved with whose relationships I was trying to “fix.” Yikes. I love the intersectionality between work/life when it comes to crucial conversations. Thanks

]]> https://cruciallearning.com/blog/caught-in-the-middle-conversations-between-stepchild-and-parent/#comment-10886 Wed, 03 May 2023 13:07:50 +0000 https://www.vitalsmarts.com/crucialskills/?p=9476#comment-10886 Is it possible that “Getting Through is a stepdad, not stepmom, and the son’s Dad lives elsewhere? Wouldn’t that change the picture somewhat— stepdad could move toward offering a non judgemental ear, receiving son’s thoughts about what is happening. Teenagers often benefit from, and seek, a relative “ outsider” adult with which to think things through.

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