The holidays can be a hectic time for families and particularly tricky to navigate if you recently remarried. It will take time for you, your stepchildren, and your new spouse to settle into this new dynamic. That said, although you may encounter some obstacles, the holidays can still be a joyous time for you and your family. Continue reading for some helpful tips.
Getting Through the Holidays as a New Stepparent
If you are a stepparent, navigating the holiday season with your family for the first time since your marriage may be a bit emotionally challenging, particularly for the children involved.
Here are some tips that may help:
- When you are in front of the children, you and your spouse must present a sense of unity. Save any disagreements for when you have a private moment together to discuss them. Doing so will give the children a strong sense of security and help reinforce your bond as a family.
- Be empathic towards your stepchildren and show that you value their feelings, especially when they open up enough to share with you. Acting with empathy will help them feel safe, understood, and strengthen your relationship with them.
- Go easy on yourself. The holidays are stressful even in the most ideal situations, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make this time of year perfect. Simply be authentic in your behavior and, if you are ever in doubt, look to your new spouse for cues.
Stepparent Rights in Florida
In Florida, although stepparents have no legal rights when it comes to child time sharing proceedings, their actions and presence could play a major role in determining how much time a child spends in the home. If the marriage ultimately ends, however, the stepparent would not have any visitation rights or an obligation to pay child support.
If you have a strong bond with your stepchild and you are still married to the child’s parent, going through the adoption process can be an effective way to protect your rights and relationship with your stepchild.
Schedule a Consultation with One of Our Compassionate Family Lawyers Today!
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our family law team has over 100 years of combined experience working with families as they navigate some of life’s most sensitive legal matters. You can rely on us to help you obtain the best outcome for your case.
Reach out to our law office today at (800) 822-5170 to schedule a consultation.