Stepkids And Divorce: Staying Close To Your Stepchildren After The Split (Video)

Video by Janie Lacy for YourTango

Are you getting divorced? Do you love your stepchildren as if they were your own? Are you afraid that the end of your marriage will mean the end of your relationship with his kids? Don't worry, you're not alone, and there is hope.

In this video, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and YourTango Expert Janie Lacy reminds you, first and foremost, that "you are divorcing your partner; you're not divorcing the kids." It's important to remember that divorce marks the end of a marriage, but not necessarily the end of any other relationships associated with the marriage. Your relationship with your stepkids is separate and distinct from your relationship with your spouse.

Janie also advises couples to let the kids know that you are connected to them, how you feel about them, and your desire to stay connected. However, before you do that, there's one critical step that must come first. Want to know what it is? Check out the video above and find out for yourself.

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Comments

[Janie Lacy]

10:52 AM on 04/09/2012

It is more common than most people would think....individuals that keep in touch with step-families after a relationship ends. This can be especially important with children after a bond has been established, however, there is no doubt that challenges can present themselves once the adults move on with new relationships.

[jabreal00]

07:14 AM on 04/06/2012

Come on, let's be realistic here. If one is divorcing they will lose most if not all connection with their step children. The step children already have a biologic mother or father from the previous marriage. Not to mention if both divorcing couples remarry there undoubtedly be more stepchildren. Just move on.

[715W]

10:36 PM on 04/08/2012

Exactly.

Let go. Move on.

[maxbianco]

07:13 AM on 04/10/2012

X2
Ive been down this road. had a step child. divorced her mother. this is how it ends up.
you, the step parent, are forgotten.
move on as fast as you can.