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An important task for stepparents is to positively connect with stepchildren.

Working with stepchildren on projects can strengthen relationships.

Working together provides opportunities to model behaviors and to mentor stepchildren.

For stepparents, one of the most important things they can do is to build a positive connection with their stepchildren. A simple way to think of this is that stepparents need to do things to get stepchildren to like them early in the relationship and to continue doing those things (see First Steps for Stepparents). There are many ways that stepparents can positively bond with stepchildren through working. My focus as a family scientist has been to study how stepparents build rewarding relationships with stepchildren. In this and other blog posts, I share research-based findings about creating and maintaining satisfying and effective relationships in stepfamilies.

One of the most obvious ways that stepparents get connected with stepchildren is to play and have fun with them (see Having Fun with Stepchildren). A less obvious, but also effective approach to bonding is by working with stepchildren.

Working With, Working Alongside, Working to Help and Support

Let’s break down what we mean by working. Do we mean digging ditches together? Solving a mystery? Fixing a broken toilet? Well, maybe, but working used here means joining forces with stepchildren to address a problem or to complete a project, any kind of project. For example, helping a stepchild with a school assignment or a 4-H Club project can be a productive........

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