Family

How do I deal with my blended/step family?
This is a hard situation for people of any age. The first thing children need to deal with is the separation of the original families. You may still be adjusting to only having one of your parents around when they announce the beginning of another family. Don't take out your anger on your new brothers and sisters. Remember that they are just as confused as you are. Although it may be hard, don't hate your step-parent either. It is not their fault. The best thing is to try to get to know your new family members. Talk and ask questions and do things together. You may be upset now, but believe it or not you will all get along soon. Being grumpy or mean isn't going to make things any better. This is the way things are going to be for a while and everyone has to adjust. Make an effort to get along and be friends. Who knows, things might not be that bad.

How can my parents and I be closer?
As teenagers most kids don't feel like hanging out with their parents as much as they did when they were younger. Teens and parents usually fight a lot more and it is harder for them to communicate. It is important not to totally push your parents away. They ask questions because they care about you. Due to hormones and how they affect your body, teens cannot always control their emotions. If you feel as though you are being too mean to your parent or upsetting them often it is important to apologize to them. Show them that you care by doing something nice like cooking dinner or cleaning up for them. Try to talk to them about stuff. If you open up a little more they will stop asking questions as much. By letting them in on how you are doing at school, telling them about your friends, and updating them on things your doing tells your parents that you still love them. Simple things such as watching TV or going grocery shopping together can also help improve your relationship with your parents.

My little brother/sister drives me crazy, what should I do?
Although you may get mad at them, understand that they love you. Little siblings look up to the older children in the house. They try to do everything the older one does. Yes, they may follow you around and invade your space but you are their hero. Try your best to be nice and try to distract them with another activity if you need to get away. If you lose your temper it will not only hurt their feelings, it will probably get you in trouble with your parents as well. Also remember that you are a role model so try not to do things in front of your younger sibling that you don't want them to do. Another suggestion is to set aside special time to be with them each week. Tell them that during the week you are busy with homework but then have a date each Saturday with just you and your younger sibling. If you have more than one little brother or sister try to give each of them equal attention and not to pick a favorite.

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