When a stepdad comes into a child’s life, there’s usually an established bond between the child and the mother. So, the stepdad usually spends a portion of time learning and developing a relationship with the child. In many cases, stepdads are perceived in a negative light.
If you’re a stepdad, you can change this stigma by being a present and reliable source of encouragement in a child’s life. Consider these five ways stepdads can help stepkids succeed in school.
1. Positive Influence on Mother’s Life
One of the reasons stepparents have a stigma attached to them is that they can negatively change the family dynamic. If a stepdad comes into the picture, the child might feel like they need to share their mother. Instead, always be a positive influence by encouraging the mom to nurture her children.
If she is spending time with you, that’s not a bad thing. However, make sure that there is a strong emphasis on the children first. You never want to feel like you are taking valuable time away from children who need their mother.
Always be supportive of a mother’s desire and need to take care of her children. Walk alongside her in that jjourney of parenthood.
2. Knowledge of Current Lessons
Find out what your stepchild is learning in school. If you find out that one of your stepchildren is learning more about biology, watch a few YouTube videos and read a few books on the specific areas that they’re focusing on in biology. Once you get a better understanding of what they’re studying, make it your job to learn about those topics as well.
When you have a working knowledge of the lessons they’re learning, you can have conversations and relate to them on those topics. If nothing else, you should strive to help them develop the “four C’s of the 21st Century,” which are: critical thinking and problem solving, communication, creativity and innovations, and collaboration.
3. Study Sessions
Have study sessions with your children. If there is a specific subject that one of the children is not doing well in, help them find helpful online tools and other educational resources. Create flashcards that cover the different vocabulary words that they need to learn.
Make their study sessions fun by creating sessions that cater to their learning styles. Studying won’t feel like a significant chore anymore when you do this. If it does, knowing that you are there to help them is encouraging enough.
4. Positive Reinforcements and Incentives
As the children pass tests and get good grades, give positive reinforcement. When they do well on a test, take them to see a great movie. When they pass the class with flying colors, give them $100 to go shopping. Find ways to incentivize their learning, which can motivate them to do better.
5. Reading Together
Reading is fundamental for so many reasons. Students have to read to pass classes and get through school. Find ways to read books together. If your stepchildren are in their early elementary years, you can read to them and have them read to you.
If they are in high school, find books that you can read together. When you foster a love and practice of reading, this will encourage their desire to learn.
As you work towards becoming the best stepfather you can be, you’ll better understand how your stepchildren respond to different tactics. Be attentive, perceptive, and willing to improve. As you do this, the job will become easier and more enjoyable.
