In Their Shoes: Helping Parents Better Understand

In Their Shoes: Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce

See the World from a Stepchild's Perspective

Tension is common between parent and child in a blended family. But take heart. Walking in your child's shoes for a while, seeing things from their point of view, can make all the difference.

While every stepparent/stepchild relationship is unique, there are certain experiences and reactions that are common among children as they adapt to their changing families. The relational struggles are probably not because of your personality or something you've done wrong, however, but simply because of the position you hold. Lauren Reitsema's stories, research, and first-hand experiences will help you better understand your child's mindset as he or she navigates this new family dynamic. Reitsema carefully explains these themes and offers practical ideas that will help you cultivate authentic connections.

Discover what's going on in the heart and mind of your child and learn to walk beside them. Your efforts will pay off in a stronger, closer blended family relationship.

Lauren Reitsema is Vice President of Strategy and Communications at The Center for Relationship Education and has been a featured speaker at FamilyLife's Blended Summit and Blended and Blessed conferences. Lauren's interest in relationship education began when her parents divorced after almost twenty years of marriage. She has been speaking professionally on relationship skills to youth, adults, and corporate teams for more than fifteen years. She and her husband, Josh, love adventuring with their three children in Colorado.