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Expert Q&A
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| By Chris Crutcher Author, Licensed Child and Family Therapist | ||
How do I talk to my stepdaughter about changes she will go through in middle school? I am worried about overstepping my boundaries with her. Can you help?
First figure out where she NEEDS help. You're right to be a little more "aware" with your stepdaughter, particularly if she has a mother some place doing the same thing. You want to have your standards, but you want them to clash as little as possible. Remember you can come out and ask about those boundaries you worry about overstepping. Set some between you. Let her help. You need razor sharp hearing to understand when she needs knowledge. Again, this is one where good books go a long way. There are all kinds of them out there. Nothing wrong with leaving a few of them sitting around.
Related Expert Q&A
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- I have no trouble talking to my own daughters, but I am worried about overstepping my boundaries with my stepdaughter. Can you help?
- How do I talk to my stepdaughter about changes she will go through in middle school?
- I don't want to push my stepdaughter away, but she is irritating me beyond words. What can I do?
- My stepdaughter has become isolated from the rest of the family. What can I do?
More Answers by this Expert
- We recently moved into a new neighborhood, and my 8-year-old son has made friends with the 13-year-old boy next door. They share a common interest in sports, but I am reluctant to encourage the friendship because of the age difference. What should I do?
- Should I wait to tell my son about his complicated adoption until he is 18?
- My husband says an adopted child will feel inferior to our biological children. How can I argue that?
- Some classmates are teasing my son, and I am worried my son will gain a negative image of our family and adoption. What should I do?
- My daughter is getting married and she wants both her adoptive dad – my husband – and her biological father involved. How do I guide her in this? How do we word things on the program?



