Congratulations – you’re a new husband and stepdad! You’ve begun an exciting new life promising to be full of challenges. You’ve embarked on a life journey undertaken by more than 65 percent of all American families. Jumping the broom was fun, but now you must build a bridge to cross the gap between you and your stepchildren.
Gaining your stepchildren’s love and acceptance will not happen overnight. And while you may find it easier to relate to your stepsons, you still must find a valid way to show your love and commitment to your stepdaughter.
Along with providing consistent parental boundaries and showing a genuine interest in their lives, you can close the gap by giving meaningful and proper gifts during the holidays and on special occasions. As you shop for the ideal present for your stepdaughter, keep these tips in mind.
Your Sentiments
Every day more than 2,100 blended families are created. Two hearts become one with several “new” offspring. The holy bonds of matrimony in a blended family include bonds to one or more people with whom you must begin to develop a relationship. One national florist urged us to “Say it with flowers.”
But when you buy a gift for your stepdaughter, what are you really saying? “I love you” or “I want you to love me?” As you shop for gifts, consider the sentiment you wish to express. Tokens and trinkets purchased with little thought or emotion behind them only temporarily fill the gap between you two.
When you are out shopping, you must remember to invest the parental love and affection you feel for your new stepchild. Using your parental instincts and emotions to guide you can help you choose the ideal gift that will not be viewed as a mere bargaining chip or as temporary leverage in your relationship.
Your Stepdaughter’s Passions
Justin-who? Beyon-where? Even if you do not share [or even understand] them, her hobbies, interests, and passions should be foremost in your mind as you are selecting a unique and meaningful gift for your stepdaughter. As you log on a great online store like www.christmasgifts.com, it can be very tempting for you to choose a present reflecting your interests and hobbies.
However, when you choose a gift she will personally like and relate to, you show her you respect and love her for her individuality. You show you are not out to change her, but love her for the person she is now.
A Legacy
The latest smartphone, tablet, video game, or other technological gadget . . . buying one of these gifts for your stepdaughter would be an easy out. She’ll love it today, but it’ll be obsolete tomorrow. Technology rarely stands the test of time. If you want to give your stepdaughter a gift that can be enjoyed now as well as in the future, set up a trust fund for her later use.
Then spend time teaching her about the value of wealth-building and stewardship over such a blessing. The wealth of information you share and the values you instill in her – this is a legacy that will last forever.
You can turn the challenge of gift-giving into a wonderful bonding opportunity. Trust your love to guide you to the perfect choice, and enjoy the process of building that bridge and closing that gap between the two of you.
Writer and former stepmom LaGeris Underwood Bell sends heartfelt wishes for success to step-families everywhere. She advises that stepdads who turn to www.christmasgifts.com for the perfect gift this holiday season will easily fulfill the season’s special moments in their stepdaughters‘ lives.
