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Posted on June 29, 2012 by Christine Crosby in 

Becoming Close to Stepgrandchildren


[dropcap]Q: [/dropcap]My son’s wife died several years ago and he recently remarried a woman with three children (ages 6, 8 and 10). I have always wanted to be a grandmother. What is the best way for me to establish a relationship with my new step-grandchildren? I get the feeling they resent me.

[dropcap]A: [/dropcap] You are in a difficult situation, but there is an enormous potential for positive change. The most important thing you can do right now is to not try and replace the children’s biological grandmother. Just try and be there for the children in a supportive manner. Listen to them. Don’t seek their approval. Respect their relationship with their natural grandmother and realize that they are also getting to know your son. Include them in activities. Eventually, you will find yourselves growing closer.

Christine Crosby

About the author

Christine is the co-founder and editorial director for GRAND Magazine. She is the grandmother of five and great-grandmom (aka Grandmere) to one. She makes her home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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