One in three children will live in a step-parent family
sometime during their childhood...
I'm Bill McCartney... It's 4TH and Goal!
PROGRAM BODY (2:00 - 2:05)
When Gary married Karen, he became an instant father to Karen's 6-year-old
daughter, Jennifer. He'd never been a parent before. But, four
years later, I'm very happy to report, Gary and Jennifer have a wonderful
relationship.
They play together, laugh together, and talk together. Gary
shares stories with her. And, Jennifer looks forward to her "dates
with Dad" - whether it be bowling, or playing miniature golf, or watching
an old movie together.
And, when he and Karen put Jennifer to bed at night, Jennifer always
wants a big hug and kiss from Dad before she falls asleep. She is
a very happy, outgoing little girl, secure in her father's love.
How did Gary develop such a wonderful relationship with Jennifer?
He showed unconditional love to her from day one. During the wedding
ceremony, he got down on one knee and vowed to be Jennifer's loving, committed
father.
To build their relationship, he made sure that Jennifer knew that
she was his highest priority, after his wife. He made sure
that he was at every event that was important to her and showed an interest
in what she enjoyed. His maturity and security in who he was prepared
him for fathering.
Guys, being an instant step father isn't easy. I share this
story to encourage those of you contemplating marriage with a single mom.
Great relationships with step sons and daughters are possible! The
key is loving and accepting them for who they are and adapting to them,
not forcing them to adapt to a new adult.
A step father can make a child feel secure by modeling the commitment
and love he has for his wife. And, step dads should let moms handle
the discipline until the children love and trust himAnd, finally, be there!
An absentee step-dad is going to have a much harder time building a relationship
with his step children.
Men can have a huge impact on the lives of step children and they'll
blossom under the loving, caring leadership of their new daddy.
I'm Coach Bill McCartney.
Copyright (c) 2000 Promise Keepers.
4th and Goal - Coaching for Life's Tough Calls, with Bill McCartney,
is a radio ministry of Promise Keepers.
Heard on more than 470 outlets nationwide, 4th and Goal - Coaching for
Life's Tough Calls, with Bill McCartney, is a 3-minute daily radio commentary
providing men with a hope-filled approach to issues that men deal with
every day. The program addresses vital topics such as parenting, the fatherless,
teenage alienation, and marriage relationships, as well as reporting on
breaking news and research related to men's daily interests. 4th
and Goal transcripts are also available on the Internet.
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Copyright (c) 2000 Promise Keepers. Reprinted with permission.
"4th and Goal - Coaching for Life's Tough Calls," with Bill McCartney,
is a radio ministry of Promise Keepers.
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