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It’s never easy to see your ex-wife get married, and when you have children together, the thought of paying child support and having to co-parent with a guy you don’t even know can be frightening and infuriating. However, under the right circumstances, your relationship with your kids’ new stepdad can be one of positivity, encouragement, and mutual respect.
In all likelihood, your kids’ new stepdad is as apprehensive about having to deal with his wife’s ex-husband and the father of his new stepchildren as you are about having him in the lives of you and your children. No matter how unenthused you are with your ex-wife’s new husband, having a positive relationship with him can only have a positive influence on your children and make your job as their father easier to handle. Conversely, having a negative and contentious relationship with him can not only put stress on your children, but it can plant the seeds of resentment that will only make your parenting job more difficult.
It’s also important to remember that having another positive male influence can be extremely beneficial to your children, especially when the two of you can work together. If at first he seems like someone who couldn’t be less like you, take the time to find some common ground. You’ll likely find out that your strengths and weaknesses complement one another, which can be a positive thing for your children.
Depending on what your combined interests are, it could also be helpful to spend some one-on-one time with your kids’ new stepdad to get a better feel for him on a personal level. When you remove the stresses of familial responsibilities and get real with one another, you might end up connecting on a level that enables the two of you to work harmoniously to create the best possible parenting team for your children.
While having a good relationship with your kids’ new stepdad is optimal, it’s not always a guarantee, despite the effort you put in. If you feel like your ex-wife’s new husband is not a positive influence on your children, then you may be able to argue for a new custody arrangement. At Bailey Smith & Bailey, P.C., we’ve spent years successfully defending the parenting rights of men during and after their divorce. Contact us today to request a consultation with a family law attorney who is ready to fight for what’s best for you and your children.