Help a new stepfamily settle in

Use this guide before or soon after you move in with a partner who has children, or when bringing your children into a partner's home. Have time set aside to talk with your partner alone first, and a rough idea of how the children spend their time between homes.

Step by step

1. Agree roles with your partner before the move

   Talk privately about who will discipline which children, and agree that in the early stages the birth parent usually leads on rules and consequences while the step-parent builds a relationship. Discuss money, bedrooms, time alone with each set of children and how you will handle disagreements. Write down the few things you agree on so you present a united front.