Seven tips to help

Here are seven tips to help enable healthy interactions and positive self-esteem in your own kids and your stepkids:

• Don’t meddle in the affairs of the other home.

• Maintain a cooperative and flexible attitude with your ex when discussing the kids’ schedules.

• Keep conflict with your ex-spouse away from the ears of your children.

• Encourage your children to be responsible with their belongings.

• As a stepparent, offer grace and understanding to your stepchildren.

• Consider the needs of your children and stepchildren as they transition.

• Commit to a new tomorrow when you fail.