Age Makes a Difference
If you're like me, the older I get the slower I get. Age affects other things, too. Like when it comes to bonding with adopted, foster, or stepchildren-their age matters. In general, the younger a child is, the faster you bond with them. Teens are seeking autonomy and independence so they're not as invested in new relationships as their parents are. Bonding can be slow going, so loosen your expectations. Recognize that age influences a child's openness so meet the child where they are.
Show Notes
About the Host
About the Guest
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If you're like me, the older I get the slower I get. Age affects other things, too. Like when it comes to bonding with adopted, foster, or stepchildren-their age matters. In general, the younger a child is, the faster you bond with them. Teens are seeking autonomy and independence so they're not as invested in new relationships as their parents are. Bonding can be slow going, so loosen your expectations. Recognize that age influences a child's openness so meet the child where they are.
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Ron Deal
Ron L. Deal is one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the country. He is Director of FamilyLife Blended® for FamilyLife®, founder of Smart Stepfamilies™, and the author and Consulting Editor of the Smart Stepfamily Series of books including the bestselling Building Love Together in Blended Families: The 5 Love Languages® and Becoming Stepfamily Smart (with Dr. Gary Chapman), The Smart Stepfamily: 7 Steps to a Healthy Family, and Preparing to Blend. Ron is a licensed marriage and family therapist, popular conference speaker, and host of the FamilyLife Blended podcast. He and his wife, Nan, have three sons and live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at FamilyLife.com/blended.
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Yes, age definitely makes a difference.
Ron: Yes, age definitely makes a difference.
Announcer: For FamilyLife Blended®, here’s Ron Deal.
Ron: If you’re like me, the older I get the slower I get. Age affects other things, too. Like when it comes to bonding with adopted, foster, or stepchildren—their age matters. In general, the younger a child is, the faster you bond with them. The faster they respect your authority and welcome you into their life. Teens, say in a blended family, are trying to grow up. They’re seeking autonomy and independence so they’re just not as invested in new relationships as their parents are. Bonding can be slow going, so loosen your expectations.
Here’s the point: Recognize that age influences a child’s openness so meet the child where they are. For FamilyLife Blended, I’m Ron Deal.
Announcer: To find out more visit familylifeblended.com.
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