How to Deal With an Interfering Grown Step-Daughter

No family is perfect. While many families live harmoniously, others have to work to create a happy living situation. Creating a happy environment within your family is made harder when you have a grown-up stepdaughter who interferes in your life. Understanding why your stepdaughter acts this way will help you build a stronger relationship with her. Once you understand her feelings, you can learn how to deal with her behavior.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have a family meeting to discuss setting boundaries within your family. Establish boundaries regarding information about finances and other subjects that your stepdaughter feels are her business. The boundaries should designate areas of your life that are between you and your significant other alone. This will send a signal that these subjects are off limits to your stepdaughter if she feels it is her right to continue interfering in your life.

    • 2

      Set aside any differences you and your stepdaughter have. Tell her how you feel when she interfere too much in your life. Explain why it makes you upset and come up with a solution for the problem. Work together with your stepdaughter so she feels that she is part of the solution, not just the problem. Do not belittle her. Instead, speak to her as an equal and avoid making her out to be the bad person.

    • 3

      Keep your personal information private. Avoid openly discussing finances or problems in your marriage. Certain information does not need to be made public or discussed with other family members. Keep important documents in a lock box. Hide the lock box away and keep the key with you. This will prevent your stepdaughter from going through your things to gather information.

    • 4

      Be honest with your stepdaughter. Tell her up front about situations that will affect her. Do not hide information that she will find out from another person. The more honest you are, the less your stepdaughter will interfere, especially if she feels she is being kept informed and included in major decisions.

    • 5

      Expect your adult stepdaughter to judge you and feel entitled to make family decisions. Your stepdaughter was part of the family before you were. She may feel that she is entitled to more say regarding family decisions and situations. You must understand her feelings and take them in stride. Stay calm during heated discussions and avoid accusing or degrading your stepdaughter.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What Constitutes a Half Sister?
      If youve recently had some changes in your family or know someone who has, its natural to be curious as to what new relatives should be called. Some people dont use the term half brother or sister at all, and just consider all siblings the same.
    • How to Be a Good Stepmom to Boys
      Whether youre parenting a blended family of boys or girls, being a stepmom doesnt come with a manual or a pamphlet of golden rules, mostly because those universal golden rules dont exist -- every family, every stepmom and every budding boy is differe
    • Some Advice for Stepparents
      Stepfathers and stepmothers sometimes feel like throwing their hands up in despair. Im really trying to get along with my spouses children, they may say, but they just wont accept me.In most blended families, children challenge their stepparents from