New Stepparent, Sassy Teenager

Maria is a new stepmom with a 15-year-old stepson who she described as sassy and disrespectful. Maria, you're not alone. Any parent with a teenager-even a biological parent-recognizes these attitudes. It's part of the territory. Not knowing your role and having a distant relationship with him doesn't help either. So, lower your expectations. When you stepson is disrespectful let your husband take the lead. And even though your stepson acts like you're invisible, don't disappear. Stay engaged.