In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Questioning your children or badmouthing the new spouse in their presence can be very harmful. Your children are just innocent bystanders. The number one trait of positive parenting in a situation of divorce is putting your children first. You may need to bite your tongue if you feel like saying bad things about your ex or his or her new spouse. Making negative comments or interrogating the children will only make you look jealous or petty and cause your children to feel uncomfortable and confused. If you do or say things that cause your children to believe that you dislike or distrust the new spouse, they also may be inclined to resist establishing a relationship with their new stepparent or lie to you about their interactions with him or her. This would not be fair to your children. Assuming that the new stepparent is a sincere person who means well and cares for your children, do what you can to encourage and support their relationship. This will help alleviate any feelings of guilt or betrayal your children may experience when they spend time with or have fun with their new stepparent. Some ideas for practical ways to build a relationship involve inviting the new stepparent to family functions and holidays, buying thoughtful and personal gifts on birthdays or Christmas, and encouraging your child to find shared interests to explore with the new stepparent(for instance, if they both love art, they could take a sculpting class together, or if they both love fashion, the new stepparent could help with back to school shopping). Although your ex's new spouse may be labeled as a "stepparent," this does not mean they are taking over your role as a mother or a father. The bond you have with your children can never be broken, no matter how close your children are with the new stepparent. Instead, try to see their relationship with their stepparent as a chance to amplify the amount of love and support they receive in their lives as they grow. The more adults love and care for a child, the better off the child will be. This change in family dynamics will undoubtedly cause mixed emotions, many of which they are too young to understand. They need you to be understanding, nonjudgmental, and reliable through this time of change. Accept their feelings as valid, whether they feel joy, anger, worry, jealousy, or a combination of these and other feelings. All of these feelings are normal and ok. You can accept their feelings as valid and still try to help them balance any negative feelings they may have about this change or about the new spouse by pointing out positive aspects. Let them know that the situation is just as awkward for the new stepparent as it is for them and everyone needs time to adjust. If children see that you are calm and okay with everything, this will help them to feel at ease and better able to adjust to the new situation. Rather than confronting the stepparent about parenting concerns, it is best to let your ex deal with the situation if possible. If necessary, call a family meeting with your ex-spouse and your children so that everyone can give their input and discuss the problem and possible solutions. Sometimes children will say negative things about the new stepparent to you but not to the other parent. Having the children discuss things out in the open with both parents together may reveal that the children have been telling you one story and an entirely different story to the other parent. This is quite common among children of divorce. Encourage your children to always be respectful of their new stepparent and to discuss any problems they have directly with the other parent so that he or she can address the issue with their new spouse.
Summary: Keep negative opinions to yourself. Help your children bond with and establish a healthy relationship with your ex's new spouse. Remember that no one will ever replace you as your child's mother or father. Listen to your children. Address any problems or concerns with your ex-spouse.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Go out and do what you love to do, and you'll meet people with similar interests. Youth groups, 4-H, summer camps, volunteer centers, churches, and community centers are all good places to start. If you're already passionate about sports, music, acting, or other extracurricular activities, make an effort to talk to the people you meet in those contexts. Most schools allow local homeschoolers to join after-school activities. Most homeschoolers have a flexible schedule compared to a regular school day. If you're bored while your other friends are at school, find other homeschoolers so you can visit them during the day. If you don't know any other homeschoolers, search online for homeschooling groups and co-ops in your area. Your local librarians may be able to help you find them as well. Homeschooling families often meet for group classes once in a while. This lets each parent teach the subject he's good at, and lets the students help each other on their work. Group field trips are another great way to meet people during "school" time. If you can't find a homeschooling group, look at public schools, churches, and community centers. Some of these offer classes that anyone can join. If you used to be in a regular school, you might have friends from that time. Don't let good friendships fall apart just because you don't see each other every day. You can still spend time together on the weekends, and talk to each other on the phone. If you feel like you aren't getting enough socializing time, have a conversation with your parents to see if you can figure out a solution. If you are responsible and old enough, they may give you more freedom to leave the house on your own. Teenagers especially should consider the following: A driver's license or bicycle gives you the ability to go out on your own schedule. Getting a part-time job can lead to new friends among your co-workers. It also shows your parents that you are ready for independence. Homeschoolers often meet people with a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Ask your parents if it's okay to talk to the strangers you meet at different activities. Their answer will depend on your age and the community you live in. Follow your parents' rules, and remember not to give out your personal information (such as your last name, address, or telephone number) to someone you just met.
Summary:
Get involved in activities. Meet other homeschoolers. Learn with other people. Keep in touch with old friends. Develop independence. Be friendly, but be smart.