Step parent advice sought!

[moogle1972]

Hi everyone,

I'm in a relationship with a lovely woman who I really care about and am in love with. I have no kids of my own, she has a 12 year old daughter who is a good kid but does have tantrums that upset her mum.

Her mum turns to me for support but having no experience of this sort of thing I am afraid of saying the wrong things. The tantrums are vocal, nothing more but not knowing what to say is threatening our relationship.
She's a normal kid, never in trouble and has been bought up proper so I know its just her growing up but any advice will be greatly appreciated!

[AliceinWonderhell]

Why not check out some local parenting courses/workshops - you could go together? There are sessions for parents of DC's of all ages - teenagers are a challenge for even the most informed of parents!

My DH and I signed up before we brought our families together - we learnt about our respective parenting styles and it helped both of us

[Kaluki]

Preteens can be horrible. So can teens.
Unfortunately you have come along at one of the most difficult times.
Just be supportive, don't under any circumstances slag off her dd and stay neutral.
It will pass. I find that copious amounts of helps!

[moogle1972]

Thank you for the replies. I clearly need to just be patient, supportive and wait it out. I'll try that 1st. Thanks again!