Tolerance-It is equally crucial that once the new family moves in together that step siblings are tolerant of each other. Tolerance and understanding can go along way in helping step sibling relationships. Step siblings can hopefully take the time to get to know new family members, their habits and preferences. Then a compromise should be reached if conflicts arise in the daily living of the family members. Each family member should respect the differences of each person and ridicule and disrespect between step siblings should never be tolerated within the family unit.

 Compromise-Being willing to compromise is equally important in promoting healthy step sibling relationships. For example if holiday traditions differ than choosing to incorporate some holiday traditions from one side of the family and some from the other side can help keep everyone happy. Some families' find that establishing all new traditions helps to promote family harmony and unity. Compromise and communication can go along way in helping maintain family harmony especially between step siblings.

 Spending time together-Step siblings will need time to get to know each other. While activities can and should be planned for all step siblings before the new family moves in together it is equally important that this is kept up after the family is living together. Step siblings should be given opportunities and encouraged to spend time with each other as a group and paired off together depending on the family dynamic. This gives all the kids in the family a chance to get to really get to know each other.

 Keeping in touch-Whether step siblings spend years growing up together or never spend any time living together it is important to maintain contact. Step siblings can stay in touch with cards, letters, email and phone calls. If you acquire step siblings as an adult notes and cards on special occasions can go along way toward establishing a healthy relationship between step siblings. While you may never physically share a home your respective parents marriage creates a bond that is worthy of an effort toward happy step sibling relationships.

 Knowledge is power-If the problems between step siblings seem overwhelming and a solution seems impossible there are solutions at hand. There are numerous books, web sites and other materials that deal specifically with this topic. If step siblings seem unable to resolve their own problems in a peaceful and constructive way parents should step in and give guidance on how to solve problems and negotiate conflicts in a constructive way. In addition parents may want to consider family counseling since outside help can often be an objective solution in helping establish good step sibling relationships. Most of all it is crucial that all parties understand that creating healthy and happy step sibling relationships happens over time.