Positional & Relational Authority

Positional authority is what empowers a babysitter to tell the kids to pick up their toys. Relational authority is what a parent or grandparent has. They have an emotional bond with the child so the child obeys out of love and respect. Stepparents start with positional authority but can move towards relational authority over time. Work with the biological parent to decide rules and consequences but let the biological parent handle the discipline. Work together and play to your strengths.