Are you successful as a step-family? A common way to express anger is through negative comments about a former spouse or new step-parent. Your child may tell you that your ex-spouse or his or her new partner is saying bad things about you. The best way to handle this situation is to say: "I'm sorry they think that. They don't live in this house, so they don't really know what is happening here." This shows your child that you are not intimidated by what is being said, and that that you know it isn't true. It also allows your child to form his or her own opinion privately.