'I know you think I'm hard on you': Sam Wood's 'non-negotiables' for raising teen stepdaughter Evie
By Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh |
Raising a teenager can be hard work, though Sam Wood is taking it on like a champion.
Stepdad to wife Snezana's 17-year-old daughter Evie, Wood sat down with 9Honey Parenting to reveal his non-negotiables when it comes to parenting the teen.
"I've said to Evie a number of times, 'I know you think I'm hard on you, but there will be a time in your life where you'll be really grateful for this'," he said as he opened up about his close relationship with his stepdaughter.
The dad-of-four is a stickler for the rules and always encouraging his girls to be their best selves.
Watch the exclusive video above.
"I'm open with her," he says.
In an intimate conversation about parenting, Wood, alongside wife Snezana, admitted he is hard on his step daughter, but has all the right intentions.
"I'm a big believer that as a parent, you've got to love your kids, but a big part of your job is getting them ready to be an adult," he told 9Honey Parenting.
Evie, who is on the verge of adulthood, turning 18 in May, has already told her parents she has dreams of moving to New York City to study fashion.
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And though Snezana is finding it hard to accept her first baby might be moving away, Wood wants to get her ready for such a big move.
"?I want her to go out there and spread her wings, and learn things for herself," he says.
But before she does, he is taking the time to teach her the foundations of a good and reliable person.
"General manners and how she holds herself. Confidence and being accountable to her school work. Not letting her friends down. Just basic stuff that will hold well in the long-term," he explains.
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Wood says it's important that Evie develops characteristics that are, "going to serve her well" as he wants her to thrive on her own.
On the other hand, he says mum Snezana may not be ready to let go of her little girl.
?"If Snez had her way, [Evie] would be living with us till she was 42," Wood joked as Snez nodded in agreeance.
Watc?h the full chat with Sam and Snez above.
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