The role of a stepdad in a blended family

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The role of a stepdad in a blended family

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I think there is a definitely a separation between being a stepdad and a biological dad, at least in my case, in that you have to respect the biological dad, unless there is a problem or some issue that is outside the normal life. I’m very respectful of the fact that these kids had a life before they met me. They’ve been raised in a certain way and that my job is not to come in and say “This is how I think we should raise them.” My job is to look at how they’re being raised and compliment it. And obviously if there’s something that I think is completely off-base, I speak up. But for the most part, I think a mistake some guys make because of their ego is they come in and say “Well, you may not be my biological, but let me tell you…” No, that doesn’t work man. That doesn’t work. Just think about it for as second. Be the other guy. There’s now a new person that these kids are calling dad. Imagine what that might really feel like as a man. It might take a moment to get over. So, respect that, ease into it. Treat everybody kindly and know your place. And then I think if you do that, I really think whether it takes a month, a year or five years, people will start to realize it’s not a threat. He’s not a new threat. He’s not trying to come in and throws weight around. He’s just trying to add more love and I don’t think there’s any parent that is adverse to more love in their kids’ lives.

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Jeff Probst

Host/EP Survivor

Emmy Award-winning host and executive producer Jeff Probst has just completed production on the 29th installment of the phenomenally successful CBS series, “Survivor.”  Survivor: Blood v Water premieres on CBS Sept 2014.

Probst is a four-time Emmy Award winner for "Outstanding Reality Host," the only winner since the awards inception in 2008.  He has traveled the world serving as both host and executive producer for “Survivor.”   Probst also received another Emmy in 2001 when Survivor was awarded the best reality show Emmy.

Probst is also a feature film director.  In 2002, he wrote and directed "Finder's Fee," starring Ryan Reynolds, James Earl Jones, Robert Forster and Matthew Lillard. 

Most recently, he produced and directed the feature film “Kiss Me, “ starring John Corbett, Sarah Bolger, Rita Wilson, Emily Osment, Missy Pyle and Jenna Fisher.

Probst hosts the "Howard Stern Celebrity Fan Roundtable" for Howard Stern on Sirius/XM radio and previously served as host of VH1's "Rock and Roll Jeopardy.”  He hosted several programs for FX and traveled around the world as a correspondent for "Access Hollywood."  In 2001, he was voted one of People Magazine's "Most Beautiful." 

Probst is a proud spokesperson for Taylorsgift.org whose mission is to re-gift life through organ donation.

Probst is also an ordained minister and has served as the officiant at the weddings of several friends.  He was ordained by the Universal Life Church of Modesto, California. 

A native of Wichita, Kan., Probst lives with his family in Los Angeles when not traveling the world.  His birthday is November 4.  He can be followed on twitter @jeffprobst and at jeffprobst.com.

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Transcription: 
I think there is a definitely a separation between being a stepdad and a biological dad, at least in my case, in that you have to respect the biological dad, unless there is a problem or some issue that is outside the normal life. I’m very respectful of the fact that these kids had a life before they met me. They’ve been raised in a certain way and that my job is not to come in and say “This is how I think we should raise them.” My job is to look at how they’re being raised and compliment it. And obviously if there’s something that I think is completely off-base, I speak up. But for the most part, I think a mistake some guys make because of their ego is they come in and say “Well, you may not be my biological, but let me tell you…” No, that doesn’t work man. That doesn’t work. Just think about it for as second. Be the other guy. There’s now a new person that these kids are calling dad. Imagine what that might really feel like as a man. It might take a moment to get over. So, respect that, ease into it. Treat everybody kindly and know your place. And then I think if you do that, I really think whether it takes a month, a year or five years, people will start to realize it’s not a threat. He’s not a new threat. He’s not trying to come in and throws weight around. He’s just trying to add more love and I don’t think there’s any parent that is adverse to more love in their kids’ lives.