If the biological dad is still on the scene, step dad may have to take a step back and be happy being a friend…….with less focus on being a dad as there already is one.

Just be there, listen, be attentive, get involved and let the child guide him.

Being a step parent can be really hard!
The most important thing to remember is she already has a Dad.
Your friend needs to become her friend. Don’t push her. She will come around in her own time he just needs to be patient with her. She may try to push his buttons to see how far she can push him. This is totally expected. He just needs to be firm & honest, & make sure he keeps Mum in the loop. Make sure he makes the child feel included, that he wants to get to know her & spend time with her.
It is not going to be easy & it will take a while but it will be worth it in the end.
What a great guy for giving it a go!
Wishing you all the best.

Don’t over do it, be yourself!

Give her time, giver her space and don’t try too hard! Be her friend first, she already has a dad don’t push it on her

Be honest with the child, don’t try too hard, ask her how her day was, show interest in what she is doing. Agree with LYNSTEVEO’s comments

At quick glance I thought he had 5 step kids not a 5 yr old step daughter lol

If he is asking he sounds like a great guy. Its a hard challenge. good on him and good luck they will test him! Has he ever had kids of his own?

patience, understanding and don’t try and fill the shoes of dad.

It can’t be easy to step into that role. I really admire men who are fantastic step fathers

Be yourself but show that you want to spend time with them and are interested in them-wishing your friend all the best

So many great tips here already, I think most people have covered everything I would have said. Let her mother set the discipline, don’t bad mouth her real dad, be kind, loving, fun, spend one on one time with the step daughter and build a relationship with her. I hope everything is going well for him

Spend more time with your step daughter and try to be friends with her. See what she likes and play with her sometimes.

Be loving, listen & still a tiny bit firm.

I’m a step-Mum. Be a good listener and let the children know you are there for them. Take it slowly and don’t expect it to be easy from the start – it takes time to build relationships but it is so worth it!

Be patient be kind and understanding .. I come from a blended family and it gets very hard at times but i wouldn’t have it any other way

be yourself have patience and listen to them

My partner is the best step dad to my 15 & w year old girls.dont try to hard be nice play it cool and let her come to you.

I love that your making a real effort with this little girl.
It shows already that you will be an awesome step dad.
All little girls love tea parties.
Maybe set up a party with little cupcakes and red cordial and play barbies. Not very manly but it will be a bit of fun Just make sure you do it when her mums watching so you get brownie points lol

Love their mum. Showing the child how much he loves their mum will go a long way to being a good (step) dad. In fact, its the best thing any dad can do for a child.