One family type that faces challenges that nuclear families don ’ t are stepfamilies . For one , stepfamilies are created through the merging of two individuals where one or both brought a child from a previous relationship into this one . This means that in some situations , there may still be unresolved sadness or anger from the adults or the children . Also , an ex-partner may still be involved with caring for his / her child ( ren ). This can complicate coming together as a stepfamily .

Second , there are no honeymoon period where the couple has time to adapt into becoming a new family . In a stepfamily , it can take anywhere between four to seven years , and in some cases , even longer to create a sense of family . Stepmoms often feel like the outsider , not knowing how to fit in or what their role is .

Media has done an injustice when portraying stepfamilies , specifically stepmoms . They ’ re often depicted as evil , scheming and treacherous . The prefix “ Step ” comes from the old English word Steop which means “ to care for a bereaving child .” It has nothing to do with the images fairy tale stepmothers are made up from .

It ’ s important to note that not all stepfamilies struggle . Many women who become stepmoms do so because they feel they can positively contribute to the family and bring support to the dad in raising his kids . A legacy we can leave our children is to raise them in a strong and healthy home .

In order to create strong and healthy stepfamilies , it ’ s a good idea to know what this look like . There are many ways to come together feeling like a family . What works for one stepfamily may not work for yours . As long as you commit to trying something until this strategy works for you , then you ’ re on your way to creating a strong and healthy stepfamily .

A clear understanding of each family member ’ s role in the family

Well defined healthy boundaries in place with clear sets of consequences

An ability to share and voice concerns and challenges without fear of rejection

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