Stepfamilies

Blending a family is easy
Stepfamilies are just like nuclear families
Love occurs instantly between the child and the stepparent
Children of divorce and remarriage are forever damaged
Stepmothers are wicked; stepfathers are abusive
Adjustment to stepfamily life occurs quickly
Children adjust to divorce and remarriage more easily if the biological parent withdraws
Stepfamilies formed after a parent dies are easier
Only one kind of family exists
Stepparents should “takeover” right away
The new couple functions as a team right after the marriage

Stepfamilies and nuclear families have little in common
It takes five to seven years to fully integrate a stepfamily
Families do not “blend”; they combine
The first two years are turbulent
There are at least three kinds of stepfamilies
Nearly 65-70% of stepfamilies do not succeed
Most children are not ready for remarriage
The honeymoon period in many remarriages happens after all the children/stepchildren have grown and gone
Accurate, Biblical information can help stepfamilies survive and thrive