Stepfamilies are different

Stepfamilies are in some ways like first-time-round families. They are also, in many other ways, vastly different. Most people who become a part of a stepfamily are unprepared for the differences. These differences can include:


 * The complexity of stepfamilies - there are many more family relationships in stepfamilies. There are likely to be grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings and a parent living outside the family with no links with other members of the stepfamily.
 * The new couple’s different attitudes to child-rearing.
 * Emotional upheavals. Family members may have experienced distress from the break-up of the previous marriage or relationship. Some may still be grieving for the family they have lost.
 * Huge changes. All members of the stepfamily, including those living outside the family, must cope with the change and make a number of adjustments.
 * More parents. There are more parent figures in a stepfamily and the parenting may be shared by someone outside the family.
 * Different likes and dislikes. There is no common history and different family members may have different ideas about how things are done.

Read more from Relationships Australia