Multi-Household Family Dynamics

Learn about common mistakes stepparents make as they attempt to build relationships with their stepchildren and how to make more effective choices that will lead to stronger bonds.

A stepparent cannot manufacture closeness or claim a particular role. The relationship with their stepchild develops through affinity seeking, respect for existing bonds, responsiveness to the child's boundaries, and time.

What is the role of a stepparent in a blended family? There is no single role that fits every family. In most cases, however, stepparents function best in a supportive rather than primary parenting role—especially early in the family's development. That doesn't make their contribution less important. It simply recognizes that stepparent authority develops differently from biological-parent authority and usually grows through relationship, trust, and time.

The coparenting style you develop with your former partner is critical for the health and well-being of your child. Learn about common parenting styles, as well as how to create a Business Coparenting Relationship with your former spouse.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on the effect of adult perceptions on blended family functioning. Learn how a shift in the way parents and stepparents view their family as multi-household can improve relationships both with those who live in and outside their home.