Stepparenting

In a blended family, the biological parent often serves as an important bridge between their spouse and children – especially in the early years of stepfamily integration. But sometimes they unintentionally hinder stepparent-stepchild relationships. Learn how abrupt changes in parenting style and responsibilities, attempting to create artificial relationships, parental overfunctioning, and favoritism can frustrate the stepparent-stepchild relationship, and what parents can do

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.

Healthy stepfamilies don’t create unity by erasing differences. They create unity when they preserve and honor the relationships and individual identities that each person brings into the family.

Learn how to create greater unity in an LDS blended family by applying gospel principles to establish a “home court advantage.”

This is Part 1 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 can improve relationships both with those who live in and outside their home.