Why are stepfamilies 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:

• Stepfamilies are more complex. 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.
• Emotional upheavals. Family members may have experienced distress from the breakup 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.

Whether the previous relationship ended through death, separation or divorce, all members need to adjust to your new relationship.