The Challenges of Being a Mother in a Stepfamily

Abstract

Children in stepfamilies are at increased risk of negative outcomes compared to children in first marriages, although most fare adequately or well. Researchers have emphasized the importance of defining the stepfamily processes that support or hinder child adjustment. This article considers the challenges that mothers face as they raise their children in stepfamily households. It examines the stepfamily processes that might account for the increased problems that some mothers experience in the transition to stepfamily living. These include the preparation of children for remarriage, the demands on mothers' attention, the stepparent role and its impact on mothers and children, and loyalty issues and coalitions. These areas are important foci for researchers as mothers need evidenced-based guidance to assist them in supporting children to adjust to the family changes.