The Dynamics of Parenting in Stepfamilies

Abstract

How are parent–child relationships maintained during stepfamily formation, what changes in those relationships occur over time, and what influences these changes? The primary focus of the chapter is a review and critique of research with mothers in stepfamily households. Role functions of mothers (i.e., protector of children, gatekeeper, defender, mediator, interpreter) are discussed. Mothers experience parenting difficulties shortly after remarrying, but over time their parenting resembles that of mothers in first marriages. The few studies of nonresidential mothers are briefly covered. A second major focus of the chapter is on residential and nonresidential fathers in stepfamilies and their relationships with children living in stepfamily households. Also examined are older parents and their adult children in stepfamilies, and intergenerational exchanges of resources.