With remarriage often comes step-families. There are additional challenges to raising a step-family. There are differences in responsibilities and a delicate balance that must be kept in order to make sure every person feels like they are part of the family. The Brady Bunch was a popular show about a step-family which made it seem fairly easy to keep the family happy and resolve every problem by the end of the show. Now think about almost every Disney movie with a step-mother – she was evil. These are the media influences that affect our understanding of the roles of step-parents. In real step-families, things may not seem so easy or difficult.
For this discussion, consider the factors that affect step-families including gender roles, expectations, responsibility, discipline, outside factors (non-custodial parents and court orders, economic conditions, etc), and emotional issues.
Identify the two biggest challenges step-parents face while integrating into a step-family.
Discuss some of the advice given to help step-families succeed. Click here (https://www.apa.org/monitor/dec05/stepfamily) for an article on the topic.
Consider how the media, as mentioned above, has influenced our expectations of how step-families should function. Discuss how these shows have created myths with respect to how blended families should work.
Include any personal experience you may have with blended families, either your own or someone close to you.
Sample Solution
