The Unique Challenges of Stepfamilies - Part 5
January 16, 2004 |
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Transcript
In addition to the regular complexities of family, stepfamilies have unique challenges that can be
overwhelming. Although the terms stepdad, stepfamily and stepchild are used frequently, they also can be confusing and paint an unpleasant picture. Now no one aims to be part of a stepfamily. And you can hear the challenge in the voice of step Mother Marjorie Engel who says, “Not only do we grapple with emotions within our home, we also deal with social policies that won’t expand their definition of family -
legal, counseling and financial hurdles that many stepfamilies never see ahead of them.” There’s a need for two things here: help for stepfamilies that are trying to succeed and a deeper commitment to marriage in our culture, so that more often we will see strong marriages form before children are born and many more marriages that will be healthy and life-lasting.
*Families Northwest recommends "The Smart Stepfamily" by Ron Deal as a great resource for stepfamily couples. |
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