Resources (click on the title to view the resource)
Dating, Remarriage and Children by Arthur J. Schneider
Mr. Schneider reviews findings of a 20 year study by Constance Ahrons of the impact parents' dating and remarriage has on children of divorce. The study focuses on courtship, moving in together, remarriage, etc. and how it affects children depending on their age and the sex of the parent. The article also includes suggestions for making the process less problematic as well as informative research data.
Second Chances by Judith Wallerstein & Sandra Blakeslee
Written in 1989, this book is the result of the first and only long term study of men, women and children 10 years after divorce. The authors followed 60 middle class families through divorce, reorganization, remarriage, etc. Based on their findings, Dr. Wallerstein presents a unique picture of divorce and its aftermath including the long term emotional, economic and psychological impact on the adults and children involved. The progress of each family member throughout the ten year period is chronicled, highlighting their frustrations, fears, disappointments as well as their successes and new beginnings. Divorce is so commonplace that it is easy to think of it as a short term crisis. This book enlightens the reader as to the life changing impact divorce has on all involved.
Blended Family Focus
This website provides articles on stepfamilies as well as a free newsletter. Adele Cornish, BSW has personal and professional experience in blended families and step-children. She welcomes e-mails, questions and comments which seem to be helpful to those who have been in contact with her. Practical suggestions as well as a forum for concerns, this site is worth visiting.
Steps for Stepmothers
A website specifically for stepmoms to share, support and acknowledge each others challenges, successes, concerns and questions. There are also workshops offered, reading lists and other resources. The interactive component is confidential, providing a safe and private medium for sharing with others.
The Stepfamily Network
A members only online discussion forum including a variety of topics such as dating issues, therapy resources, book club, famous stepparents. Confidentiality and privacy are incorporated. Interactive discussion groups available as well as an index to search topics of concern.
YourChild: Development and Behavior Resources
Excellent group of resources aimed at helping individuals deal with the problems of blended families and helping children adjust to their new family structure. This resource covers topics such as helping children deal with remarriage, allowing children to choose the name to call the new parent, the stress of holiday issues. This site also has recommendations for additional readings as well as other resource centers.
Stepfamilies: History, Research, and Policy by Irene Levin & Marvin B. Sussman
This is a compilation of historical and scholarly perspectives covering cultural and societal issues and biases regarding stepfamilies. These papers attempt to discard the notion of comparing stepfamilies with non-stepfamilies. Causes, conditions, and statistics pertaining to stepfamilies are covered while looking at stepfamilies from the viewpoint of parents, children, siblings, and society while depathologizing and demystifying the stepfamily.
Family Education
This article for the lay person covers issues of significant stepfamily problems such as sibling hostility and the possibility of step-sibling incest. There are tips for managing possible incestuous situations, how to keep dialogue flowing, and how to understand intense feelings and attractions.
National Stepfamily Resource Center (NSRC)
This highly recommended link is to the National Stepfamily Resource Center. Their primary objective is serving as a clearinghouse of information, linking family science research on stepfamilies and best practices in work with couples and children in stepfamilies. You will find FAQs about stepfamilies, posted research summaries and annotated bibliographies of stepfamily research, training institutes for family life and marriage educators, training institutes for therapists and counselors, media consulting on stepfamily issues, expert consulting on special projects, programs, and products targeting stepfamilies; and development of educational materials for use with stepfamilies.