Myth:
Stepparents are cruel and insensitive

Reality:
Stepparents share the same human qualities as other adults.
Most stepparents are caring adults.
Most stepparents are primary care-givers.

Myth:
A stepfamily is created instantly.

Reality:
Becoming a stepfamily is a gradual process.
Stepfamilies formed after a death have fewer problems than those after a
divorce.

Myth:
All stepfamilies should and will love each other.

Reality:
All stepfamilies face difficulties and painful feelings because they come
together through losses in their original family.
Divorce and death are different kinds of losses but both are losses.

Return to Basics about the Development of Stepfamilies

OR

Continue to Stepfamilies Can be Beneficial for Children