{mosimage}Weekend visits from stepchildren can be stressful, especially during
the holidays. Giving relationships time to grow is key to making the
visits more enjoyable, said a New Mexico State University child and
family life specialist.

"When stepchildren are just visiting
for the weekend or very short periods of time, it might take two or
three years before you can even develop a relationship," said Diana
DelCampo with NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service . "Don't force
stepchildren to love you, but do ask for some respect, understanding
and honesty."

{mosimage}Some of you may remember the song that states, "Love is better the
second time around." The song tells about two people who fall in love
with each other after previous marriages. However, this song does not
mention anything about children from previous marriages. With children,
is it still "better the second time around"?

When children are
involved, you have stepfamilies. The children may be "his," "hers," or
(later) "ours." The optimistic term for this arrangement is "blended
families." However, this term seems to minimize the problems that are
unique to stepfamily relationships.

Read full article: LOL Stepfamilies  The Second Time Around
http://www3.azwestern.edu/psy/dgershaw/lol/Stepfamilies.htm

{mosimage}YOUR STEPLADDER TO SUCCESS

By Lynn Vale

STEPFAMILIES Quarterly, Fall 1992

The
honeymoon is over. And now it's just you and your spouse, and the
stepchild who sits staring suspiciously at you across the breakfast
table. Sometimes, as you attempt to merge "yours" and "mine" into
"ours," the problems seem overwhelming. But, whether your stepchildren
are resident or visiting, it is possible to ease this transition from
strangers to family.

Is your stepchild a permanent member of your household? If so, try these five steps to stepfamily success.

Read full article
http://www.saafamilies.org/education/articles/sm/vale.htm