Stepfamily Zone Australia

Developing new ways to parent will happen gradually, it is not something you can achieve overnight. If you are struggling during the establishment of a stepfamily, the good news is that difficulties tend to peak in the first two years. Within five years many stepfamilies have resolved early problems and settled into a constructive rhythm.  As with all families, they continue to face new challenges as members, particularly children, grow through all the usual developmental stages.

 

Individual children adapt at different paces too. Research suggests that children younger than five and older than 18 years tend to adapt more easily than children aged between five and 18 years.

 

Children need space to talk about their feelings, concerns, fears and hopes. Sometimes they might feel comfortable talking to their parents and stepparents and other times they need to access other supports. Some useful contacts are provided below.