ABSTRACT
There are many ways in which parents and stepparents can help their children and stepchildren adjust to the myriad of changes taking place in their lives. Some have to do with learning communication skills, others have to do with following practical suggestions and still others have to do with having realistic expectations of yourself, your partner and the children. And some have to do with a belief in yourself and the sense of mastery that information and knowledge can give you. All these things can lead to your increased enjoyment of your new family and to greater satisfaction with the changes on the part of other family members. Reading and taking classes in parenting and child development, as well as classes and workshops for stepparents and remarried parents can be helpful. Also, organizations for stepfamilies are developing local chapters. Joining such a group can be very supportive.
