Winning in Stepfamilies

There are 3 main role players in almost any stepfamily – namely a stepfather, a stepmother, and stepchildren.

Children are often affected the most by joining a stepfamily. Children, especially older children, can also be stressed by change. More changes may mean more stress. They have already gone through their parents’ divorce. Then, they must adjust to a new parent and new rules. Their frustration can be expressed through behavioral or emotional outbursts. The stepparent may experience them as rebellious and that they do not want to work together with the rest of the family. But there is hope – they can be guided to a place of understanding and adaptation.

Guidance by the Word

Romans 12:2

Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Philippians 1:9 – 11

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation — the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Philippians 2:3 – 4

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.