News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

As blended families become more common, researchers and child development experts are beginning to turn their attention not only to stepmoms, but to stepdads. In a rare kind of study out of the University of London, researchers found that stepdads often struggle to connect with their step-kids.

"While stepparents of either gender tend to be aloof, stepdads are more likely than stepmoms to fight with teenage children, especially if the child is a boy, says Erini Flouri, lead author of the study... Stepdads were more likely than biological fathers to see their step-teens as hyperactive or badly behaved, the researchers found."

The good news is that dads who were more attentive to their kids - whether they were step- or biological children - had strong positive impacts on their kids. Experts suggest that parents of stepfamilies need to recognize the additional stress that's put on all family members and find productive, positive ways to talk through that stress. Read more at MSNBC.com.

Labels: research, perceptions, step_parents

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Divorce often strains relationships between parents and children. But when a parent starts dating or gets married again, it can be just as straining  if not more.

"While the parent may be giddy over a new relationship or spouse, experts warn that their kids may not feel the same way  and no one should try to force them to. Permit the teen or adult child to feel what he or she is feeling about you, the divorce and the new person in your life, says psychologist Joel Black..."

It's natural for teens to react emotionally when a parent starts dating again. The emotions can range from anger or resentment to apathy. Talk through those feelings, and let your child go through the process without being rushed to accept your new mate. Read more at Newsday.com.

Labels: divorce, communication, step_parents

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