For a child, getting a new stepparent and stepsiblings can be exciting—but it’s also a very big life change.
The St. Louis Children’s Hospital Center for Families Resource Library has many resources to help you and your family adapt.
Tips to make the transition:
- Each family member should have a role. Make sure everyone in the home knows what each other’s roles are.
- Some families find it helpful to have regular meetings. They can talk about problems and find ways to fix them.
- Stepparents should form relationships with their new stepchildren slowly. This process takes time. Be patient!
- Outside help is here if you need it. Call 314.454.KIDS (5437) to find a counselor in your area.
Book recommendations:
All of the books below can be checked out from the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center. You can also look for them at your local library.
Books for adults:
- “Blended Family Advice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help Blended and Stepfamilies Become Strong and Successful” by Shirley Cress Dudley (2009)
- “Co-parenting 101: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Two Households After Divorce” by Deesha Philyaw and Michael D. Thomas (2013)
- “Shared Parenting: Raising Your Children Cooperatively After Separation” by Jill Burrett and Michael Green (2009)
Books for children:
- “Do You Sing Twinkle? A Story About Remarriage and New Family” by Sandra Levins (2010)
- “The Family Book” by Todd Parr (2010)
- “Jessica’s Two Families: Helping Children to Cope With Blended Households” by Lynne Hugo (2005)
- “My Blended Family” by Emma Lee Picone (2013)
- “My Bonus Mom! Taking the Step out of Stepmom” by Tami Butcher (2011)
- “Two Homes” by Claire Masurel (2003)
