Step-mothers: The joys and challenges

Kim Chakanetsa talks to a US step-parenting coach and a journalist in India about their experience of being a step-mother. They discuss the challenges of blended families and give advice to women in similar situations.

When Naja Hall began dating a divorced man with three young children she was soon dealing with difficult, confusing and stressful scenarios. When she couldn't find the practical advice she needed she set up online forums Blended and Black and VIP Stepmom. She's now a well-regarded step-parenting coach who specialises in high-conflict situations.

Aarushi Ahluwalia was 26 when her husband's son came to live with them. In India there's a social stigma around being a step-parent where just 1% of marriages end in divorce and she knows very few other women with her experience. She says that as a step-mother you have all of the responsibility but none of the rights of a parent, despite this she's found it really rewarding to care for and love her step-son.

Produced by Jane Thurlow

(Image: (L) Aarushi Ahluwalia, courtesy Aarushi Ahluwalia. (R) Naja Hall, courtesy Naja Hall.)