Nurturing Communication and Addressing Key Sources of Conflict in Stepfamilies

Open communication and addressing issues, especially conflicts with step-siblings, reflect the quality of the relationship. Parents should step in if conflicts aren't resolved, encouraging kids to find a solution. Verbal, emotional, or physical abuse should be immediately stopped. Common conflicts arise over perceptions of fairness due to differences in treatment. Parents must be mindful of treating all children equally to avoid creating competition or conflict. Resentments over physical space often stem from insecurity about one's place in the new step family.