Lofas told of her accomplishments showing her experience. Ohio State University states in this site that understanding what a child goes through at certain ages can help us know how to help him or her deal with entering into a stepfamily. As examined in each age group, it is important to decipher behaviors that are normal verses those attributed to a stepfamily. It is helpful to read the breakdown in age groups of typical behavior among children that can then be compared to processing the stepfamily. This site explains what is normal and specifically what can harm or better the child's development.
Remarriage is shown to be a crisis for a child and can alter their behaviors.
Insights are given on how to expect change among the adults and children, working together, and new opportunities for the stepfamily. Coping strategies are offered focusing on support systems, relatives, and individual and family activities. Lofas hit on some main issues that arise and are coped with in a stepfamily, but the site needs more detail and background information. This site is useful for a brief overview of how stepfamilies live, issues they experience, and what they need for coping. Some suggestions given for coping with these tensions include strong marital relationship, flexibility, family activities, new traditions, and kids having a part in decisions.