The Kids Childrearing always poses challenges for a couple. Every child experiences his or her share of growing pains and problems. But according to statistics from the Stepfamily Foundation, these pains and problems are often compounded in blended families. Children from traditional families do better in 14 of 16 classroom behavior ratings. Only 45 percent of children adjust well after divorce.
Most children of divorce have acute problems with self-esteem.
It helps if kids can communicate their problems adjusting to life in a blended family. Talking about them may be difficult, but writing them down is typically much easier. Clurman says you'll be surprise at how much you learn about your stepchildren from this survey. At the same time, the kids will be glad to have the chance to express themselves. Maybe it's because of the wicked stepmother from Cinderella and other fairy tales.