Children may view the stepfamily much differently. Much of what children understand depends on their age. At each age, there are certain feelings and reactions that children will experience. For some children it is a happy event to have a new family with more people around. For others, the many changes and uncertainties are difficult and challenging.
Research indicates that it can take four years or more for a stepfamily to seem like a family.
It can even take 18 to 24 months for children to be friendly to a new stepparent. There are many differences, many personalities and many difficult situations. That is very normal. Learning to handle new relationships in a positive way enables the stepfamily to move toward the happiness which the partners are seeking. Stepfamilies must work at being understanding and flexible, and develop a style of their own.