They may think that forming a stepfamily will make life more complete and instantly happier. They are going to be disappointed. Stepfamilies can be very complicated with so many people involved. You have to get to know each other and to work at the changes stepfamily living brings. It takes a long time and is hard work.
Stepparents are wicked, especially stepmothers.
Fairy tales, such as Cinderella and Snow White, make us think of a cruel stepmother who is mean to an unwanted stepchild. You think of yourself as a nice person, wanting to do a good job with your new family, but the world seems to have another idea. The notion of a wicked stepparent can impact you in a very personal way. It can be a real stumbling stone to creating positive relationships between you and your stepchildren, especially if you are a stepmother. With time, patience and understanding, positive adjustments can happen.