Effective coparenting in stepfamilies: Empirical evidence of what works

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this review is to examine research evidence about effective childrearing of stepchildren by coparents in stepfamilies (i.e., childrearing that contributes to children's physical, cognitive, and emotional well‐being). Background Childrearing after parental repartnering is likely to involve coparenting within stepfamily households (i.e., by parents and stepparents), across stepfamily households (i.e., by biological parent dyads), and a combination of intra‐ and inter‐household coparenting subsystems. Effective coparenting of children in stepfamilies benefits individual, relational, and stepfamily well‐being and effective family functioning. Method We reviewed 58 studies in which empirical evidence of effective childrearing of stepchildren by coparents in stepfamilies was obtained. Results Children in stepfamilies fare better when coparents work collaboratively in focusing on children's well‐being, managing conflicts, being careful when communicating to children and to coparents, and keeping children out of parental issues. Coparenting within stepfamily households works when coparents agree on childrearing rules and roles, communicate clearly, and engage in parenting styles that emphasize high warmth. Step‐household coparents also foster children's well‐being by creating cohesive stepfamily dynamics and modifying expectations. Few researchers studied coparental triads that include both parents and a stepparent. Conclusions Stepfamily members benefit from effective coparenting. Implications Effective childrearing by stepfamily coparent subsystems is complex, but a key is focusing on children's well‐being.

Studying stepfamilies, surfacing secrets: A reflection on the private motivations behind efforts to humanize family complexity

“…We explored relationship development among half‐ and stepsiblings, illuminating the perspectives of younger half‐siblings and exploring how stepsiblings manage conflict and develop close ties (Ganong, Landon, et al, 2022; Landon et al, 2022; Sanner, Russell, et al, 2018). In a series of projects, we conducted systematic reviews of the literature about what works in stepfamilies, distilling research evidence about actions employed by parents and stepparents that are linked to children's positive outcomes (Ganong et al, 2022a, 2022b, 2022c, 2022d; Sanner et al, 2022).…”

Stepfamily formation and the educational outcomes of children in Sweden

“…Of paramount importance are factors promoting supportive and amicable relationships between children and their parents and stepparents, with research consistently showing substantial differences in child outcomes linked to the quality of their relationships with biological parents and stepparents (Jensen et al, 2017; Jensen & Harris, 2017a; Jensen & Harris, 2017b). Positive relationships are promoted by a complex set of characteristics, including but not limited to the stepparent displaying an authoritative parenting style (Ganong et al, 2022; Golish, 2003) and actively working toward developing a friendship with their stepchild (Ganong et al, 2011). Much research has indicated a growing acceptance toward stepparents from stepchildren over time, both leading to decreasing conflict within the stepfamily (Ganong et al, 2011) as well as closer stepparent‐stepchild ties (King et al, 2014; see however King & Lindstrom, 2016).…”

Effective parenting in stepfamilies: Empirical evidence of what works

“…Guided by a normative‐adaptive perspective, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine research on effective parenting in stepfamilies, defined as parental behaviors that contribute to children's physical, cognitive, and emotional well‐being. We focused specifically on effective parenting by biological or adoptive parents (as compared to effective stepparenting in stepfamilies [Ganong et al, 2021b] or effective coparenting in stepfamilies [Ganong et al, in press]).…”