Effective stepparenting: Empirical evidence of what works

Abstract

Objective We sought to identify research evidence about stepparents' childrearing behaviors that contribute to stepchildren's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well‐being to draw best practices guidelines for stepfamily interventions. Background Stepparents' relationships with stepchildren are important predictors of individual, relational, and stepfamily well‐being and effective family functioning. Most researchers have examined problems in step‐relationships, but knowing what stepparents do that works in helping their stepchildren develop can help inform professionals who support and educate stepfamily members. Method We analyzed the results of 67 research studies containing empirical evidence of effective childrearing of stepchildren by stepparents to extract evidence‐based statements about what stepparents do that “works” to enhance the positive development of stepchildren. Results We found that researchers examined two broad topics: (a) developing positive stepparent–stepchild relationships, and (b) developing clear roles for stepparents. Conclusions On the basis of this review, we found that stepparents developed close relationships with stepchildren by spending time together, engaging in one‐on‐one activities, having fun together, working together, caregiving, giving tangible support, advocating for stepchildren, communicating positive messages, conveying vulnerability, talking every day, and leaving discipline to parents early in relationships. A variety of stepparent roles are effective, if they meet stepfamily members' needs. Flexibility in role performance is linked to more satisfying relationships. Stepchildren's receptivity to stepparents is also important in effective stepparenting. Implications Family professionals can help stepparents strategize about engaging in relationship‐building behaviors tailored for their stepchildren. Family professionals also can assist stepfamilies negotiate roles for stepparents that are accepted by all stepfamily members.

Adolescents' experiences with ambiguity in postdivorce stepfamilies

“…This recommendation dovetails with studies showing that stepparents and stepchildren must make concerted efforts to establish cordial interpersonal relationships (Ganong, Coleman, et al, 2022). Ganong and colleagues have identified numerous affinity seeking and affinity maintaining strategies used by stepparents to build relationships with their stepchildren (Ganong et al, 1999, 2019), which involve stepparents spending time with their stepchildren and gaining their trust (Ganong et al, 2022).…”

Effective parenting in stepfamilies: Empirical evidence of what works

“…Strong stepfamilies and struggling stepfamilies alike appear to struggle with ambiguity in parental roles, particularly surrounding the role of disciplinarian (Golish, 2003). Stepchildren and stepfamily therapists agree that biological parents ought to be responsible for discipline (Cartwright, 2005), and that stepparents can best contribute to effective childrearing by supporting parents' efforts (see Ganong et al, 2021b, for a full review of effective stepparenting). Even as stepparents gradually become more active coparents over time (e.g., more involved in childrearing decision‐making), stepfamilies appear to operate best when biological parents are ultimately supported by stepparents in their disciplinary decisions (Ganong et al, 2015).…”

“…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]).…”

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).…”