She Did It!

By now you probably realize that bringing two families together isn’t going to result in one big, happy family—at least, not right away. It can also be really frustrating to read news that tells you stepsiblings can have a detrimental effect on one another.

Like the recent study from the University of Florida that says kids with stepsiblings don’t do as well in school. Boys who live with half- or stepsiblings receive one-quarter of a letter grade lower than boys who live with only full siblings (girls also fare worse, but to a lesser degree). Gender aside, children in blended families also display more school behavioral problems, such as trouble paying attention, getting homework done and getting along with teachers and other students.

The study also reports that things do not improve over time. Kind of a downer, but as a stepparent, we know you’ll want to do everything in your power to overcome this challenge!  There are lots of resources for blended families, but the best thing you can do is present a united and loving front with your partner. Kids who feel secure at home can achieve more at school. [Science Daily]