Response 1

Clear communication is a top challenge faced by stepfamilies. Communication can be a challenger for non-step families, but becomes an even bigger challenge with combined families. “Although all developing families face a number of communication challenges as they build relationships, trust, roles, and boundaries, stepfamilies have unique dynamics that make these challenges particularly salient” (Segrin & Flora, 2011). Parents and step parents need to be on the same page with routines, rules, consequences, off limit activities, off limit friends and much more. The ability of two parents keeping on the same page with these and communicating their wants and needs to their children is a task, add a third or fourth parent just multiplies the challenge and the even greater need for communication to take place on these topics and many others.

Loyalty in stepfamilies is another challenge in blended families. “Loyalty struggles abound in stepfamilies because of the unbalanced triangles their members encounter” (Doherty, 1999). Children may treat the step-parent with disregard in order to feel as if they are remaining true to their biological parent. A parent can even favor their biological child over that of a step-child as a way of showing loyalty. Learning loyalty can be shared among biological and step family members is key to a healthy long lasting blended family.

Conflict is a serious challenge faced by step families. Some small conflict could easily turn into a giant issue if not resolved. Sometimes the stepfamily can be viewed as outsiders according Segrin & Flora and this can lead to communication issues and stress.

I chose these three conflicts as I have seen them first hand with my niece and nephew who have seven children combined. My niece had two from her first marriage, he had three from his first and second marriage and then they had two children. Communication between all the kids and either adult is hard due to the amount of talkers, versus listeners. Communicating daily tasks, who is where and staying on top of the communication for them is tough. I have also seen at different points in their marriage where one or the other has disciplined the step child differently than the biologically related child. My niece has been viewed at times as the outsider and if she would just go away then the step children would get their mom back. After almost 12 years together they have found a workable blended family, but it was not easy.

Therapy both as a family and individual. Individually so that each person feels unique and as a family so that they can learn proper communication techniques. Talk, it does not have to be about anything in particular at first, just get to know each other as a person before jumping into roles as step parent and step child. Communication can solve many conflicts, reassure loyalty and lead to a less stressed blended family.

Response 2

Challenges that are facing stepfamilies today are communication, conflict, and child adjustment. 

1. Communication challenges facing stepfamilies come into effect when blended families are trying to build new relationships, building trust, roles and boundaries (Segrin & Flora, 2011).  When couples separate or divorce and one remarries, there is still communication with the previous spouse especially when there are children involved, which can cause conflict at times.  So former and new spouses have to co-parent with each other and maintain some civility in order to keep open communication.  The feeling of the child being caught in the middle of the parents can cause a child to shut down all communication to both parents at the same time.  Children need the stability of seeing former and new spouses communicating and working together for the betterment of the family system, so that the child or children can become more comfortable with their new transitions.
2. Conflict challenges happen when stepfamily structures carry on their own set of family stressors when it comes to interpersonal conflicts (Segrin & Flora, 2011).  Conflict happens when children who are used to their custodial parent’s roles and then blended with stepparent’s rules and roles may change.  Personal space may have to be shared with others.  Conflict between the parents and spouses may happen when dealing with each other’s children.  Conflicts can occur over space, loyalty to parent, time or attention and finances.  Not viewing the new stepfamily as real family unit as well and the power struggle between children and stepparents can lead to conflict (Segrin & Flora, 2011).
3. Child Adjustment in stepfamilies can be a psychological adjustment when it comes to who will live with what parent.  The child may have trouble adjusting to new life transitions.  Behavior problems may arise because when a child sees a parent experiencing financial troubles, or moving to a new home, witnessing a parent leaving the home, and a new parent moving in can all be an adjustment for the family as a whole (Segrin & Flora, 2011).  Making an adjustment in the family structure for a child would seem to go more smoothly if the adults have a better quality of parenting, more parental positivity, and less negative communication behavior amongst parents and stepparents (Segrin & Flora, 2011).

I think the most difficult challenge would be most difficult to overcome would be conflict and child adjustment.  Resources I came across that might help to improve adult relationships, support groups, tips, etc.;