StepFamily Quiz

A lighthearted look at testing your knowledge of stepfamilies.

Written by Professor Lisa Doodson

Test your knowledge of stepfamilies by taking our short lighthearted quiz.

Answer TRUE or FALSE to the following questions. The answers and further explanations are give below - no cheating now.....

1. TRUE / FALSE:

Attachment between the stepparent and their stepchildren needs to happen as quickly as possible. 

2. TRUE / FALSE:

Children aged 9 to 15 usually have the most difficulty in adjusting to the new stepfamily. 

3. TRUE / FALSE:

Children of divorce and remarriage are always damaged. 

4. TRUE / FALSE:

The stories and myths about wicked stepmothers do not affect today's stepmothers. 

5. TRUE / FALSE:

It is not unusual for a stepfamily to take at least 4 yrs to feel like a solid unit. 

6. TRUE / FALSE:

It helps stepfamily adjustment if the non residential parent withdraws. 

7. TRUE / FALSE:

Stepfamilies formed after a parent dies are easier.

8. TRUE / FALSE:

Part time stepparenting is easier than when the children live with you all the time.

9. TRUE / FALSE:

A strong couple relationship is an important part in forming a strong stepfamily.

Answers

  • FALSE

    Attachment won't happen straightaway. All new relationships take time to form and become strong and the older the children, the longer the process. Try not to hold any unrealistic expectations for developing a parental role with your children at the beginning of the relationship, let things develop slowly and naturally. Stepfamilies take time to adjust and establish their own ways of doing things.

  • TRUE

    Older children have a longer history with biological parents. They can be very egocentric – eg. YOU have messed up MY life. They can also be embarrassed by divorce and remarriage and worried about what others will think. Older children are also the most susceptible to loyalty conflicts, they are more aware of relationships and what they mean. Younger children think more simplistically and are more inclusive. They can easily love everyone!

  • FALSE

    It is important to know that most children (more than 85%) in all family types do not have severe dysfunction (eg. academic failure, chronic depression).

  • FALSE

    Stereotypes have an effect on everyday life. Stepparents are generally portrayed very negatively in fairy tales. Some stepmothers have been known to try and over compensate to avoid being labelled the ‘wicked stepmother’

  • TRUE

    Instant love simply does not exist. This is an unrealistic expectation and one which you need to avoid.

  • FALSE

    Although some co-parenting relationships can be very challenging and stressful for the adults, it is very important that children have contact with both their biological parents where possible. When a child has no contact with their other parent, they may build fantasies about them. Unless there is abuse, a child benefits from contact with both parents.

  • FALSE

    A new stepparent may have a very difficult time competing with the idealized memory a child holds for a parent who had died.

  • FALSE

    Step parenting when children don't live with you all the time can be even more challenging than if stepchildren live full time in the household. Roles are often ambiguous and part time stepparents may find it particularly difficult in enforcing disciplinary issues with their stepchildren.

  • TRUE

    The couple relationship is the newest and therefore the most vulnerable relationship in the family. It is the heart of the stepfamily, since it created the family. Building strength in the couple relationship helps to keep the family strong as a whole.