Stepparenting Together? How Stepmoms’ and Stepdads’ Experiences Differ by Trisha Ladogna
Have you ever wondered if stepdads have it easier?
Becoming a stepmother after spending time as a single parent means parenting like you have never experienced it before. You have the unique experience of beginning your stepparenting journey at the very same time, in the very same place, as your partner.
While this can open up some fantastic opportunities for shared understanding, insight and support (in your couple relationship), it also brings with it a unique set of challenges found only when there are two stepparents residing in the same home.
It is easy to believe that—because you and your partner are becoming stepparents at the same time, in the same home and for each other’s children—your stepparenting experiences will be identical. The fact is, however, that your stepparenting experiences are going to be vastly different from one another.
Gender plays a significant role in how you and your partner will be accepted as stepparents in your home. In reality, your partner is going to have an easier time stepparenting than you are. …To read the rest of this article, log in to your account and download the September 2015 issue. Don’t have an account? Click here to subscribe!