Marrying with adolescent children creates complex household dynamics that require realistic expectations alongside romantic commitment. Lifestyle differences, competition for a partner's time, and resistance to stepparent authority commonly generate tension. These stressors increase the risk of conflict and remarriage dissolution without effective coping. Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills help partners collaborate at disagreement points and problem-solve together rather than oppose one another. The biological parent should acknowledge and appreciate stepparent efforts. The stepparent should express concerns with tact and sensitivity. Couples must balance discussion of family management with other relationship topics to maintain connection.
Marrying when one or one's partner has children in adolescence is not for the faint of heart. Because the new household dynamics can be very challenging to manage, it's important to have realistic expectations ("Step relationships complicate family life") along with one's romantic feelings ("Our love for each other will help see us through"). What new complexity? The increasing mix of individual and lifestyle differences can be hard to tolerate on all sides: "I'm not used to living their way!"
Expect more adjustment On all three of these counts and others, more tensions and conflicts can arise. This is why good communication and conflict resolution skills are essential for the couple who are bringing teenagers into a marriage or remarriage. For example, at disagreement points, it can help to treat each other not as opponents to overcome but as informants with whom to problem-solve together, further marrying each time you successfully do.
Collection
[
|
...
]