Expert family advice: Kids coping with a new step dad
I'm a single mother of two young children and I'm about to marry a man who's not my children's father. Will living with their stepfather be as good for them as living with their biological father?
Research shows that when a new father figure joins a family, there may be some changes in the family dynamics that are disruptive for children. In general, when a new man joins the family, there are more resources to be invested in the children, more time to spend with them and it's easier to organise childcare.
However, if the man isn't the children's biological father, there's the risk he may feel less involved in their upbringing and supervision, and that the roles in the household are less clear. This may create confusion and affect the children's wellbeing and development.
'Reading activities are stimulating and beneficial for children and may help strengthen the bond with their new dad'
You may be aware that your children are more vulnerable at this time and you can be ready to support them. Research shows potential areas where children are particularly vulnerable at a time of family changes include difficulties with reading and anxiety.
Moreover, recent research shows the degree of involvement of the father is particularly beneficial for children's development, so encouraging the stepfather to interact with your children and to organise interactive activities with them may ease their transition to the new family structure.
Reading activities are stimulating and beneficial for children and may help strengthen the bond with their new dad.
Researcher has just led a study at the London School of Economics looking at how well children do when they live with a stepfather compared with living with their biological fatherElena Mariani
