FamilyLife Blended® con Ron L. Deal

Looking back is one way you know what made the difference.

Research has identified a variety of turning points in healthy stepparent-stepchild relationships. One turning point is when the stepparent affirmed the value of the child. Like when they went to bat for them in a social situation—or stood by the child during a challenging time. And for some kids it helped to hear the stepparent claim the child as their own. There’s a catch: stepparents shouldn’t expect the child to claim them as dad or mom, but knowing you’re committed can be a turning point.