Step-Daughters Usually Less Judgmental of Step-Parents

It is estimated that nearly one-half of all children in the United States will spend some portion of their childhood in a step-family living arrangement. Even with step-family lifestyles becoming more commonplace, there are still many negative stereotypes attached to them.

If you are considering remarriage or co-habitation, and that relationship will develop a step-family living arrangement, it is important to understand the various negative dynamics associated with children. While there are many positive dynamics associated with children residing in a two-parent home, this same arrangement can also pose some parenting challenges.

What you may not realize is the degree to which your child's perception of a step-parent, as well as step-siblings, may be determined by your child's gender. In many step-family living arrangements, it has been found that male children often create a greater identity and separation of themselves from that of a step-parent or step-sibling. This is to say, when compared to females, male children may find greater difficult in acclimating to a step-family environment, often feeling territorial or the need to differentiate themselves from the step-family.

In contrast, female children have a greater tendency to accept a step-parent and step-siblings without judgment and bias. In fact, many female children have been found to create a greater bond with a step-parent, often surpassing the relationship with a biological parent. While the acceptance and lack of judgment may a female child may be perceived as a key advantage in the meshing of your family dynamics, it may hold some negative implications in the relationship of the non-custodial, biological parent.