Secrets for Stepfamily Success
1. Put your marriage first. It's the foundation of your stepfamily.
2. Support your children's need to have a relationship with their other biological parent.
3. Non-custodial parents--remain a part of your children's lives.
4. Never badmouth your former partner to your children.
5. Relationships between stepparents and stepchildren take time to blossom.
6. Celebrations and holidays call for flexibility and creativity.
7. Discuss and clarify all money issues early--preferably prior to remarriage.
8. Adults agree on how to run the household and establish a "united front".
9. Build strong, clear communication with respect and civility.
10. Face all feelings fearlessly. Talk about them and you'll grow closer.

Used with permission from Elizabeth Einstein, MA/LMFT
See more of Einstein's material on her website: http://www.stepfamilyliving.com/

Books: (Can be borrowed from our library)
Strengthening Your Stepfamily (2006 edition) by Elizabeth Einstein
The Stepfamily: Living, Loving, Learning by Elizabeth Einstein

CDs by Elizabeth Einstein:
The Couples Spiritual Challenge
The Stepfamily Journey
Preparing for Remarriage
Guiding Grandparents in Stepfamilies

Websites:
www.smartstepfamilies.com
www.stepfamilies.info
http://www.stepfamilyliving.com/