When two people get married, they expect to stay together forever. But sometimes
people's feelings change over time, even when they have children together whom they
both love. A couple might realize that they would be happier apart than they are together,
and so they choose to get divorced.
This is never an easy decision.
Divorce can be painful for parents, but eventually, each person involved starts
to heal. A divorced parent may even meet someone new he or she would like to live
with or marry.
Sometimes spouses die and
husbands or wives are forced to start over. Despite all the pain of losing someone
they love, in time, they might find people they want to share their lives with again.
If a kid's mom and dad never married, just the mom or just the dad might be the
only parent in the kid's life. Someday, that mom or dad might decide to marry someone
else.
When this happens, a new family is created. A new husband or wife for your parent
means a new stepparent for you. It's normal to be sad
and scared as your family changes
and it may take some time to get adjusted to your new family situation.
Getting Used to Stepparents
Suddenly having a new adult in your life and your home can be really tough. You'll
probably have lots of questions, like what you should call your stepdad or stepmom.
(Some families use the person's first name.)
You also might wonder about rules and whether you really have to listen to your
stepparent even if he or she is not your real mom or dad. A stepparent is another
adult who's looking out for you, so it's best to give him or her the same level of
respect you give your own parents, coach, or teacher at school.
You might worry about what will happen on holidays — who you'll be with and
exchange presents with. These are all good questions and ones you should talk over
with your family. You might want to talk with your parent alone or call for a group
family meeting, or even ask a parent to write a schedule for you.