Living in a Stepfamily - Stepfamily Association of South Australia

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Living in a Stepfamily

A divorce rate of one in three marriages in Australia means that many families with dependent children are stepfamilies. Living in a Stepfamily is an Australian, video-based program designed to assist members of stepfamilies to understand and deal with their family situation.

The focus of this program is educational rather than therapeutic. Emphasis is given to the structural difference between stepfamilies and nuclear families and how this creates uncertainty and confusion over roles, resources and boundaries. The program aims to expose the myths of instant adjustment, instant love and the recreation of a nuclear family. It provides, instead, a more realistic developmental model, from formation of the stepfamily to consolidation into a strong, workable and rewarding unit. Living in a Stepfamily presents a positive approach to stepfamilies while still recognising the enormous difficulties that stepfamilies encounter.

The program deals with a wide range of issues including custody, access and maintenance, jealousy, guilt, ex-partners, grief, sexuality, rivalry, surnames, adoption, the new baby, school, discipline and parenting skills, finance, family celebrations, roles and expectations. There are six sessions, each supported by a video presentation.

SESSIONS
1. Exploring the general issues peculiar to stepfamilies
2. Building and maintaining a good relationship between the couple
3. Building and maintaining a good relationship with the children
4. Children and stepfamilies
5. Ghosts from the past
6. Developing a positive stepfamily

MATERIALS
A Living in a Stepfamily Kit includes:

LEADER�S MANUAL
A comprehensive manual provides background reading on stepfamilies, session outlines, a section on group work with stepfamilies and a section with five case studies that can be used to assist with training group leaders.
LIVING IN A STEPFAMILY (2ND EDITION)
Stepparent�s Handbook: The course text.
VIDEO AND SCRIPT BOOKLET, 40 MINUTES
Six episodes, depicting three Australian stepfamilies, provide a basis for discussion of stepfamily issues. The kit also includes: six wall charts, three genograms of the video families, 12 discussion cards and six blackline masters for handouts and evaluation forms.