Introduction
In this chapter students learned about types of family structure and norms for marriage arrangements as well as alternatives to the traditional nuclear family. With the high rate of divorce and other influences in society, blended families have become a more and more common family arrangement. In this activity students will take a closer look at some of the challenges and benefits of being part of a blended family.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the TeensHealth Web site to learn more about blended families. After answering several questions about the benefits and difficulties of blended families, students will create an informational brochure to help teens in newly blended families adjust.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to define what a blended family is.
2. Students will be able to summarize common problems in blended families.
3. Students will be able to identify ways to adjust to life in a blended family.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. According to the Stepfamily Association of America, a blended family refers to a stepfamily household, one in which a parent marries a person who is not his or her child's other (usually biological) parent.
2. Common problems include feeling unwanted by a stepparent; feeling alienated within the new family; being torn by tension between biological parents; and experiencing discomfort around holidays and major family events. Some teens resent stepparents who assume the role of parent (and disciplinarian) before the family has had a chance to evolve; others are jealous of the parent's affection for his or her new spouse or other children living in the home.
3. After a person gets used to the new family structure, he or she may grow to consider a stepparent as an ally they can trust and confide in. When stepparents try not to assert too much parental authority right away, teens are often glad to find they have a new parent who can be friendly and impartial. Some teens also welcome having new siblings.
4. A person can confide in a trusted neutral adult, such as a sports coach, a favorite teacher, a counselor, or a relative who isn't directly involved in the situation. Talking with a friend who has gone through a similar situation can help as well, and there are also support groups for teens in stepfamilies.
5. Students' brochures will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity