Step-father acceptance and life in the stepfamily as seen by step-children and step-fathers

This paper focuses on stepfamilies, stepfatherhood and maps out stepfathers' and stepchildren's experiences in stepfamilies. The aim of the paper is threefold: a) uncover whether children in stepfamilies see their stepfathers as members of the closest family (acceptance); b) map parental styles in stepfamilies and find out whether parental styles and other factors are related to stepfather acceptance; c) Create a qualitative map of the lived experiences of children and stepfathers in stepfamilies, including their joys and frustrations. Based on the research conducted, the paper claims that children in stepfamilies accept, for the most part, their residential stepfather as part of the closest family. This is the case even when children represent their ideal family, the family they would dream of. Important factors in children's level of acceptance of their stepfathers include children's perception of a warm relationship on the side of the stepfather, as well as on the side of their mother, and a positive emotional climate in the family overall. Stepfathers are more likely to be accepted by children if the child's relationship with both residential parents is perceived by the child as loving or warm. Warm relationships with the stepfather only is also a contributing factor, as well as stepfathers..