Losses
• Loss of the absent parent (and perhaps the grandparents).
• Loss of an exclusive relationship with the biological parent who must now be shared with the new stepparent.
• Loss of a special position in the family (child may no longer be the youngest/oldest in the new stepfamily; an only child may suddenly have siblings).
• Loss of bedroom, own furnishings; increased need to share.
• Loss of neighborhood
• Change of school.
• Loss of Familiar routines.
• Possible increase in day care, school-age care etc…

Gains
• Increase in the number of interested adults in children’s lives.
• Stepparents are often able to be more objective since they are less emotionally ached to their stepchildren attached.
• Possible financial easement which permits the stepfamily more luxuries.
• Chilren are exposed to people and ideas which may be different from that previously known. This is a wonderful lesson which can foster tolerance and an appreciation of difference. Both are characteristics which prepares us for the wider world and helps us become good citizens