22-Year-Old Sparks Family Drama by Exposing Dad’s Girlfriend’s Shocking Demand—Relationship Shatters Instantly
“Internal struggles like this can be the catalyst for anxiety that can manifest as behavioral problems or withdrawal when unaddressed,” he said.
Cavins adds that children need time to process the new person’s role in their lives. So, when a stepparent immediately assumes authority without building a proper connection, it violates the child’s psychological need for gradual relationship building.
Dr. Keels also emphasized the importance of stepparents building rapport, especially with grown children.
“It is generally less threatening to the child’s sense of autonomy and existing family structure when the stepparent shows up as someone who wants to spend time and do things with them, as opposed to a stepparent who immediately acts as if they are calling the shots,” she said.
Establishing a harmonious relationship among blended families is a two-way street
While the stepparent must do their part to keep the balance and harmony, the children must also do the same. Dr. Keels advises having an honest conversation with their biological parent about having a gradual, rapport-building approach with the stepparent, or in this story’s case, the dad’s new partner.
However, the main problem in this story seems to be the disruption caused by the dad’s new girlfriend. To avoid such issues, Dr. Keels advises maintaining the continuity to allow children to process the new family dynamic they’re about to enter.
Cavins shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing that “uncertainty creates anxiety, and anxiety leads to acting out or emotional withdrawal.”
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