Why is discipline a potential area of conflict in stepfamilies?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stepparents are often not seen as "real" parents because they are not the children's birth parents. This can create conflict when trying to establish discipline in the household, as the children may not see the stepparent as having the authority to discipline them. Additionally, the birth parent may feel torn between supporting their partner's disciplinary efforts and not wanting to damage their relationship with their children.

Why Is Discipline a Potential Area of Conflict in Stepfamilies