Cause Of Tension In Stepfamilies |
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The most frequent cause of tension in stepfamilies is conflict over money. In stepfamilies, money can take on emotional overtones. There may be alimony payments to be made to an ex-spouse and child support money coming in from an ex-spouse. If the stepfamily income declines, the burden falls on the stepfamily; changes in the income of the ex-spouse do not mean that the alimony and child support stop. These are stressful areas.
Money is sometimes used as a weapon between ex-spouses. The constant exchange of money keeps them together and reliving hurtful feelings. A mother tells her daughter she can’t have the prom dress she wants because her father does not give them enough money. An ex-wife receives a raise at work but keeps it secret from her ex- husband so he won’t reduce his payments.
Past experiences in families and in former marriages influence feelings and behavior in the stepfamily. Some adults and teens find the stress of coping with stepfamilies too much to handle.
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