A new study confirms that it isn't easy being a stepfather, and it sounds like it can be rough for both kids and dads. Reserachers found that stepfathers saw their kids as being more hyperactive and disobedient than biological dads did, and they were less likely to praise their stepchildren. And some experts say teens do tend to behave worse for their stepfathers, and if they sense their mom isn't totally behind a discipline effort, they are more likely to buck stepdad's authority. Hence the popularity of the phrase (delivered with a sneer,) "You aren't my real dad."
But there's a silver lining in the study. The researchers also found that having an attentive dad, biological or step, had a positive impact on kids. A dad/stepdad that paid attention instead of being distant was more likely to have a kid described as calmer and more well-behaved. Hmmm, you mean kids want dads to be involved with them, and they respond better as a result? That feels like a no-brainer to me.
