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Being a part of a Step Family is a challenge.check out the My Parenting Portal swicki at eurekster.com
A step family can be formed after a divorce or death of a parent in a nuclear family or when a single parent chooses a long-term partner. Although in the past, marriage was usually required to define step families, marriage is not always a prerequisite for parents and children living together in the same household. Many adult partners choose to live together (cohabitation) on a long-term basis rather than marry. Children can be full-time or part-time members of a step family, depending on the custody arrangement between the biological parents. Children may also be part of two step families if both parents remarry. The following terms are used to define members of a step family: * stepparent: a non-biological parent Because in most divorces, primary custody is awarded to the biological mother, most step families involve stepfathers who become the full-time stepparent. In rare cases, a biological father is awarded primary custody, and a stepmother can become a full-time stepparent. A step family has a unique natural life cycle, taking several years to develop into a family unit, and is at greatest risk for failure during its first two years. Parents and stepparents should be concerned during the first two years after the step family is formed, since this has been identified as a crucial time period for step family success. To help strengthen the step family, parents can establish new and enjoyable family traditions, recognize that children need to stay in touch with non-custodial parents, and focus on being open with family communication. 
How do you survive as a step parent?
Step families are at greater risk for failure and broken marriage due to the increased stresses of step family life. These stresses include the unclear role and authority of the stepparent, financial responsibility for stepchildren, conflict between custodial and noncustodial parents, and emotional tensions. Roles of the non-custodial parent and stepparent must be clearly defined to avoid unnecessary conflicts. With effective step parenting, a step family can function successfully and even heal emotional scars of past divorce. Divorce, remarriage, and the formation of a step family are traumatic events for children. Transition can be eased by including children in discussions and preparations for the step family's future. For example, for couples getting remarried, children can be included in the actual wedding ceremony (not just as ring bearers and flower girls) and given tokens, like a piece of jewelry or special gift (like the wedding rings that their parents exchange), that symbolize the joining of the new family. While stepmothers face some of the same issues that stepfathers face, both part-time and full-time stepmothers have a more difficult role in the step family and are often expected to be more involved with their stepchild due to socialization pressures (being a mother), societal expectations, and expectations from their husband. Step families merge unrelated parents and children into a family unit that, with time and emotional work, can function as effectively as a traditional nuclear family. For children previously living in a single-parent family, a step family can provide a more structured family environment with positive influences from two parental figures. For parents, a step family can provide social support for new couples and new, emotionally rewarding relationships with biological and stepchildren. 
Most step families, when given the necessary time to work on developing their own traditions and to form new relationships, can provide emotionally rich and lasting relationships for the adults, and help the children develop the self-esteem and strength to enjoy the challenges of life.
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According to statistics, one in three Americans is involved in a step family situation, and 1,300 new step families form each day. In addition, 50 percent of children under age 13 live with one biological parent and the parent's partner. It is estimated that there are more step families than traditional nuclear families in the United States.