The secrets of successful stepfamilies

Joining two families can feel messy. Shifting roles, new relationships and mixed emotions make stepparenting extra complicated. But you have what it takes to rise to the challenge.

Psychologists have identified some important success factors for stepparents. Try these expert tips:

Adjust your expectations. Don't expect too much too soon. After a negative exchange between new family members, try taking a walk around the block. Remind yourself that building relationships takes time. Set your expectations from there and stay flexible.

Talk about new family roles and boundaries. Thriving stepfamilies talk about who will do what, and when. That means conversations about how kids will respond when a stepparent asks them to do chores, and about how stepparents will respond when a stepchild asks for privacy.

Schedule family fun time and family meetings. Find a time once every couple of weeks to create new, positive family memories. Take a hike. Go bowling. Have a game night. Then find a time to have a family meeting where you can check in about chores, family dinners and how it's all going. Take the time to reinforce the positive.

Back each other up. Studies have shown that presenting a united front as parents is a key factor in effective stepparenting. Some parents who remarry find sharing control difficult. But letting your new partner take an active role in parenting increases your odds of a peaceful, functional family unit in the long run.

Stay social and take time for yourself. Stepparents and remarried parents who lean on their friends, families and broader communities tend to be happier in their family relationships and less stressed. It's important to take breaks from family life to re-center.