Making Stepfamilies Work Making Stepfamilies Work Researchers estimate that nearly 50 percent of all first marriages end in divorce. This high rate has led to a boom in the number of stepfamilies. But their success rate doesn’t appear any better – roughly 60 percent of second marriages end in divorce. Therapists who work with stepfamilies say it’s a trend that can be reversed if stepfamily parents place greater emphasis on three main areas – communication , discipline and couplehood . Communication Open, honest communication is the backbone of a successful stepfamily. Unfortunately for many stepfamilies, communicating effectively may be difficult. Children, especially older ones, may not be enthusiastic about their mom or dad’s remarriage, so they may conceal their feelings out of loyalty to the non-custodial parent. Parents in the stepfamily may have problems communicating, fearing they may hurt the other’s feelings and jeopardize the marriage. Many therapis