| A controversial study has found that stepfathers are | | | | you have to look at it case by case." |
| "more engaged, more co-operative and shared more | | | | Lawrence Berger of the University of |
| responsibility than their biological counterparts did." | | | | Wisconsin-Madison, the study's author, said that |
| Based in the United States, this research negates the | | | | mothers who participated in the study were more |
| widely held belief that biological fathers are better | | | | likely to have similar parenting perspectives with their |
| suited to the role of parenting their own children. | | | | children's stepfathers than their biological fathers. |
| Interviews were conducted with 2,098 urban | | | | In addition, the stepfathers too were more open |
| mothers from the Fragile Families And Child Wellbeing | | | | about discussing their wants and needs as parental |
| study. The children involved in the study had been | | | | figures for the adopted child. |
| born between 1998 and 2000 and were five years | | | | Stepfathers need to make the extra effort to blend |
| old when the most recent interview was conducted. | | | | in with the family and to feel useful as a parent. That |
| Some professionals in the field believe that it would | | | | additional level of concern translates to a greater |
| be scientifically erroneous to apply this study's | | | | interest in parenting. But biological fathers should still |
| findings to all family dynamics in which a stepfather is | | | | work on being strong influences in their children's lives |
| present. | | | | as well. |
| Sydney psychologist Grant Brecht said, "There is no | | | | The ideal is for children to be surrounded by as many |
| reason why stepfathers cannot make incredibly good | | | | loving and caring people as possible to contribute to |
| parents and they may be more attentive. But I think | | | | their healthy development. |