2. The article focused on the question “How well do children in remarried families fare” (Anderson & Greene, 2013, p. 120). Most studies have compared children in stepfamilies with children living with newlywed parents. Much of the research using this approach is criticized for two reasons. This approach essentially states that first marriage families are the ideal and perfect family. This idea is not necessarily true. The second reason is that the comparison between first marriage families and reconstituted families is not appropriate. This is because children in stepfamilies experience the effects of their parents' divorce and remarriage on themselves. Children born from a first marriage do not experience these changes. The researchers say the children can be classified into four groups that include “married, two biological parents; unmarried single mother; married stepparent; unmarried cohabitants” (Anderson & Greene, 2013, p. 120). Studies have shown that children living in married stepfather families fare worse academically than their parents from their first marriage. The study also stated that children who belonged to married stepparent families fared better academically than unmarried cohabiting stepparents. The type of studies that should be conducted to answer the general question about children adversely affected by stepfamilies should study children before and after remarriage. This type of study, however, is very rare. Studies have shown that children from stepfamilies had no effect on academics, such as reading and math. Family research has three main components: “sampling, measurement, and design” (Anderson & Greene, 2013, p. 121). The two types of studies that are conducted are representative and longitudinal investigations s...... middle of paper...... leaving their lives. The family structure has also changed. Behavioral problems in children emerge from life transitions and inconsistent parenting practices. Another problem is that new parents may not be as involved or caring towards their stepchild. This causes the child to be resistant and experience feelings of being unwanted. Children also have to balance being in multiple households with different people. Every family has different rules, members and places that are difficult for a child to deal with. Overall, it is difficult for children to adapt to changes, especially if many changes occur at once. In conclusion, children belonging to stepfamilies are more likely to have adjustment problems. Reasons for this include “fewer parental resources, family instability, new roles, responsibilities and relationships, and managing multiple families” (Anderson & Greene, 2013, p.. 127).