Step by Step
Pre-Session Information Sheet
STEP BY STEP: CREATING STRONG STEPFAMILIES
Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions, so we can get a better idea of which
topics you already know about and what you'd like to know more about. You do not need to sign your
name. Thank you!
Please circle your answer to each of the following questions:
1. A stepfamily is like any other family—there are just more people.
TRUE
FALSE
2. In the beginning it is important to focus on establishing the
stepparent-stepchild relationship.
TRUE
FALSE
3. It generally takes 4-7 years for a stepfamily to stabilize.
TRUE
FALSE
4. Stepparents should immediately start disciplining their stepchildren.
TRUE
FALSE
5. For children’s sake, adults should avoid contact with their former spouse.
TRUE
FALSE
6. Loyalty issues are one of the biggest problems that children face in
stepfamilies.
TRUE
FALSE
7. Although it takes time, love must develop among all members in
the stepfamily if it is going to succeed.
TRUE
FALSE
8. Biological parents should not allow children to express negative
feelings about their stepparent.
TRUE
FALSE
9. Older children have an easier time adjusting to parental divorce
and remarriage.
TRUE
FALSE
10. There is a legally recognized relationship between stepparent and stepchild. TRUE
FALSE
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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Step by Step
Pre-Session Information Sheet
Please circle the number that describes your level of understanding of each of the following topics:
No
Understanding
1
Moderate
Understanding
2
Almost Complete
Understanding
3
4
5
11. The five stages of stepfamily development
1
2
3
4
5
12. The stage of development that my stepfamily is in now
1
2
3
4
5
13. Couple communication techniques
1
2
3
4
5
14. Children's feelings about living in a stepfamily
1
2
3
4
5
15. The ways that children of different ages
(preschool, school-age, adolescent) respond to
living in a stepfamily
1
2
3
4
5
16. Strategies for building positive stepparent/stepchild
relationships
1
2
3
4
5
17. How to have a family meeting
1
2
3
4
5
18. Financial decision-making skills
1
2
3
4
5
19. Developing a workable plan for handling daily finances
1
2
3
4
5
20. Developing a written spending plan
1
2
3
4
5
21 Using a spending plan
1
2
3
4
5
22. How to communicate effectively with family
members about money
1
2
3
4
5
23. Writing financial goals for yourself
1
2
3
4
5
24. Writing financial goals for your household
1
2
3
4
5
25. What topics would you like to learn more about in this program?
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