'Unappreciated' stepdads are twice as likely to divorce their wives than traditional husbands

Husbands who are stepfathers are twice as likely to divorce their wives than husbands in traditional marriages.

According to a new survey conducted by Step Dadding , more than 61per cent of divorced men who were stepdads to at least one child said they initiated the split.



In contrast, only 30per cent of men in a traditional marriage made the decision to leave their wives, according to Divorce Rate .

Stepdad woes: According to a new survey conducted by Step Dadding, more than 61per cent of divorced men who were stepdads to at least one child said they initiated the split

The worldwide survey included participants form the U.S., the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Two thirds of men blame feeling unappreciated, as well as having arguments over the children, as the main contributing factors to breaking up.



And at least one third said their relationship crumbled because their parenting role was undefined, their were problems with the biological father, or 'her children were out of control'.



The survey, which aimed to understand the dynamics of a blended family explained: 'These are men who felt they genuinely tried to make it work.

'It’s hard for a guy to succeed when he’s trying to do his best version of "stepdad” but his wife has a different vision,' the report added.

' It’s hard for a guy to succeed when he’s trying to do his best version of " stepdad " '



'It’s easy to start feeling frustrated. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When couples talk about the role the stepdad will play, they can reduce the turmoil and avoid hurt feelings.'

A recent study by researchers at Brigham Young’s School of Social Work helps to identify factors that make a relationship involving a stepfather work.



Both the mother and the stepdad need to agree on how to parent. meanwhile, children should be encouraged to vent any frustrations they may have.

'What stepfathers have to realize is as big of a transition as this is for them, it’s bigger for the kids,' Joe D’Eramo, author of 25 Ways to go from Stepfather to StepDad , told Pittsburgh Parents . ' So, you have to tread gently and avoid some common traps.'

Mr D'Eramo advises stepfathers to 'follow your wife’s lead on house rules' - instead of trying to reinvent them right away.



'Children of divorce have enough difficulty following the rules at two homes if they visit their biological father. Don’t make them learn two sets of rules at home. Think of your wife as the CEO of rules as they apply to the children and you are her closest and trusted adviser,' he added.

The author and stepfather also stresses the importance of talking as a family.