Stepparenting is one of the most challenging roles. While biological parents enjoy a history since their child’s birth and a bond that comes more naturally, stepparents often come into the kids’ lives when they’ve already established their relationships with their biological parents. For this reason, introducing new spouses and possible stepsiblings following a divorce can be tricky.

Blended families make up an increasing percentage of the population. Pew Research shows that 113.6 million Americans are part of a stepfamily. Each day, around 1,300 new stepfamilies form. Unfortunately, these statistics are coupled with a higher divorce rate and greater chances of unhappiness among blended families.

Balancing two different households can be tough

One of the greatest challenges in a stepfamily is blending two different households. Unless the biological parents get along amazingly well, there is very often enough inconsistency to make the task of parenting—and stepparenting—more difficult than they already are. For example, if a set of rules is enforced in one home but not in the other, the kids might have trouble grasping how to swing back and forth between the two sets of rules or expectations and have behavioral issues.

As a grandparent, you are important to your grandchild. You can develop strong connections that last a lifetime. One way you can protect and maintain this bond is by establishing visitation privileges or custody rights under Texas law.

There are specific justifications that are necessary for seeking visitation or custody of grandchildren.

Possession and access

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas revealed how much a couple's socioeconomic status may influence the satisfaction level of their marriage over time. The Law Office of Brian Bagley, PLLC, understands how remaining in an unhappy relationship may have overwhelming consequences for both you and your children. Sometimes, a divorce might be a necessary step in helping to move towards a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

As reported by Forbes magazine, researchers at the University of Texas and the University of Georgia found that wives in sociodemographic risk marriages started their marriage already unsatisfied. For most couples, the first years after their marriages are filled with excitement and happiness. Going through with a wedding when the bride-to-be is already unhappy, however, may be a sign that the relationship is risky and may not be capable of lasting.

The researchers detected a pattern of fulfillment levels declining after a marriage, which they called the "honeymoon-is-over" effect. By surveying 431 couples, the research team discovered that, over time, the satisfaction levels decreased the greatest for the wives in low-income marriages and who were already experiencing satisfaction issues when they first began their married life. Researchers also found that couples with higher levels of satisfaction when they first married tended to have a more stable level of satisfaction following their "honeymoon-is-over" period.

Thankfully, your child’s other parent does a great job of coming through on paying child support. Could you do more to make the most of those payments to give your child a good life in Texas?

GOBankingRates has a few ideas to consider. Learn how to maximize every dollar of your child support checks.

Put a percentage of support payments into a savings account

When Texas residents go to sell a home during or after a divorce, they want a big return on their initial investment. This can be difficult, particularly in a weaker housing market or if the home must be sold quickly. Fortunately, there are some basic, simple things homeowners can do to increase the value of their home before it sells.

According to the Insider, it may be a good ideal to sell a home in the summer or spring if possible. Home values tend to rise during these seasons and can provide heightened competition. If the homeowner is not pressed to sell the home quickly, it may be easier to price it at the peak during these seasons.

One simple thing that homeowners can do that often gets overlooked is to simply make sure everything is functional. If there is a leak in a faucet or a cupboard that does not open, fixing those things can make a huge difference when potential buyers start walking through the home. A simple fix like a new microwave can provide a larger return on investment.