National Step Family Day

Happy step family standing together, with parents, step-siblings, and their pets, in a beautiful park setting, wearing casual and comfortable clothing.. — National step family day illustration

Step right up, folks! It's time to celebrate National Step Family Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the awesome power of blended families. So gather 'round with your step-parents, step-siblings, and step-everything-in-betweens, because we're about to dive into the fascinating history of this special day.

When is Step Family Day?

It's national step family day on the 16th September.

The Birth of National Step Family Day

Blended families have become increasingly common in today's society. So it's no surprise that National Step Family Day was born out of the need to appreciate the unique dynamic these families bring to the table. This special day was first mentioned online on September 16, 2015, when it garnered a whopping 64 mentions. Looks like people were truly in the mood to celebrate!

Step families touch upon so many aspects of life, from love and support to finance and property. That's why we've gathered some key tags, including loved ones, finance, property, and romance, to guide you through this article.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the term 'stepfamily' originated from the Old English word 'steop,' meaning 'bereaved' or 'grief'? It's true! This shows that even in ancient times, people recognized the unique challenges and love that come with blended families. So next time you use the term 'step-sibling' or 'step-parent,' remember its historical roots and celebrate the beauty of togetherness that step families bring.

History behind the term 'Step Family'

1922

Introduction of the term 'step family'

The term 'step family' was first introduced in 1922. It is derived from the combination of 'step', meaning a relation gained through marriage, and 'family', which refers to a group of individuals living together and sharing common ancestry. The term was coined to describe a family formed through remarriage, where one or both partners bring children from a previous marriage into the new family unit.

1842

Introduction of the term 'Step-child' in legal contexts

The term 'step-child' first appeared in legal contexts in 1842. It referred to a child who is not biologically related to one of the parents but has been legally adopted or has a legal parent-child relationship through marriage.

1100s

Emergence of the word 'step'

In the 1100s, the word 'step' begins to emerge in Middle English, derived from the Old English 'steop', meaning 'to ascend or step up'. The term initially referred to moving up or ascending physically, such as taking a step up a staircase or stepping on a stool.

1500s

Emergence of the term 'step family'

The term 'step family' originated in the 16th century and is derived from the Old English word 'stēop', which means 'bereaved' or 'robbed', and 'familie', which means 'family'. During this time, the term was primarily used to refer to a family formed through the remarriage of a widowed or divorced parent.

1880

The birth of the term

The term 'step family' first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century. It was used to describe a family structure formed when a person with children from a previous relationship marries someone who is not their biological parent.

1600s

The emergence of blended families

During the 1600s, the term step family started to emerge as a way to describe families that were formed through the remarriage of a widowed or divorced parent. This period saw an increase in blended families, as societal norms began to shift and divorce became more accepted. Step families often faced unique challenges as they tried to navigate new relationships and integrate different sets of children.

1500s

The Origin of Blended Families

The concept of step families, also known as blended families, can be traced back to the 1500s. During this time, divorce and the death of a spouse were relatively common, leading to the remarriage of widows and widowers. As a result, children from previous marriages had new stepparents and step-siblings.

1800s

Expanded definition of 'step family'

In the 19th century, the definition of 'step family' evolved to include families formed through the marriage of a parent and a stepparent, even if the parent was not widowed or divorced. This broader definition recognized the inclusion of stepchildren who were not biologically related to one of their parents. The term became more widely used to describe these blended families across various literary works and legal documents.

14th century

Step- relates to kinship

By the 14th century, the term 'step' started to be associated with relationships. It was used as a prefix to denote a connection through marriage, such as 'stepmother' or 'stepchild'. The term was used to signify the remarriage of a widowed parent and the subsequent blending of families.

1800s

The Rise of the Term 'Step Family'

The actual term 'step family' emerged in the 1800s. The word 'step' derives from the Old English word 'steop,' which means 'bereaved of a relative.' People began using the term to refer to families formed through remarriage, acknowledging the different lineage between parents and children.

1800s

Stepparents and stepchildren

In the 1800s, the terms 'stepparent' and 'stepchild' began to gain popularity. These terms emphasized the role and relationship between the new parent and the children from a previous marriage. The concept of a stepfamily became more defined, recognizing that stepparents had distinct roles in raising their stepchildren. This period also marked the beginning of stepfamily literature, with authors exploring the complexities and dynamics unique to these families.

1950

Popularity and recognition

During the post-World War II era, step families started gaining more recognition and social acceptance. The growing popularity of the term coincided with the increased incidence of divorce and remarriage, leading to more blended families.

1890

Emergence of the term 'Step-father' and 'Step-mother'

By 1890, the terms 'step-father' and 'step-mother' began to be widely used. They referred to individuals who assumed parental roles through remarriage or adoption, providing care and support to their spouse's children from a previous relationship.

1960s

Rise in divorces and blended families

During the 1960s, divorce rates began to rise, leading to an increase in blended families. Blended families, also known as stepfamilies, are formed when a divorced or widowed individual remarries and brings their own children, or when two divorced or widowed individuals with children from previous marriages join together. This shift in family dynamics and the growing presence of stepfamilies contributed to the popularization and understanding of the concept of 'step family'.

1960s

Introduction of the term 'step family'

In the 1960s, the compound term 'step family' became more commonly used to describe families resulting from remarriage. This term encompassed the new family structure where one or both parents had children from a previous relationship. It acknowledged the blending of two family units into one.

1950

Popularization of the term 'Step-family'

In the 1950s, with increasing rates of divorce and remarriage, the concept of 'step-family' gained popularity. The term referred to a family unit where one or both parents have children from a previous relationship. It highlighted the unique dynamics and challenges of blending two families into one cohesive unit.

1980s

Influence of media on step family portrayal

In the 1980s, the portrayal of step families began to gain prominence in popular culture, particularly in movies and television shows. The Brady Bunch, a television series that aired from 1969 to 1974, showcased a blended family where a widow with three daughters marries a widower with three sons. This depiction of a harmonious step family had a profound impact on public perception, showcasing the potential for a successful and loving family dynamic in these situations.

1960

Redefining the concept

In the 1960s, family researchers and therapists began giving more attention to understanding and studying step families. They aimed to redefine the concept of step families by highlighting the unique dynamics and challenges they face.

1900s

The modernization of stepfamily terminology

During the 1900s, stepfamily terminology continued to evolve. The term 'blended family' started to be used in the mid-20th century, highlighting the merging of two separate families into a new unit. This terminology emphasized the idea of integration and unity within stepfamilies. Additionally, the terms 'step-sibling' and 'step-grandparent' became commonly used to describe the relationships between stepfamily members beyond just parents and children.

1960s

Rise of stepfamily research

During the 1960s, there was a significant increase in academic research focused on stepfamilies. Scholars and psychologists started delving into the dynamics, challenges, and benefits of stepfamily life. This research helped to provide a better understanding of stepfamilies and paved the way for increased support and resources for those navigating the complexities of blended family structures.

1960s

The Era of Blended Families in Popular Culture

Blended families gained significant attention in popular culture during the 1960s. The television show 'The Brady Bunch,' which aired from 1969 to 1974, depicted a blended family consisting of a widowed father with three sons marrying a divorced mother with three daughters. This show normalized the idea of step families, making it a familiar term in households worldwide.

1980s

Increased recognition of step families

During the 1980s, step families gained increased recognition and understanding in popular culture and academia. More books, movies, and television shows began featuring step families, shedding light on the unique dynamics and challenges they faced. This contributed to a broader societal understanding and acceptance of step families.

Present day

Recognition and support for stepfamilies

In present times, stepfamilies are widely recognized and valued as a legitimate family structure. There is a greater societal understanding of the unique challenges faced by stepfamilies, leading to an increase in resources and support networks for those navigating stepfamily dynamics. This acknowledgment has contributed to a more inclusive and accepting society that appreciates the diverse forms that families can take.

1970s

Mainstream media portrayal of stepfamilies

In the 1970s, stepfamilies gained more visibility and recognition in mainstream media. Movies, television shows, and books began to depict stepfamily relationships, addressing the unique challenges and joys these families experienced. This portrayal brought discussions about stepfamilies to a wider audience and helped break down stigmas and misconceptions associated with such family structures.

1970

Support and resources

As awareness of step families grew, so did the need for support and resources. In the 1970s, organizations and support groups started forming to assist step parents and children in navigating the complexities of blending families together.

1990s

Recognition and support for step families

During the 1990s, step families started to receive increased recognition and support. Various organizations and support groups were established to provide resources and guidance for stepfamilies, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Additionally, research into stepfamily dynamics and relationships became more prevalent, leading to a better understanding of the complexities and dynamics within step families and providing tools to navigate the blending of two separate family units.

1970

Recognition of 'Step-sibling' and 'Step-kin'

During the 1970s, the terms 'step-sibling' and 'step-kin' emerged, acknowledging the non-biological relationships formed between the children of two parents who marry or cohabitate. These terms highlighted the importance of fostering connections and relationships between step-siblings and other extended family members.

Late 20th Century

Increased Prevalence and Acceptance

Starting from the late 20th century, step families became increasingly prevalent due to rising divorce rates and the evolving social acceptance of non-traditional family structures. Recognizing the importance of inclusive terminology, the term 'blended family' gained popularity as an alternative to 'step family,' emphasizing the coming together of two previously separate families.

1990

Media representation

The 1990s saw an increase in media representation of step families. TV shows, movies, and books began featuring step family storylines, helping to normalize and validate the experiences of those living in blended families.

1990

Increase in blended families and prevalence of 'Step-family'

With the rise in blended families during the 1990s, the term 'step-family' became widely recognized and accepted. It encapsulated the diverse range of relationships formed through remarriage and highlighted the significance of non-traditional family structures in society.

1990s

Growing acceptance and support

The 1990s marked a significant shift in societal perception towards stepfamilies. With a growing acceptance and recognition of the diversity of family structures, support networks and resources specifically tailored to the needs of stepfamilies became more widespread. Marriage and family therapists, as well as family advocacy organizations, began offering specialized guidance to stepfamilies, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.

21st century

Evolution of the term 'blended family'

In the 21st century, the term 'blended family' gained popularity as an alternative to 'step family'. 'Blended' signifies the merging of two previously separate family units into a new harmonious whole. This term highlights the idea of combining different family backgrounds and celebrating the unity that arises from it.

Present

Continued evolution and acceptance

In the present day, step families have become increasingly common and widely accepted. The term 'step family' has become a recognized and integral part of our cultural lexicon. Modern society recognizes the diverse forms and structures of families, including those that are formed through remarriage and the blending of step siblings. With ongoing education and awareness, step families continue to evolve and thrive, creating unique and loving family units that cherish both biological and step-related relationships.

2000

Growing awareness and support for 'Stepfamilies'

In the 2000s, there was a growing awareness and support for 'stepfamilies' within society. Counseling services, support groups, and resources specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by stepfamilies were developed, providing valuable assistance and guidance to individuals navigating their roles within these complex family units.

Present

Continued evolution of stepfamily dynamics

In the present day, stepfamilies continue to be a prominent and integral part of society. With changing cultural norms and an emphasis on individual fulfillment, the dynamics of stepfamilies have further evolved. There is greater recognition of the importance of communication, empathy, and flexibility in building successful stepfamily relationships. Additionally, modern technology and online support communities have provided invaluable resources for stepfamilies seeking guidance and connection in their journey.

2000

Recognition in legislation

In the early 2000s, many countries introduced legal reforms to acknowledge the rights and responsibilities of step parents. This recognition aimed to ensure that step parents could play an active and meaningful role in the lives of their step children.