One of the greatest challenges faced by a newly formed stepfamily is the process of blending. Blending occurs only after great effort is made by both the parents and the children to be a part of one another's lives and to accept a new family structure.

Stepfamilies face many new challenges and adjustments, including: defining individual family roles, child discipline, bonding, family traditions, involvement with relatives, finances, interaction with former spouses, and mourning losses. These challenges can be faced and dealt with successfully.

Elder Robert E. Wells, who was himself from a blended, family has indicated "Our blended family was successful because we were given love and respect as well as opportunities to serve and sacrifice."