New research hints at a silver lining for children after divorce: happier stepfamilies.

Some social scientists have claimed that divorce harms children for the rest of their lives leading them to form marriages as unhappy as their parents'. But other recent studies say marital breakups have mixed long-term effects, fostering growth in some children and the resolve to build happier marriages of their own.

In support of the second viewpoint, a recent Pew Research Center study suggests that if divorced parents remarry, the kids' own marriages may benefit from the example of a parent's second, happier union. Indeed, some 60% of children who grow up in stepfamilies say their marriages are closer than those of their own biological parents, says the Pew survey of 2,691 adults, conducted last October. Also, some 70% of people with step-relatives say they are very satisfied with their family lives, the Pew study shows. The study indicates that stepkids may be benefiting from a parent's positive bond with a stepparent.

Still, blood is thicker than water. The 42% of Americans who have at least one step-relative typically feel a stronger sense of obligation to their biological parent, child or sibling than to their step-relatives, the Pew survey says. Significantly higher percentages of respondents said they would feel obligated to provide financial help or care to a biologicalrelative who was in trouble, compared with those who would help a step-relative who was in trouble.

Parenting.com offers some tips for dealing with the stresses of life with kids post-divorce: Allow children in blended families to get to know each other gradually, on an individual basis, rather than forcing group outings. And while stepparents should be treated with respect by stepchildren, it is usually best to let the biological parent take the lead on discipline. (We also provide more tips in this recent post about becoming a stepparent.)

Readers, have you seen children benefit from time spent in stepfamilies? Do you think a parent's second marriage can serve as a positive example for kids? Have you seen this happen? Or have you more often seen examples of unhappy stepfamilies?