PARIS – The challenges of living in a stepfamily will be the topic of a workshop series offered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Oxford County.

“Although a stepfamily may look like a traditional family with parents and children, the actual differences between step and traditional families are striking,” said Wendy Legg Pollock, Extension educator and workshop leader.

“Anyone living in a stepfamily knows how challenging and confusing stepfamily life can be, yet they may be blaming themselves or thinking something is wrong’ with their family rather than realizing how typical these struggles are for most stepfamilies. A valuable feature of the series is the support participants receive from each other as they learn more about these common struggles and ways of dealing with them,” Pollock said.

“Building Strong Stepfamilies” is a four-part discussion series focusing on recognizing unrealistic expectations; adjusting to new family members and dynamics; resolving conflicts; and communicating effectively with all players.

The series will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10 and 17, at the Extension Office, 9 Olson Road, South Paris.

The cost of the series is $10 a person or couple. Scholarships are available. Registration and fees are due by Monday, Oct. 24. Make checks payable to OCEA (Oxford County Extension Association) and mail to UM Cooperative Extension, 9 Olson Road, South Paris, ME 04281.

For more information, call the Extension Office at 743-6329 or 1-800-287-1482.