| Blended families are becoming more commonplace. It | | | | * How will house rules be implemented? |
| is estimated that one in three children are in a | | | | * How will we juggle our new relationship and our |
| blended family situation. When families merge | | | | relationships with the kids? |
| together there is an incredible amount of change and | | | | * How will we divide our money? |
| with change comes resistance. Adjusting to two | | | | * Where will we live? |
| part-time environments can be very difficult for kids. | | | | * Will my new spouse discipline my child / children? |
| If you are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of | | | | * What can I do to form a good relationship with my |
| blending two families together, coaching can help. A | | | | step-kids? |
| coach can provide you with the tools you need to | | | | * What parenting responsibilities will each of us take |
| make this a smoother transition for your family. | | | | on, and when? |
| Blended families come in different shapes and sizes. | | | | * What is the best way I can show praise and |
| There are single parents with kids who marry | | | | affection to my step-child? |
| someone with no kids, and there are single parents | | | | * How will we deal with jealousy issues? |
| with kids who marry someone who also has kids. | | | | Misconceptions |
| There are situations where a spouse has passed | | | | There are many misconceptions about blended |
| away and the remaining spouse, with children, marries | | | | families and step families, here are a few: |
| someone with kids - or without. | | | | * Step-parents are mean |
| It is not uncommon for couples to want to start | | | | * Kids of divorce are damaged forever |
| their own family. Adding a new baby to a blended | | | | * Kids adjust to a divorce better if the other |
| family can create jealousy issues and added stress. | | | | biological parent stays away |
| Many families who find themselves in any one of | | | | * The less amount of time you have the |
| these situations often feel overwhelmed and unsure | | | | step-children the easier it is |
| where to turn to for help. While some families can | | | | * It's easier to form a new family when a parent has |
| get through these times of adjustment on their own, | | | | died |
| others need help to cope and adjust. | | | | It is important to know what to expect when |
| Important Issues | | | | blending two families together. Children go through |
| Some questions you might have: | | | | several developmental stages during childhood into |
| * When should I start talking to my child about | | | | adolescence and, depending on which stage they are |
| blending families together? | | | | in, will react differently to their new family |
| * What kind of response should I expect? | | | | arrangement. Learn what stage your child is in and |
| * What house rules will we establish? | | | | how to best assist him or her in coping with their |
| * Who will establish house rules? | | | | new blended family situation. |