Help for Blended Families
Today many families live in what are known as "blended families". Blended families are homes in which spouses or partners form a new home together along with their children from previous marriages or relationships.
It is very common in such households for tension between adults, between children, and between adults and children due to the fact that most were used to a prior living arrangement and adjustment is very difficult. This adjustment is especially difficult for children, who oftentimes do not have much choice in the matter.
Common issues within blended families:
- Parenting differences
- Different rules to be followed or different responsibilities in different homes
- Rivalry between step-children
- Power struggles between children and step-parents
- Difficulty with adjustment to lack of compromise within new households
- Lack of willingness to change
Marriage and family therapy can be very effective in helping a family work through difficult blended-family issues. By helping meet the needs of both the family and the individuals, therapy will help to reduce tension in the home and help to foster effective communication and respect between family members, and in turn, instill a sense of harmony in the new home.
It is a good idea to seek help at any stage, but most effective when problems first arise.
If you live in a blended family and feel that family therapy may be helpful, don't hesitate to call on us today. We look forward to working with you.