A blended family is one in which both partners have kids from prior unions. The pair faces numerous challenging issues unique to blended families when they remarry. It may be difficult to achieve harmony between two parents and their kids. Children could be accustomed to various parenting philosophies and household rituals. Stress may be brought on by arguments or visitation between separating parents.
New stepsiblings might also potentially lead to strife. Children may need several months to become used to the new family structure. Blended families also deal with the additional challenge of visiting children who are living with the other biological parent while some of the children reside in the home.
In a newly formed mixed family, stress is common, and the hardest times are probably the early ones. Both families must be patient and give each other time to grow used to living together. Strong or contradictory emotions, various parenting or disciplinary methods, and the emergence of new connections are just a few causes that might lead to this. It could be challenging for everyone in the mixed family to adjust to their new duties. As problems with stepchildren can cause friction in the relationship, one or both people will need to learn the ins and outs of step-parenting.
According to studies, 66% of second marriages including children from prior unions fail. This may be influenced by the strain that a new blended family puts on everyone. An unfamiliar familial situation might be stressful. It can look like the transition went successfully.
Even then, tension is frequently present. The phrase "blended family" could suggest a seamless transfer. However, a blended family's early years are probably going to be challenging.
These circumstances may lead to more strife in a blended household:
a) Becoming a new parent - Some individuals who join blended families assume parental responsibilities for the first time. Being able effectively to handle a stepchild while also earning their approval may be incredibly challenging and stressful.
b) The relationship between stepparents and ex-parents - In certain circumstances, the non-resident parent is unhappy with how the stepparent is raising the children, which makes some spouses feel intimidated by their partner's interaction with their ex.
c) Relationship between child and stepparent - Children struggle to understand how they feel about their stepparent. They could be hesitant to believe them and end up hating them. After their parents' divorce, they can be having trouble dealing with feelings of abandonment from their biological parents.
Additionally, kids can believe that by taking care of their stepparent, they are betraying the love of their birth parents.
d) Relationship between child and stepsiblings - In a blended family, sibling rivalry takes on a completely new meaning. Children can believe that the new family structure will need them to compete for dominance and attention. Additionally, kids could experience insecurity if they fear that their biological parents will start favoring their stepsiblings.
e) The child’s stress - The most affected by this trend are children. After going through a difficult period during their parent's divorce, they now had to get used to a new parent and new restrictions. They tend to act out their anger emotionally or physically more frequently.
5 (FIVE) TIPS FOR MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A BLENDED FAMILY
1) Communication
2) Create routine
3) Be patient
4) Respect boundaries
5) Seek professional help if necessary
How counseling helps in Blended families
· The family can communicate with one another more effectively.
· The use of blended family counseling makes sure that the other party is aware of your motivations for acting in a particular way.
· You will benefit from the counseling session's help in collaborating as a team. Your responsibilities will be made clearer.
· You can define your role with the aid of blended family therapy. It could be necessary for you to be assertive if the other parent is weak.
· You will learn more about your relatives, particularly the kids. You will be aware if there are any physical or mental illnesses running in the family. You will be able to support that family member and deal with them as a result.
· You will not be embarrassed to express your emotions in counseling. Your new family needs to be aware of how you are feeling, what makes you happy or unhappy, and vice versa.
· You will improve your communication abilities through counseling. You will not have to keep your emotions to yourself.
· You will develop more patience as a result. This will therefore facilitate rapid and simple problem solving.
· You might discover that you are improving as a person. You will develop better impulse control, an understanding of other people, compassion, and responsibility.
What are the benefits of blended family counseling?
Families who are adjusting to the difficulties and complexities of joining forces after growing up in separate households can benefit in a variety of ways from blended family counseling. Here are some of the main advantages of counseling for blended families:
- Improved Communication
A safe and impartial setting can be created in counseling sessions for family members to communicate their thoughts, worries, and wants. This can facilitate better family communication and lessen disputes.
- A better understanding of roles amid expectations:
Family members may benefit from blended family counseling to assist them understand their responsibilities and expectations within the family. This makes it easier for everyone to cooperate and can lessen confusion and frustration.
- Support with adjustment issues
Couples frequently have a special adjustment when coping with blended family challenges, such as adjusting to new family dynamics and adjusting to different living situations. Counseling can help families cope with these changes by offering direction and support.
- Strengthened relationship
Family members can focus on developing better, more wholesome connections through counseling. In the family, this might serve to foster respect, understanding, and trust.
- Development of coping strategies
Family members might benefit from counseling by learning appropriate coping mechanisms for stress, disagreement, and other difficulties. This can increase family resiliency and enable family members to cope with challenging circumstances more effectively.
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
Family members can explore their emotions and concentrate on personal development in a blended family counseling session. As a result, there may be improvement in general family relations due to greater confidence and self-esteem.
- Reduced stress and anxiety
By offering a helpful and judgment-free setting where family members can work through their challenges, blended family counseling can help to alleviate tension and anxiety for family members.
How blended families do deals with problems?
By being honest and transparent with one another, blended families can resolve issues. Family members need to be aware that transitioning to a mixed family can be challenging and those difficulties and conflicts may occur.
Family members can work together to identify and address issues as they occur by fostering a secure and supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
Problems in a blended family can be addressed and resolved using techniques including routine establishment, respecting one another's limits, and family counseling for marriage advice.
Takeaway
Combining two families can be a difficult process, but it can also be fruitful.
As families work through the difficulties of forming new bonds and families, blended family counseling can be a helpful resource.
You can build a devoted and encouraging blended family by being open with one another, setting routines, being patient, respecting limits, and if required, getting professional assistance.
References
www.marriage.com/advice/family/why-is-blended-family-counseling-important
www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/blended-family-issues
www.marriage.com/advice/counseling/blended-family-counseling/