Blended Families: When Two Families Grow Together
Jacqueline Klemke · 6 min read
A new love sometimes comes with a whole family. Blended families are enriching – and demanding. Every member brings their own history, habits and losses.
Growing together takes time
Research shows that blended families often need several years before they feel like a unit. Patience and realistic expectations ease the pressure on everyone.
Roles and loyalties
Children easily find themselves torn between their parent and the new partner. It helps if the new adult starts out more as a friend than as a disciplinarian, while the biological parent keeps responsibility for parenting.
Respect for the other biological parent also protects the children.
Creating something shared
New rituals, shared rules and dedicated time just for the couple or just for parent and child provide stability. In family coaching we take a systemic look at all relationships and find solutions that work for as many people as possible.
Further reading
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