Blended families have been growing in popularity over the years. According to statistics in the United States, around 50% of marriages end up in divorce.
It can be hard to live in a blended household. Blended families take time and patience to learn, especially for children. This is because they are subject to changes in routine, rules, and other related issues.
What are the major challenges couples face?
Couples may experience some difficulties before they are able to settle into their new life in a blended family. Couples can face several obstacles before they are able to settle into their new life as a blended family.
The journey to parenthood
A blended family might offer the opportunity for some people to become parents for their first time.
Feeling afraid
If you are entering a blended marriage, you might find that your spouse is still in contact. These two factors could explain why:
The child wants both parents to be there for him/her. This means that communication is required between the two. The court has granted visiting rights for the other parent. This means your partner would need contact with his/her other parent to share information and collaborate on vacations and meetings. Unwarranted stress may result.
What challenges do children have to face?
The most devastating effects for children in blended families are those that affect their childhoods. There are many challenges for them:
1. Relationship
Children may become irritated with their stepparent if they feel the stepparent is taking the place of the other parent. They might resist what the stepparent has for them. They may also believe the divorce happened due to the new parent.
2. Step-siblings
This could be due to the fact they feel that their biological father is more interested in their step-siblings’ needs than their own. As such, it is important to help your child see that there is no reason why they should worry when entering into a blended household.
3. Grief
Do not try to force the news onto them. This can cause children to resist the news. They may refuse to believe it and develop depression.
How blended family counseling can help?
- Each member of a family can learn more about each other.
- Blended counseling gives you the opportunity to share your reasons for acting in a certain way with the other person.
- Counselling will assist you with working together as part of a team. Your roles will be clearer.
- A blended family counseling session will help you understand your role. You may need authority if the parent you are dealing with is soft.
- You will find out more information about your family members, including the children. You’ll be able to identify any mental illness and disease in your family. This will let you know how to help the person and how to deal with them.
- Counseling can be a time to let your emotions out. Your new family members must be able understand your feelings, and how they feel about you.
- Counseling will develop your communication skills. Counseling is a safe place to express your feelings.
- You will become more patient. This will enable you to solve problems quickly.
- You might be able to make a difference in your life. You will learn to control outbursts and learn about others.
Therapies
1. Family therapy
As a family, you can attend the blended counseling session. Sessions for each member in the family can be scheduled separately.
2. Family system therapy
This therapy examines what each member does for the family.
The structural approach considers the interaction between families during sessions. The strategic view views the family naturally and outside the session.
3. Family attachment therapy
They can strengthen their relationship through communication.
4. Attachment therapy
Tips for blended households
- Get therapy sessions
- Plan long-term
- You can be a loving and caring “new parent”
- Pay attention in your surroundings
Although blended families are not uncommon, they can cause undue strain. In order to reduce stress, you should first seek out counseling sessions. This would strengthen your family relationship. The Internet has many cases of people who have used blended counseling.