For many families, the idea of a “blended family” is a reality. Whether you are a mom or dad who is remarried and has children from a previous relationship, or you are co-parenting with your ex, working to combine significant others and their own families can be a challenge. Here are some tips on how to make it work.
What is a Blended Family
A blended family, also known as a stepfamily, consists of a married couple or partners made up of two people who each bring their own children from past relationships. It’s more common nowadays as more and more individuals become part of a new family system by forming strong bonds with their partner’s kids. The idea behind a blended family is that although there is no blood relation between the stepparents and their partner’s children, they still provide the same love and support to them so that the household can be considered one unit instead of two separate parts. Blended families often come with unique challenges for every individual within it but when done correctly, can create bonds between foster kids and parents as strong as any other familial relationship.
The Statistics in the U.S.
Blended families are becoming increasingly common in the US, with a Census Bureau report indicating that 16.3 million households had remarried parents and stepchildren in 2017. These figures make it clear that blended families now play an important role in American society, forming 20% of all family units with children. An amendment to the Social Security Act has also made recognizing these households more straightforward, allowing children from both biological and non-biological parents to qualify for benefits. This means that regardless of how diverse one’s family may be, taking steps to ensure its members are taken care of is now easier than ever before.
The Challenges
Being in a blended family certainly comes with its challenges. First, forming relationships among a diverse group of children, parents and extended relatives can be complicated as everyone learns to adapt to each other’s expectations, values and ways of life. It can be difficult for children to manage the different parenting styles and varying rules from their new stepparents who may have different standards than their biological parents. Furthermore, identity issues may arise as kids try to balance their love for both sets of parents without feeling conflicted about it. All in all, blending families is not an effortless task but when handled with patience and understanding, there can be lifelong bonds created that are stronger than any challenge.
Tips to Help Make it Work
When building a successful relationship, communication is key. Without it, you build up walls between what each person needs from the other and increase the chances of anything going wrong. Make sure to listen attentively to your partner’s needs, and express your own in a respectful manner. Patience is also essential for success, both with yourself and your partner. Conflict may arise which requires time and understanding to sort out; patience will get you through those times. Lastly, flexibility can make all the difference. A willingness to compromise through compromise or adjusting expectations can help each person feel heard, valued, and respected. In essence, any relationship takes hard work and dedication, but following these tips can make the journey that much smoother!
The Rewards
In this day and age, family units can face a variety of different challenges. Whether it’s related to finances, health, communication or something else entirely, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. But if you stay determined and dedicated, and make sure that your family works together to overcome these obstacles, the rewards can be immense. Not only will everyone feel a great sense of accomplishment at what they have achieved together as a unit, but there will also be an increased sense of unity and strength in your family that can last for years to come. So don’t give up – keep on fighting and remember that such challenges create powerful opportunities for growth if handled with care.
Though it comes with its own challenges, a blended family can be a beautiful thing. By communicating openly, being patient and flexible, and focusing on the positive, you can build a strong and lasting bond with your new family. It may not always be easy, but it will be worth it when you see how rewarding it is to overcome these challenges together.