When families blend to create step-families, things don’t always progress smoothly. Some children may resist changes, while parents can become frustrated when the new family doesn’t function like their previous family. While changes to family structure require adjustment time for everyone involved, there are guidelines that can help blended families work out their growing pains and live together successfully.
Therapists with training and experience in step-family dynamics can help meet the challenges of blended family living. Couples therapy can offer a safe place to share feelings and can help resolve differences. A skilled therapist can sometimes help ex-spouses work together. If the children’s behavior deteriorates, try increasing parent-child time, backing the step-parent out of a parenting role, and easing loyalty conflicts.
If your blended family is struggling, give us a call today. Our family therapists can help make things run a little more smoothly.
