BLENDED FAMILIES

Creating a blended family is uniquely rewarding as well as challenging. When two people fall in love and combine their families they are full of hope and optimism. Still, even with the best of intentions, it can be difficult to integrate new family members. Our society does a poor job of providing realistic examples of what may happen when families combine – the wicked stepmom model and the overly idealized Brady Bunch model are common. In truth it is nuanced, and influenced by the temperaments of the individuals, the ages of the children, and the circumstances from which the new family formed.

therapy for blended families

Stepparents may have a lot of responsibility and not much influence. They may yearn to have a close relationship with a stepchild that is rejecting due to loyalty conflicts or fear.  Step siblings may be placed  into a life together in which they are expected to behave like family, though they feel like foreigners. The couple may ultimately feel divided, disillusioned and alone.

I have over 15 years experience working with blended families and am a stepmother to two lovely young bonus daughters. Helping a couple align, develop realistic expectations for their new family, create family rituals and traditions, and witness the unfolding of their unique creation is always inspiring.

RECOMMENDED READING

Stepmotherhood: How to Survive Without Feeling Frustrated, Left Out, or Wicked, Cherie Burns

The Enlightened Stepmother Revolutionizing The Role, Perdita Kirkness Norwood with Teri Wingender

The Smart Stepfamily 7 Steps to a Healthy Family, Ron L. Dealbook