Blended families are common today. With many studies reporting that fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce, this leaves at least fifty percent of the nation’s children are living in blended families that include a parent’s new partner, and possibly other children. While re-marriage and the coming together of two families is a joyous occasion, it can present challenges for everyone involved. Counseling can help ease the transition. Even if you’re not currently facing any challenges, seeking the help of a family counselor can help your family start this new chapter on a positive note.
Counseling Couples
When two people enter into a union and bring children from previous relationships into the fold, they also bring their own idea of parenting and discipline. Add to that the involvement of ex-spouses, and it becomes a potential hot button issue. Even if you are clashing with your partner about parenting, this doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. A counselor can help to mediate differences in parenting skills, lay out an agreement for the children brought into the family, and create a game plan for any future children.
Counseling Children
Children can become stressed by change, and the process of divorce, visitation with both parents, and the entrance of a new partner and new children can be extremely difficult. Children who are unable to verbalize what they are feeling, and don’t have the tools to cope when they become overwhelmed can begin to act out, or withdraw. For a child, a counselor is a neutral party who is there to listen and offer real life techniques for the child to use when the stress of a new family becomes too much. Counseling for children also offers new insight for the parents into what their children are thinking and feeling.
Success as a Blended Family
It takes time for a blended family to successfully transition, longer for some than others. It is worth the time and effort into overcoming the obstacles you may face because, in the end, you will have a closely bonded family.
If you need help with the transition process for your blended family, we are here for you. Please contact us today.