BLENDED FAMILIES

"Blended" is the term used to describe the joining of two sets of children together in a new family created by remarriage. It's not an easy process, but can result in a fulfilling family experience.

 

 

Taking two separate families and putting them together in the same house may sound simple enough, but it doesn't take long for divided loyalties disputes on parenting philosophy to surface. The effect of ex-spouses on the new family is usually a significant source of stress on the new family, and, to complicate matters further, unresolved issues from previous marriages can produce mistrust and suspicion in the new union. Blended families are also dealing with the effects of a divorce or the death of a parent.

With all these things standing in the way of blended family bliss, why would anyone even try? Well, life goes on, and having a satisfying family life after divorce or death is a normal and natural desire. What many blended families fail to realize is that having a successful family after remarriage is very different than doing so in a first marriage. For many of the reasons cited above, additional planning, communicating, and adjusting are necessary and, often, the adjustment process can be kept on track (or put on track) through marital, family, and/or child therapy.

The Center has therapists who specialize in the counseling blended families. We can help to iron out some of the unique wrinkles involved in "blending". We also respond to crises in blended families and will work with you to keep your new family together while pointing the way to a happier future. To schedule an appointment with a Center therapist, or just to inquire about our services to blended families, give us a call.

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