A blended family is sometimes considered a “stepfamily” an instant family or a family where you have children that are not genetically related to you. You might have your own children, and then marry someone new, who has their own family. A blended family is a beautiful thing, but it can also pose many challenges. You might struggle to bond with your new children, or they might not listen to you. These challenges could start to cause problems between couples.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, know that you are not alone. These challenges are common problems for many blended families, and our qualified therapists will be happy to help you and your spouse.
A therapist can help you and your spouse communicate. A solid marriage is the foundation of a family. A therapist can help new families to adapt to all the changes that accompany a blended family. You will also learn to embrace the differences in your new family. You can’t try to turn your new family into your first family. You will need to grow together and mature as a new family.
By communicating, you will be able to show love and respect towards one another. It is wise to always discuss everything together as a couple. Never keep emotions bottled up. Suppressed emotions can lead to outbursts and resentment. A therapist will help you to address conflict in a positive way. A therapist can also help you to speak to one another in a calm and respectful manner. You will also be encouraged to do things together as a family, where you will have opportunities to work together and talk. By doing fun family activities, you will be able to grow closer together.
It can also be hard to work on your new marriage with children around. Most new couples have time to spend alone together, but a blended family might not have the time to do so. You might be more concerned with your children than your spouse. By working together to strengthen your marriage, you will be able to have a closer family and this will benefit your children. When children see that parents are communicating with love and respect for one another, then this influence will eventually rub off on them too. This will also help children to feel more secure.
It is also extremely important to make time for each other as a couple though. Having weekly date nights if possible to reconnect and talk. A date could even just be a coffee break together without the kids.
Couples Clinic will help you and your spouse if you are having difficulties as a blended family. You can find happiness and success.
