Yours, Mine and Hours – Relationship Skills for Blended Families
John Penton and Shona Welsh’s Yours, Mine and Hours: Relationship Skills for Blended Families is a valuable and much-needed guide that clearly explains how to establish and maintain a strong partnership and happy family when there are children from previous relationships involved, using the three key principles of their Recipe for Blended Family Success
Read more…Yours, Mine and Hours: Relationship Skills for Blended Families
Surviving the First 90 Days in a Blended Family
Filed under: Blended Family, Stepfamily, Stepfamily Australia, stepfamilies in australia
Remind everyone, at least daily, that there is no less love in a blended family. Everyone who was a valued family member before the “merge” is still a valued family member. Each loved member of the family is still loved. A blended family provides the opportunity for more love. There are now more people involved, since the marriage, who care about each other and will grow together as a family.
Strange feelings are O.K.
The kids did not pick your new spouse. You love your new partner, but the kids will need some time getting to know this person. It’s O.K. if they have some strange feelings, even confusing thoughts- wondering if they are going to like this new person. Let them take their time and get to know your spouse. Remind them to be respectful and friendly, and then give them some space.
No Competitions
A new stepparent does not replace anyone in the family. The children still have their biological parents, with the addition of a new stepparent. This stepparent is to be respected, as an adult, but does not take the place of either of the biological parents. There are no competitions. Children sometimes feel that the new stepparent in the blended family is a new enemy- a competitor for them. The new stepparent may feel the same way about the kids- that these step kids are someone who takes time away from their new spouse. Tell everyone that there are no competitions and no threats. Relax and get to know each other.
Read more…Surviving the First 90 Days in a Blended Family – Stepfamily Australia
Blend a New Baby With an Older Step Child
Filed under: Blended Family, Stepchildren, Stepfamily
For a child who is used to getting all the attention, a new sibling can seem like competition. The older child may feel left out and pressured to grow up, which can create short-term and long-term problems for both siblings and parents.
As a parent, it might be challenging to give both children the amount and the type of attention they need. However, there are several ways to make all of your children feel valued.
Read more…Blend a New Baby With an Older Step Child – Wheretofindpedia
