Mixing a family can be really difficult. There are so many diversities coming from each individual involved. One or both parents have been in a failed relationship and one or both have one or more children. Each have had disappointments in their lives and all come in with certain expectations.
With all the pressures and differences that come into the already fragile situation, there are 3 suggestions to help the transition go smoother.
1. It Takes 2 Years for Normalcy
This gives you an approximate end goal. Because of all the changes, it will take 2 years for everyone to
feel comfortable with the new expectations
2. The Bio Parent Needs to Discipline
It's very important that the biological parent of the child is the one to lay down the law. They have an
established relationship with the child. The child knows the parent loves them, but if the step parent tries
to discipline the child, they feel it's out of dislike or spite of the child
3. The Step Parent Needs to be Supportive of the Child
There needs to be a relationship with the step parent and child before there can be discipline. Acting like
an Aunt or Uncle is the best way to establish a relationship. The step parent needs to support the bio
parent's decisions but also needs to show the child that they care about them.
Remembering these 3 things can help prevent fights and trials that a blended family face. It won't always be easy and there will still be struggles along the way, but they can be overcome with time and patience.
