Tips for Blending Two Families Together

Blending two families can be challenging as there will be many adjustments to make. This article provides some suggestions that may help make this transition easier.

Blending two families through marriage or even serious dating is more common than ever. The ultimate blended TV family was the Brady Bunch. That's TV land, however, and you're living in the real world. Although you and your partner may not be a Carol or Mike Brady, you may be able to make the transitions for your children and yourselves somewhat easier by establishing some household rules and guidelines early on.

Here are some tips for blending families that may help make all of the transitions easier on everyone.

Getting a New Place

Sometimes it's best for you and your partner to get a new place instead of moving one family to the other family's home. By getting a new place, it puts both families in a neutral position. You also won't have to move children out of their original rooms or move their new stepsiblings into them, which prevents some resentment between children. It is also more practical to get a new place because your new family may need more space.

Deciding on the Rules

Families all have different rules. You and your partner need to decide what types of rules you're going to establish for your new family. After you've agreed with your partner, you need to discuss the new rules with your children. Clearly establishing the rules allows for everyone in the family to know what rules have changed and rules haven't changed. They may also help eliminate some of the disciplinary problems you and your partner may face.

According to the experts, Jalline Jaffe, PhD; Jeanne Segal, PhD; and Shelia Hutman at Help Guide at www.helpguide.org, you should let the custodial parent remain primarily responsible for the control and the discipline of all children until such a time as the stepparent has developed a solid bond with them (and they with him/her).

For more ideas visit Help Guide at www.helpguide.org. You could also try talking to any friends or family members with blended families. They may have some ideas that the experts haven't tried.

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