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Home › Articles › Family › Creating a Blended Family

Creating a Blended Family

Do's and Don'ts

By Tom Haller and Chick Moorman

Pages:  1  2  

expect your stepchildren to call you Mom or Dad. Let the stepchildren decide what they want to call you. Their comfort level is important here. If they don't naturally settle on a name, meet with them to mutually establish a name that you are comfortable being called.

Do
establish a unified parenting approach that is evenly applied to all in the family. Reach agreement with your new partner on how to address the important parenting situations that present themselves. Correct behavior from a position of, "This is how we do it in our family."

Do
focus exclusively on the family and neglect strengthening your marriage. Raising children is a challenge. Raising other people's children is a special challenge. Having a strong marriage will help you manage the challenge of blending your families together.

Do
spend some time alone with each child and stepchild. Set aside time each day to connect one on one with all the children in your new family. This will help them establish a sense of belonging that enhances their connection to the family.

Do
hold family meetings. This gives all members of the family a chance to express their opinions and have input into the rules, schedule and planning of upcoming events. Family meetings provide opportunities for family members to vent as well as express appreciation.

Don't
attempt to do it alone. Seek support from a local community organization or family therapist professional.


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