Having a blended family is not such a new thing, but still, we find it hard at times to navigate them.
If you’re currently in a relationship or marriage with a person who has kids from a previous marriage, you may wonder how you can best support them through this tough time.
After all, raising your partner’s children is no easier than raising your own.
Here are seven tips for raising a partner’s kids in a blended family:
1) Understand The Picture Of A Blended Family
When it comes to blended families, it’s important to understand the big picture.
In order to create a strong and healthy blended family, there must be a solid foundation of marriage, respectful relationships, and civil family ties.
- Solid Relationship: A strong relationship is the cornerstone of any successful family. In a blended family, it’s especially important to have a rock-solid relationship because there can be a lot of stress and conflict.
- Civil Family Ties: Even though the family may be blended, there should be no division between the “step” children and the biological children. Everyone should feel like they are part of the family and that they belong (because they do!).
- Respectful Relationships: Respectful relationships are also key to a successful blended family. Everyone must be respectful of each other’s feelings and needs. There should be no yelling or name-calling.
2) Avoid Incorporating Too Many Changes
The last thing anyone should do is make too many changes too quickly in a blended family.
This can overwhelm everyone and cause a lot of stress.
It’s paramount that everyone is comfortable with the changes that are happening.
3) Have Real Life Experiences Together
One good way to bond as a blended family is to have real-life experiences together, from going on vacation, attending sporting events, or simply spending time together at home.
Doing things together will help everyone feel more connected to one another.
4) Get To Know Your Partner’s Children
If you are dating someone who has kids from a previous commitment, it’s important to get to know them.
Spend time together, ask them about their interests, and communicate that you are there for them.
5) Firmly Prevent Ultimatum Situations
In a blended family, it’s important to avoid ultimatum situations, where one person is forced to do something they don’t want to do.
For instance, you may pressure your partner into choosing between you and their kids.
This can create resentment and division within the blended family.
6) Limit Expectations & Extend Patience
When you first get married or enter into a new relationship, it’s important to limit your expectations and extend patience to your new partner.
It takes time to blend two families together, and it won’t happen overnight.
7) Learn To Listen And Read Emotions
It can be difficult to understand what your new family members are thinking or feeling.
As you get to know them, it’s important to learn to listen to what they’re saying and to read their emotions to act accordingly.
So What Should I Do To Have A Healthy Blended Family?
In conclusion, if you find yourself in the position of raising a partner’s kids in a blended family, take the tips above.
While the process can be a difficult challenge, it’s also a rewarding experience.
If you feel overwhelmed by these tasks, then you should always consider talking to a professional.
If you’re serious about raising this child as your own and want to make the most out of it, you should jump on a free call with us to give you FREE tips on how to do this.
Schedule your call now before we run out of spots!