How to Blend a Family
Bringing two previously separate families together to create a new group can be a frightening prospect. Many families go through a great deal of stress when coming together. Learning to cope with a new set of people in the house is taxing. Learning a new lifestyle can be very upsetting. However, it can also be rewarding and loving if proper care is taken to blend the family together. If you are planning on joining your family with another under one roof, plan ahead, Get ready to give lots of love and be even more generous with your time.
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Instructions
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Have the children spend as much time together beforehand as possible. If you are trying to create a new family, the last thing you want is for both sets of children to be on a “blind date.” Socialize the kids plenty before moving in.
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Be fair and focused on all the children. Never play favorites with your biological children. Each parent must see that the rules are followed out by all kids, including the new spouse’s children. Setting a double standard will make disciplinary waves that may be hard to control further down the line.
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Compromise at every opportunity. Your new life will not be the same as the one you are leaving behind. Each group will have traditions and quirks that the others must learn to deal with.
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Show courtesy when times are getting tough. This adjustment will not be without its rough patches. Forgive and ask for forgiveness. An ego has no place in the family unit. Think of the needs and wants of others before making decisions.
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Provide everyone with the proper amount of space needed. Both children and adults may feel crowded and cramped with the new additions. Allow people to adjust on their own time line. If your child needs time to himself, do what it takes to give him that. Listen to what he's asking for when it comes to privacy.
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Go on vacation with the entire clan. A vacation away from home can provide a true bonding experience. It's one without the added stress of having to change lifestyles in the normal, day-to-day world.
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Make sure everyone has his own space. When blending a new family, it is important that each member has his own personal living space. Because blending a family can be quite stressful, each individual needs a quiet place to go as a personal getaway.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't force the issue. Don't act like everyone needs to get along perfectly right away. There will be personality differences among family members. While you shouldn't force friendships, you can enforce showing respect to all family members.
