Therapy For Newly Blended Families

It can be overwhelming AND exciting to start a life together as a newly blended family.

Oftentimes, the excitement of a new chapter in life might bring on a mixed bag of emotions because blended families can have unique dynamics and challenges. A blended family is a family structure where one or both partners have children from previous relationships, and they come together to form a new family unit. In this arrangement, the new family may include biological children from one or both partners’ previous relationships, stepchildren, and sometimes even half-siblings.

Being a part of a newly blended family typically comes along with a few normal issues. The good news is that with the appropriate help and support from others, many blended families can thrive! Many blended families go on to form strong, supportive relationships and create a loving, cohesive family unit. To start, it is important to consider some of the common challenges families might face when integrating into one another. Below you will read about common challenges and clinical recommendations on how to help with the possible hurdles ahead. 

Parenting Differences:

Partners may have different parenting styles or disciplinary approaches. It might be helpful to read a previous Mountain Vista Psychology blog post about different parenting styles. Aligning these differences and finding common ground can be challenging. If children are used to one style of parenting, it might feel confusing or unfair for them to adjust to another style of parenting.

Clinical Recommendation:

Start by discussing your individual approaches to parenting, including rules, discipline, and daily routines, to understand each other’s perspectives. Find common ground and agree on a cohesive set of guidelines that align with both styles while considering the children’s needs. It is essential to present a united front to avoid confusing or undermining the children. Regular check-ins to discuss what’s working and what isn’t can help adjust strategies and maintain harmony within the family. By working collaboratively and staying adaptable, you can effectively blend different parenting styles into a cohesive and nurturing approach. It is recommended that both parents work together with a mental health professional to help integrate different parenting styles, leveraging them to provide a balanced, supportive environment for the children.

Managing Loyalties:

Children might feel torn between their biological parents and stepparents. They might struggle with feelings of loyalty or guilt, particularly if the new family dynamics cause tension with their biological parents.  All family members may experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, happiness, excitement, sadness, or anger.

Clinical Recommendation:

First and foremost, validate the child’s emotions without judgment. Let them know it’s okay to feel conflicted and that their feelings are understood and respected. Encourage open dialogue with the child about their feelings and experiences. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their concerns. Recognize and respect the child’s need for time and space to adjust. Avoid placing them in situations where they feel they must choose between their biological parent and stepparent.

It might be helpful to let the child know that loving a stepparent does not diminish their love for their biological parent. Emphasize that family dynamics can change and that it’s okay to have relationships with multiple caring adults. Finally, getting additional support through family therapy or counseling can provide strategies for navigating complex emotions and relationships during times of change. 

Emotional Adjustments:

Emotional adjustment in a new family, especially a blended one, requires patience, understanding, and open communication. As individuals come together, they face the challenge of adapting to new relationships and dynamics, which can evoke a range of emotions all of which are valid and understandable. 

Clinical Recommendation:

Building trust takes time, so it is important for all family members to be patient and consistently supportive. Establishing stable routines and respecting each person’s need for personal space can provide a sense of security and help ease the transition. Encouraging positive interactions and celebrating small successes can also promote a sense of unity and progress! 

Navigating Ex-Relationships:

Interactions with former partners (ex-spouses or ex-partners) can impact the blended family, especially if there are ongoing conflicts or issues related to co-parenting. 

Clinical Recommendation:

Navigating relationships with ex-partners while entering a new relationship can be delicate but manageable with clear communication and boundaries. Define and communicate boundaries with your ex-partner regarding communication, involvement in your life, and interactions with your new partner. If navigating these relationships becomes challenging, consider seeking the help of a professional mental health counselor. They can offer strategies and support for managing complex emotions and interactions.

Start Working with a Family Therapist in Greenwood Village, CO, Englewood, Littleton, and Across the State

All in all, while there are some challenges that might come along with a blended family, many times the family can become a happy and cohesive unit! If you have any questions or concerns about interacting with a new family or spouse, reach out to Mountain Vista Psychology today to talk with a highly trained mental health professional. We are here to support you along the way! You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Reach out to schedule a free phone consultation
2. Talk with a highly-trained therapist
3. Start addressing the changes

Other Services Offered with Mountian Vista Psychology

At Mountain Vista Psychology, we provide many services to help empower individuals on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. So in addition to supporting you and your family through family therapy, we also provide counseling services for child counseling, trauma counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, family counseling, & more. We also provide EMDR, Neurofeedback Therapy services for Neurofeedback for ADHD, Neurofeedback for Autism, Neurofeedback for Concussion/ TBI, and Neurofeedback for Sports/Performance. Our team also provides testing for learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism. Be sure to check out our Blog and FAQs for more about us and our services!