A blended family is a collective term describing step-parents, step-siblings, and half-siblings. This happens when two adults who have children from previous relationships choose to marry each other and have children of their own. Though blended families are quite common nowadays, there are still many challenges that such families face. From bonding issues to legal disputes, here are some problems that blended families face.
- Financial Difficulties
One of the most common problems blended families face is finances. Budgeting for a large family is not easy. There are more people to feed, pay school fees for, and maintain the household which can run up a huge bill. It’s especially hard for blended families since most of them start with children and may also want to have children of their own. It’s necessary to create a budget that caters to these needs. Parents may also consider looking for alternative sources of income to increase their earnings. Finances 101: How To Create A Budget And Different Budgeting Methods You Can Use
- Fighting For Attention
Children have to share their parent’s attention with their step-siblings in a blended family. This can cause issues especially if the children aren’t fully ready for such changes. Additionally, with financial strains, recreational activities may be pushed to the side making the children feel neglected. To avoid this, you can make a schedule as a family to include activities each child wants to do. How To Help Your Children Deal With Divorce
- Lack Of Choice
The children don’t really get to choose whether they want to be in a blended family or not. Most parents assume that their children will like the new family but it’s not always the case. Since they were not involved in the decision, they might not be very accepting of the new life. Additionally, a new parent might be a grief trigger for the child especially if they witnessed their parents go through a divorce. Ensure that you prepare your child for such big changes in the family. Relationships: How To Help Your Children Deal With Divorce
- Unequal Treatment
It’s only natural that a parent will favour their biological children. However, inequality can also happen when one parent feels like they are trying harder to bond with their spouse’s children than their spouse does with theirs. This can cause animosity in the family and should be addressed before it escalates to bigger problems. Parents should try to treat each member of the family equally and make an effort to bond with their stepchildren for a more peaceful household. 6 Things To Discuss When Co-Parenting
- Conflicting Parenting Styles
It’s important for both parents to be on the same page when it comes to parenting. However, it’s not that easy. Parents in blended families don’t always agree on their parenting styles as each parent may come with their own rules. Since you can’t have two different sets of rules for the kids, the parents have to come up with new rules while keeping the focus on the children. Check out The Four Parenting Styles
- Judgment In Society
Unfortunately, everyone won’t support such kinds of families and the judgment can come from even the people close to you like relatives and friends. People may also ask insensitive questions due to ignorance. Therefore, blended families should prepare emotionally and psychologically for what people will say and think about them. Make sure you prepare the children as well since they will also get these insensitive remarks.
Check out 6 Important Things To Consider When Blending A Family
