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PLAYFUL SOLUTIONS FOR STEPFAMILIES

Friends on Bean Bags

DIVORCE HURTS...  it signifies the loss of unfulfilled hopes and dreams... the ending of vows to love each other forever... the promise to do life together. For children, it is the end of life as they know it... holidays split between parents, shuffling from house to house each week.  

KIDS want their parents to be HAPPY...  in time they come to accept the new relationships parents have started with new people.  They may even enjoy spending time with them and develop friendships based on affection, trust, and empathy. 

KIDS don't WISH for stepparents... or stepsiblings.  Enjoying a friendship with mom or dad's girlfriend, boyfriend, or partner is very different than wanting to be part of a blended family.  Same is true for adult children.  

STEPFAMILY RELATIONSHIPS ARE COMPLICATED...
for parents, spouses, kids, stepkids, and in-laws...

60% of 2nd marriages end in divorce...

Navigating life as a newly engaged or married couple can be challenging for anyone.  Add in kids, stepkids, new routines, parenting beliefs/values, parenting time with co-parents, household chores, resentments and loyalties...

Wouldn't you love to have coach, consultant, or cheerleader to help you resolve these conflicts or challenges, making sure everyone has a voice and feels heard and listened to?  

Someone who con come to your house so you don't have to deal with getting all of the kids in the car?  Someone who understands how chaotic stepfamilies can be... someone who is also part of a stepfamily?  

First-family solutions don't work for stepfamilies...  WHY? 

Because stepfamilies ARE different...

4 parents with different parenting styles and values instead of 2... 
Stepfamilies are filled with uneven loyalty cliques filled with years of inside jokes, family traditions, and genetic connections

If your new spouse has parenting and behavior expectations that differ greatly from your values or those of your co-parent, how do you compromise?  

f you are a passive parent, and your new spouse likes to take charge... what happens if your kids and spouse have conflicting needs and wants?  Do you try to find a compromise or side with your spouse?

What if your ex was neglectful and your kids have different emotional needs or your kids don't respond well to your spouse's strict expectations?  
 

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