Blending two families involves deciding where your family will live. If you and your partner can manage it, you should consider moving into a new home. Not only does this signal a new beginning, but it also avoids one family feeling displaced or as if they have less ownership over a home. Additionally, the original family homes will be full of memories and experiences that the other family did not participate in, which can also lead to hurt feelings.

Dealing With the Previous Marriage

A new marriage and the blending of two families can sometimes remind parents and children of the previous marriage. Don’t pretend as if this period in your lives didn’t exist. Instead, be willing to talk about these things. Don’t pretend that exes do not exist or that the past didn’t happen. In fact, if one of the children refers to that marriage, be sure to ask questions and engage with them. If you show that you are interested in the children’s feelings, it will ease the transition.

Dealing With Parenting Issues

Parenting has its challenges, but blended family parenting presents its own unique obstacles. You and your partner need to discuss how you will deal with one another’s children and what your parenting philosophies are like.

Much of the time, if you let the biological or custodial parent keep primary control of their children, you can avoid major problems. The children will already be used to their parent’s style. This doesn’t mean that the stepparent has less authority, but the children will feel more comfortable with this situation and will be less likely to act out.

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