

11 Gleaner Lane, Levittown, NY 11756 | 4133 Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758 | 25 Ocean Blvd, #2, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 | 2506 Mermaid Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793 | Call: (516) 588-6115
11 Gleaner Lane, Levittown, NY 11756 | 4133 Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758 | 25 Ocean Blvd, #2, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 | 2506 Mermaid Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793 | Call: (516) 588-6115
First and foremost, there will be a grieving period. Regardless of the circumstances, a blended family stems from some type of loss. Possibilities include divorce, adoption, and foster care Another possibility is that one parent has died. Either way, it is a serious, dramatic change — especially for the children. Never underestimate the role of grief in this scenario.
Other complexities might include:
It is never a good idea to suppress important emotions. This goes triple in a blended family. Stay in constant communication with your partner. Hold regular family meetings. Give every family member a voice and honor that voice.
There is no how-to manual. You will make mistakes and will learn as you go. Set realistic goals and give them time to marinate. Children especially will not do well under pressure so be patient.
The potential for chaos in a blended family is off the charts. You will be seeking a delicate balance. Give everyone a sense of structure without becoming a dictator. Again, communication and patience will be essential.
The best-laid plans of blended families often, well… get trashed. At some point, you will reach an impasse where you need to consider options B, C, etc. There are multiple people involved. The number of variables is impossible to count. Accept this reality and maintain an open mind regarding how to proceed.
What worked in the past — in a different family situation — probably will not work now. This is part of the grieving mentioned above process.
Creating new routines and new traditions serves a dual purpose:
Those regular family meetings are the ideal setting for this topic. But never lose respect for those who take a little longer to let go of the past.
With two-thirds of second marriages with kids ending in divorce, there is no shame in asking for help. This is a very challenging situation. Individual, couples, or family therapy can be the game-changer you desperately need.
Dealing with the complexities of a blended family is an ongoing process. There is no finish line or destination. Hence, you can really benefit from support and input from a therapist. I invite you to reach out at your earliest convince to set up a free consultation.
LEVITTOWN, NY
11 Gleaner Lane,
Levittown, NY 11756
WANTAGH, NY
2506 Mermaid Ave,
Wantagh, NY 11793
MASSAPEQUA, NY
4133 Merrick Rd,
Massapequa, NY 11758
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ
25 Ocean Blvd, #2, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716