Tips for Successful Stepfamilies

The possibility of blending two families into one can be challenging and overwhelming. It is important to keep an open mind and include all members of the family when discussing changes that might occur. Remember to take things slow, set goals and find support. Here are some ideas that might help when blending your families together:

• Make realistic goals and be patient in building your stepfamily.
• Be open to professional help or join a stepfamily support group.
• Take it slow when fostering a relationship with your step-child; you have to really get to know each other before you can love each other.
• Realize that you may not be successful in integrating all of the children into your new family.
• Talk openly and often with your new spouse about discipline and the roles of each parent. Always present a "united front" to the children.
• Focus on building a friendly relationship with your step-child before taking on the parenting role.
• Think through your feelings before reacting to a situation.
• Continue to build your couple relationship with your spouse. Allow for activities that the entire family does not have to participate in. Let each child have special time with "Mom" or "Dad."
• Keep your child's teachers or caregivers informed about family changes.
• Value the ideas and opinions of each family member.
• Always be flexible, willing to compromise and open to change.

The information was developed by The Family Conservancy from a variety of professional resources. This is not a standardized measurement tool.