Blended families have unique dynamics that slow down the process of bonding (or “blending”). Abe’s situation illustrates several:

• People who feel like outsiders and are jealous of the insiders.
• Parenting issues that ripple into the marriage.
• Biological parents who feel caught between their child(ren) and spouse.
• Financial issues.
• Conflict with a stepparent or between stepsiblings.
• Problems with an ex-spouse that complicate co-parenting and cause stress in the home.

When experienced together, these dynamics block stepfamily harmony and chip away at hope for the family’s future. But making a few small changes can make a big difference.

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Kathleen Notes: Blending a family can be tough, it takes time, patience and grace but it can be done successfully.