Relationship Challenge: Blended Families

by Les Palmer, Celebrate Recovery

More blended families are forming every day. Many couples enter into a blended family situation thinking it will be much like it was with their first family, only better. A blended family often brings bonus parents and grandparents who can be a blessing for the children. However, there are potential challenges that many do not consider.

Some children may find that they have two sets of parents and four sets of grandparents with two bedrooms in different houses and friends from two different neighborhoods. And in these situations, visitations can sometimes resemble an emotional minefield where potential relational conflict grows exponentially. Misunderstandings occur, feelings are hurt, and often those feelings go unexpressed so as not to create additional drama. Typically, these unexpressed hurts surface at some of the most inopportune times when stress levels are high.  

Discipline, especially in a blended family, can be rife with misunderstandings. There can be feelings of abandonment, jealousy, resentment, depression, general anxiety—and for the parents—times of helplessness. Trust between biological parents and children can become suspect while trust between the child and the bonus parent is usually a work in progress. These misunderstandings need to be expressed and processed in a safe environment; otherwise, they lead to bigger problems later in life. 

Celebrate Recovery at Ridgecrest has helped dozens of parents and children navigate the blended family waters successfully. If you would like someone to walk beside you in this challenge, please contact us today.

Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step faith-based program that helps individuals heal from a variety of hurts, hang-ups and habits. We do it in an atmosphere of acceptance and without judgement. Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri.