How Therapy Can Help Blended Families Build Stronger Bonds and Resolve Conflict
Blended families are a complex reality for millions of people; according to the Stepfamily Association of America, nearly one in three Americans live in a mixed household. While these complex family units can be a source of joy and belonging when things go right, they can also bring mixed feelings of resentment, disrespect, and frustration when conflicts arise. Sometimes, differences aren’t communicated effectively. So how can blended families thrive even when ways of life and attitudes of adjustment may conflict? Going to a Marriage and Family Therapist may be the solution!
Marriage and Family Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on relationship health, individual well-being and family interactions. These licensed professionals have a variety of skills needed to help blended families thrive, and work to bridge divides, strengthen family relationships, and give you the tools you need to resolve conflicts. So how can therapy help with blending families? Let’s jump right into it!
1. Therapy gives kids an outlet to communicate complex feelings
Whether it's feeling stressed out by having new siblings, feeling conflicted on where their loyalties lie, or feeling grief over their old family dynamic, many kids may have complex and frustrated feelings about family blending. If this goes unaddressed, children may suffer academically and socially, and tensions may arise with parents. By giving them a space to air out grievances and hard topics, it makes them feel like they have someone who can listen to them, and lets the parents and other family members provide a support system for them.
2. Therapy can help define realistic expectations
On paper, a stepparent is replacing a biological parent; however, the reality is much more complex. If families go into it thinking everything will be run normal and run smoothly, things can fall apart if expectations aren’t met. Talking with a therapist can help define expectations and family roles, making it much easier to transition and making sure the ceiling isn’t too high.
3. Therapy helps blended families set rules and boundaries
In a blended family, the people involved aren’t the only things being shared under one roof; each family’s rules, boundaries, and family roles may differ slightly. Without proper communication, frustrations and resentment can arise. Family therapy can help define rules that work to encourage and uplift one another, including children in the process and making them feel like they have more of a say in what’s going on.
4. Therapy equips new families with conflict resolution skills
Even if boundaries and rules are properly communicated, it is inevitable that disagreements may arise. Every family has conflicts but knowing how to navigate disagreements in a healthy way can set you up for success. Talking through developing a problem-solving attitude, learning how to compromise, and working as a team can help ease tensions and give kids and parents the ability to work with one another.
5. Therapy can strengthen relationships
Not everything in a new family dynamic has to be hard and challenging. Having fun with each other can ease tensions and strengthen bonds. Talking with a marriage and family therapist can identify what each person’s interests are and the family can build a plan from there.
Marriage and family therapy is a reliable way to build bridges and overcome obstacles in blended families. From communicating problems effectively to setting boundaries, its application can be used far and wide. Though going to a therapist may seem embarrassing or uncomfortable at first, being willing to reach out may be the ticket to a happy family- and a long future.
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