Once you have divorced, you may opt to create a blended family. Blended families are increasingly common, so you will certainly not be alone in your decision to blend families. However, the exact nature of your child custody arrangements is unique to you and your child. As a result, it is important for you to approach the blending of your new family with your particular needs, priorities, obligations and values in mind.
Blending families can be particularly challenging if minor children and teens from both marriages all split their time between your home and their other parents homes. With so many variables in play, it can be difficult to give kids and teens the structure and consistency that they need.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do when blending families is to focus on your home. You and your new spouse or romantic partner cannot control what goes on in your co-parents’ homes. What you can control is the structure and consistency in your own home. When kids and teens know what to expect from you and your home life, they can trust their environment.
Certainly, if your children’s other parents are behaving in ways that endanger them or ultimately fail to serve their interests, you can speak to an attorney about modifying your custody orders. However, in most cases you simply need to focus on your home and giving your children the best experience they can expect from you. You may be tempted to stress about your children’s lives away from home, but building a stable home should be your primary focus.
Source: The Huffington Post, “The Best Advice For Parents Blending Their Families,” Brittany Wong, Dec. 5, 2014