One in every three individuals is part of a step-family. According to the available statistics, 30% of the world’s children are growing up in blended families. So, it is important that parents who are bringing their children into the setup of blended families provide a healthy atmosphere for them. This would allow them to grow up normally. There are many challenges that people can face while bringing two families together. But there are many things that parents can do to enable a smooth transition for their children in their newly blended families. Focus on inspiring healthy habits among your children so that they can accept others and help others to do the same. There are a few elements that you can help your family to develop in order to have a peaceful home.
1. Compassion
There is no substitute for this quality. A person must have this quality to be a wonderful human being and an integral part of the society. Compassion is the glue that can hold a family together. Different children can feel differently about being a part of a blended family. But if everyone in a family has compassion towards each other, it would really help everyone to feel closer. It takes a lot more than DNA to make a family happy and loving.
2. Fairness In Treatment
Favoritism can really create big dents in a family. Parents should never prefer one child over another based on any prejudice they may or may not have. Every child must feel like she or he is loved and cared for. This will help them to feel intimately close to every member of the family. Children are intuitive which is why they can easily see discrepancies in the pattern of the behavior of their parents. Thus, overcompensation and favoritism wouldn’t bode well for the parents.
3. Quality Time Is Vital
Each family member should spend some alone time with other members. This is as important as spending quality time as one big family. This would help everyone to know each other more intimately and figure things out better. Understanding one another is a big part of feeling connected as a family.
4. Do Not Overstep Boundaries
When children, young adults and adults become part of a newly blended family, it is very important for them to know to not overstep their boundaries. Children can be too small to understand the concept of boundary sometimes. So, it is the duty of the adults of the family to teach them that with compassion when they overstep their boundaries. And also, the adults of the family need to lead by example in this case.
5. Judgment-Free Zone
Conflicts in a family are unavoidable, especially when there are children involved. That is why parents need to make sure that they handle all the conflicts sans judgment and preconceived assumptions. You need to give everyone equal opportunity to explain themselves and the same benefit of doubt to everyone. Favoring someone wouldn’t help parents to solve any conflicts in the family.
6. Rules
Rules are very important because they allow children to know how to behave and that they are accountable for their actions. Parents need to know when to be supportive toward their children and when to be strict disciplinarians to ensure healthy home environment. A healthy balance of both can help parents to maintain a happy and problem-free house.
7. Healthy Communication
There is nothing that can’t be solved using healthy communication. Open and clear communication can help families to get along better without any hesitations. Communication is one of the key elements that can ensure togetherness and happiness in a blended family. So, the window of communication needs to be always open in a blended family.
It takes a lot more than genetics to form a happy family. And happy blended families are the proof of that truth.
