Episode Details
Back to Episodes154. What practical and emotional shifts can you expect as you blend your family?
Description
Everyone knows that change inevitably comes with blending families.
You might already get that, but "getting it" and embracing it are two different things.
Often, couples start off in their blended family journey understanding that change is inevitable, but not fully grasping what those changes ahead might look like — for them and their kids. Then they get blindsided.
Why?
Because moving everyone under the same roof feels like it's going to be a fresh start — an exciting new beginning!
But the reality is that the formation of a blended family also comes with loss. That loss brings pain which impacts everyone's experience as you blend.
We all know that change is hard. There are new things to adapt to. There are old, familiar things to let go of. There are practical logistics and routines that must be adjusted.
And for most of us, emotional struggles come along as we figure out how to do life together in new and different ways.
In this episode, we'll explore some healthy mindset shifts that will help you navigate the inevitable changes that come with blending.
You'll Discover:
- Specific areas of change that should be anticipated when blending — and the value of being prepared for what's ahead
- Why the process of transition is so challenging
- How to manage change from a positive approach
- Why learning to make decisions as a team is critical
Resources from this Episode:
- Recommended Book by Ron Deal: Preparing to Blend, The Couples Guild to Becoming a Smart Stepfamily
- To find out more about our Becoming Blended program for nearly and newly blended couples, click here to schedule your FREE call:
- Episode 109: Preparing to Blend with Special Guest Ron Deal
- Episode 89: Feeling Stuck in the Change Process? Changing isn't the issue…Transition Is
- Episode 134: How to Make Good Decisions in Tough Situations - and Stay Connected as a Couple
- Episode 132: How Does Loss and Grief Impact Blended Family Integration?
- Episode 72: The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships (to understand the "Slow Cooker" strategy)
- Episode 88: An Effective Strategy to Prepare Your Kids for the Challenges of Blending
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