We found the following blended family statistics over at The Bonded Family.com
- 2,100 new blended families are formed EVERY DAY in America
- Over 65% of Americans are now a stepparent, a stepchild, a stepsibling,
step-grandparent or touched directly by a stepfamily scenario- By 2010, blended families/step-families will be the most common form of family in America
- 82% of new blended family parents say “˜we don’t know where to turn to for help’ for their marriage, children, step-children and new blended family.
Statistics like that solidify why Blended Families week on this site is so important. Even though most Americans are now in some type of blended family situation, they are finding it hard to find resources to help them through the tough times.
Having a blended family has been very tough on all of us. It has been hard on me as I feel caught in the middle (as I just want everyone to get along.) It is hard on my husband as I know he can feel rejected and misunderstood at times. He is being held to a standard of having to be a perfect step-parent when no one else is perfect. And it is hard on the kids as they have to make adjustments and sort out feelings that even some adults are incapable of dealing with.
And even with all of those challenges, I know that this family is one of the biggest blessings that I have. I thank God for my husband and for the love, support, and leadership that he shows me and the kids. I thank God for having this opportunity to show my kids what a healthy loving relationship looks like each day.
And because I cherish this family so much, I want to do everything in my power to ensure that everyday were are doing something towards building strong relationships. Part of what I am doing is becoming educated on the topic by learning from people and professionals that have already weathered the storms. Here are a few of my favorite resources:
Classes and Workshops:
- Designing Dynamic Step Families – Practical information for the inevitable challenges of stepfamily living. This is an eight-part Series with Study Guides designed to tackle the challenges of bringing the pieces of two broken families together. “Ready to use” for workshops, conferences, and small groups.
The Taylors present their hottest topics in front of a studio audience interlaced with interviews from seven other stepcouples, five adult children, and one grandchild of divorce & remarriage. I had an opportunity to attend a workshop given by the Taylors at a conference. I truly enjoyed the workshop and thought they provided valuable tools for stepfamilies. - Additional Classes can be found via this Smart Marriages Directory
Websites/Blogs:
- National Step Family Resource Center – provides a clearinghouse of information, linking family science research on stepfamilies and best practices in work with couples and children in stepfamilies. This site also provides you with contact info for local step family support resources and services.
- TheBondedFamily.com– Dan and Rebecca Snell have made it their life’s mission to help others take their stepfamilies from broken to blended to Bond!!
“Dan and Rebecca feel called to share with other families what God has shared with them. They want to change the face of blended families, divorce and brokenness for children, extending their vision to leave a legacy that echoes in eternity for millions of families.”
Twitter:
If you want encouraging words, tips and links to articles for step families, follow the following folks on twitter:
- @stepfamilytips or @blendedfamilies – Dan & Rebecca Snell are authorities on blended families. They provide great tips all day long …so you should definitely have them in your twitter stream. They are also creators of the site TheBondedFamily.com.
- @HersHisandOurs – I love Lisa’s tweets and her blog because she is taking us on this journey with her. She is encouraging and funny and I can totally relate to her experiences.
Books:
We’re not Blended We’re Pureed, a Survivors Guide to Blended Families – I am still reading this one…but so far I am enjoying it and finding useful tips to add to my marriage/family toolbox. In the book, author Diana Brandmeyer uses the narrative of her own blended family experiences to help others better navigate the issues that arise in a new family. She partnered with Marty Lintvedt, licensed professional counselor (MO), to write this book and provide clinically sound informational sidebars and useable dialogue that provide practical and proven communication tools.
The Blended Family Survival Guide on Getting Married with Children – Inside The Blended Family Survival Guide you will find realistic and transparent advice that will give you the tools, tips, and help for your family to be successful and happy in your blended family! This book is next on my list. I am looking forward to reading it as it looks like another great resource.
BMWK Family – Where do you turn to for help with your blended family? Please share with our readers any additional resources that you may have for blended families.