Counseling for Blended Families in Peachtree City, GA—Counselors and Therapists
When The Brady Bunch aired in 1969, the inner workings of a blended family was brought to America’s attention. Mike, Carol, Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy made it look easy to bring two families together. As their theme song reminded everyone, “they knew that it was much more than a hunch; That this group must somehow form a family. That’s the way we all became the Brady bunch.” Simple. Right? The Bradys had the advantage of being on a sitcom where all problems must be resolved within a 30-minute episode. Most blended families go through turbulent times. There are always ups and downs, and many are going to counseling for blended families to help them navigate the rollercoaster.
“Live one day at a time (or one moment if you have to).
Blend little by little and celebrate even the smallest breakthrough.”
–Dani Parker-Kimbrough
When two families merge into one, there are always challenges, but there are also incredible benefits. When families are blended, both the children and parents can be exposed to deep and unique love. Often, blended families are places where resiliency and a strong sense of self grow. Experiencing these benefits often requires a lot of sacrifice and work. Many families also need the guidance of a counselor. As Dani Parker-Kimbrough explains, blending a family requires everyone to go one step at a time, and therapists often know which is the next step to take so that all the family members are able to flourish.
Whether your blended family is just starting its journey or whether they have been on the path for a while, know that help is available. The therapists at Thriveworks Peachtree City have worked with many step families who are all at different stages. We know that life is harder than the Bradys made it look, but we also know that living as a big, happy family is also possible.
What Are Blended Families?
Blended families or stepfamilies have no limit to the form they can take. Some blended families look like divorced or broken-up parents who have separate homes and are sharing parenting responsibilities, but they are not dating or looking to remarry. Some step families look like a parent who married a partner who does not have any children. Some blended families are like the Bradys where each partner has children from a previous relationship. Some partners or new spouses take active roles in the children’s lives. Others do not.
The divorce rate for first-time marriages was 30 percent when The Brady Bunch first aired, and today, that rate has risen to 40 percent. The rate for second or third marriages is even higher. There are a lot of blended families, and according to the US Census Bureau, the number is growing by 1300 families each day. In fact, as the divorce rate hovers around 50 percent, it also makes sense that half of the 60 million children ages 13 and under are living in a blended family. If you are in one of these blended families, most likely, you are also experiencing some of these common challenges.
- Challenges Couples May Face in Blended Families:
Couples are not only working to establish their new partnership or marriage, but they are also helping their families navigate the new situation. They set the tone and lead the way for everyone else in the family. If partners are both bringing children to the marriage, they will have to establishing their unique parenting style. They may also have to deal with ex-spouses who have different parenting styles. If one of the partners has never been a parent previously, they will have to define their role. If the family decides it is best for them to take an active role, then they will have to learn a new set of social-emotional skills for parenting. - Challenges Children May Face in Blended Families:
Just as adults face challenges, so do children. Even positive changes can cause significant stress for kids. Often, children have the least control over the circumstances that lead to blended families, but they may feel the changes most severely. If a parent has died or their parents divorced, children often need to grieve while navigating a new life. They may be experiencing difficult emotions that they have never experienced before: loss, frustration, and grief. Often, children struggle with emotional and behavioral problems at some point in the blending process.
Scheduling Therapy at Thriveworks Peachtree City for Blended Families
Did you recognize any of the challenges that blended families may face? If so, you and your family are not alone. These are common roadblocks that blended families bump up against, but they are also opportunities for blended families to grow closer together. Often, blended families are a tight-knit, loving family, they just need a little help in learning how to navigate those roadblocks. That is why Thriveworks Peachtree City offers therapy for blended families. Going to therapy together, or even alone, is not a magic formula for establishing a harmonious home, but it is often the guidance and support that people need.
If you and your spouse are ready to seek counseling for your blended family, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Peachtree City. When you contact our office, know that a real person (not a voicemail) will answer your call and help you schedule your appointments. New clients often have their first session within 24 hours of their first call. We also offer evening and weekend sessions. Let’s work together. Call today.
