Establishing Identity and Security in Blended Families
Although the word “family” can be defined by various means and methods, there are particular blanket functions required of any and all family types. The blended family may experience challenges that are brought on due to contrasting traditions, values, habits, and personalities that are found in each individual of which the blended relationship is comprised. Several patterns of concern center around the idea of integrating these various conditions into the blended family so as to give a solid and safe identity to the blended family relationship.
Upon examination of necessary concerns in any and all families, economic support is by far one of the most critical. Concentrated effort through proper work ethic and a sense of familial responsibility must be in place to ensure peaceful co-existence within the blended family with regards to money and budgeting.
The terms “child support” and “alimony” are recurrently used within the context of the blended family. Without personal maturity and integrity, which includes a proper sense of domestic duty and responsibility to the relationships one has created, these two terms can initiate and create patterns of argument, fueled by bitterness and animosity. Without the virtues of wisdom and sincerity in those who make up this unique group, economic security is highly threatened in the blended family situation.
Another test the blended family often faces is that of emotional support. Emotional support is developed as intimacy is fostered through acts of mutual concern provided by all members of the family unit. Focused effort must be made to connect emotionally through learning better communication skills and engaging in family counseling that will help establish family identity. The word “blend” suggests learning to “mix smoothly” while remaining inseparably together. To achieve this perfect blend results in both security and solid, emotional oneness.
The goal of the blended family should be to achieve the highest quality of emotional support possible in order to create a safe place that will cushion pain and distress felt from situations occuring outside the family relationship.
Stepfamilies (another term for blended families), encounter various dilemmas regarding socialization. Children who comprise blended families are often subjected to very different norms, values, behaviors, social skills and even social positions as they encounter all of the aforementioned aspects in multiple family settings. Not only is this scenario confusing for the children involved, but it is also disconcerting to the adults as well, as they experience pressure to “be all things to all people”. It is important that this unique family unit discovers ways that defines their exclusiveness in spite of their multiple-family social surroundings.
In order to establish security and identity within the blended family, the members must persevere and commit to the intention of resolving conflicts created by personal differences. As the family determines and defines their exclusive family culture, each individual therein will begin to experience encouragement and pride within the network of their family particular family fusion. Great is the reward for all who endure!
Written by Sheneka Land
Upon examination of necessary concerns in any and all families, economic support is by far one of the most critical. Concentrated effort through proper work ethic and a sense of familial responsibility must be in place to ensure peaceful co-existence within the blended family with regards to money and budgeting.
The terms “child support” and “alimony” are recurrently used within the context of the blended family. Without personal maturity and integrity, which includes a proper sense of domestic duty and responsibility to the relationships one has created, these two terms can initiate and create patterns of argument, fueled by bitterness and animosity. Without the virtues of wisdom and sincerity in those who make up this unique group, economic security is highly threatened in the blended family situation.
Another test the blended family often faces is that of emotional support. Emotional support is developed as intimacy is fostered through acts of mutual concern provided by all members of the family unit. Focused effort must be made to connect emotionally through learning better communication skills and engaging in family counseling that will help establish family identity. The word “blend” suggests learning to “mix smoothly” while remaining inseparably together. To achieve this perfect blend results in both security and solid, emotional oneness.
The goal of the blended family should be to achieve the highest quality of emotional support possible in order to create a safe place that will cushion pain and distress felt from situations occuring outside the family relationship.
Stepfamilies (another term for blended families), encounter various dilemmas regarding socialization. Children who comprise blended families are often subjected to very different norms, values, behaviors, social skills and even social positions as they encounter all of the aforementioned aspects in multiple family settings. Not only is this scenario confusing for the children involved, but it is also disconcerting to the adults as well, as they experience pressure to “be all things to all people”. It is important that this unique family unit discovers ways that defines their exclusiveness in spite of their multiple-family social surroundings.
In order to establish security and identity within the blended family, the members must persevere and commit to the intention of resolving conflicts created by personal differences. As the family determines and defines their exclusive family culture, each individual therein will begin to experience encouragement and pride within the network of their family particular family fusion. Great is the reward for all who endure!
Written by Sheneka Land
Marriage Support Agencies
Marriage Restored is an agency affiliated with the Assemblies of God. It offers retreats for couples who have experienced some form of infidelity.
Marriage Restored is an agency affiliated with the Assemblies of God. It offers retreats for couples who have experienced some form of infidelity.