Blended Family Problems

In the modern society, when divorce and second marriages occur regularly, blended families are very common. However, this kind of the non-traditional family has not less problems. Take discipline styles for example, one parent might be very strict while the other one is lenient. For instance, Father regulates the children that they should go home before ten, but Mother is flexible. The children may don't know which parent's rule to obey or are under much pressure. As for doing house works, if one parent has never implemented chore responsibilities and now the kids don't want to work. But if another parent assigns regular household jobs to children, these children would hate their new step siblings who don't do anything. That's unfair and they may argue, complain or even fight together. The last main problem is about the house space. When new family members move into the other's home, the adults and children may have to share the bedrooms, etc. Sometimes the teenagers are unwilling to share with their new stepbrothers or stepsisters. The situations would cause quarrels.

Besides, children may feel that their biological parent should spend more time with them or give more love and care than non-biological children. This feeling probably may cause their psychological pressure and inequality. The other problems such as sibling rivalry, identity confusion, scheduling conflicts and so on still happen to the blended family. Conflicting family values and responsibilities of each family member with regards to daily chores, appropriate behavior, and other expectations. I think that the key to overcoming these types of problems is good communication and trust. After all, communication is the best policy. Trying to understand each other just could have a peaceful and mirthful family.