Tips for Blended or Step-Families

1. Beware of the power struggles. Both the biological children and the new spouse may test loyalties and establish boundaries.
2. Every decision and action should be in the best interest of the children.
3. Adjust expectations, blended families tend to be romanticized so the outlook needs to realistic.
4. Be on the same page regarding attitudes toward discipline and dealing with the exe's.
5. Loving your exes children is not required, but care and respect is essential.

Relationship Stats

• 60% of divorces occur in families with children
• 20 million (28%)  Children under 18 years of age living with just one parent
• The most common things couples argue about are money, sex, work, children and housework - roughly in that order.

Depression Facts

• 30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to be half that of women, but new estimates are higher.
• 54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness.
• 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.
• 80% of those who are depressed are not currently having any treatment.
• 92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment.
• There may be a genetic basis to some depression, but must be triggered by some traumatic or stressful event.
• Short-term depression can be caused by loss or extreme trauma

Definitions

• Blended Families are formed when individuals remarry or when children living in a household share only on or no biological parents. Usually a stepparent, step-brother or step-sister, half sibling designates a family as blended.
• Extended Family is a household in which a child lives with at least one parent and individuals who are not a parent or sibling—either other relatives or nonrelatives.