There are several blended families throughout the world. I applaude they parents of these families. It is not easy to put together two separate families. Each has been used to living in a certian culture, but this culture greatly changes when the families merge. The merge isn't easy either. It takes a great amount of patience and adjusting. The family needs to understand that it will take at least two years for them to adjust to each other and for a new "normal" to be established. It's also important that for the first while, the birth parent should be the only one desciplining the children. The step-parent also needs to be very supportive of the spouse, and not contradict him/her in front of the children. They both need to be constantly communicating with each other about what is happening in the family.
I am very interested in studying in this area. I think it would interesting to learn more about what the children experience, and how to help them adjust. I think the biggest thing they face is divided loyalty between their new step-parent and their biological parent (who no longer lives with them).
Divorce is a sad occurance in our society. As a result, there are many couples who will eventually remarry and form blended families. But these families can be strong! It just takes time and lots of effort.
