There is no perfect formula for blending families together but having the right expectations can help to lay the right foundation for success.
Talking Points:
- Go into the experience knowing that it will be challenging. It should be no surprise that taking two totally different families and mashing them together will be tough.
- The process is more like a Crock-Pot than a blender. Family members need to feel like they have time to incorporate themselves into the family and recognize that each individual is necessary to make the family whole.
- Be ready to negotiate and adjust. Everyone needs to come into this experience knowing that they will get their way in some things but not in all things.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe your current progress with blending your families. What has gone well? What has been hard?
- What were/are your expectations for how your families would/should blend?
- Think about the blender and Crock-Pot idea. Which would you say best represents your approach in bringing your families together? Explain.
- What are the pitfalls of the blender approach? Explain.
- Why is having the ability to adjust so important when combining families? How well have you done in this so far?
- What are some of the issues that need to be negotiated in your family? What are some possible solutions?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
