Blending two families can be a complex and challenging process. With some basic skills and commitment to ideas like being patient, having open communication, and a willingness to compromise, it is possible to create a harmonious and fulfilling family dynamic. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are in the process of blending two families:
When an unexpected situation or conversation occurs that does not go in your favor, it is second nature to act upon the first thoughts and feelings that come to mind. However, these thoughts and feelings may not always be the most effective way to handle whatever the situation may be. It is important to respond to situations rather than to react. You may be thinking, what is the difference? Reacting and responding are similar in nature as both come from a place of wanting to be heard or understood. However, there are differences between these two.
Communication is vital in any relationship (romantic, workplace, family, friendships). Communication helps in sharing expectations, feelings, disappointments, and opinions. Being open in these relationships helps to strengthen the bond between them. This communication is essential when you feel disappointed or after your feelings are hurt; however, these situations are the most intimidating to approach due to fear of rejection or an argument. When approaching these difficult conversations, it is important to enter with a soft startup to lay the foundation for a productive, calm conversation.
Whether you began a relationship with your partner many years ago or just found each other, the impact of life-changing events can throw the chips up in the air for many relationships. The need for building new habits and routines alone can cause stress in a relationship. With all the changes that can occur in daily living, relationships have been tested to their limits in the events of things like divorce, loss of a job, having a baby, relocating, etc. Whether is it a large societal shift or increased anxiety about individual life changes, a new normal is not something for which anyone is fully prepared. So, what is it that one could do to build resiliency in your relationship so that it is given its best chance for success in challenging times?
Do you ever realize some conversations that you walk away from end on a positive note, where others can feel daunting and discouraging? To break this down, everyone has a unique way in which they communicate and express themselves to others. It is important to be aware of how you communicate with others because it can make it easier in navigating conversations. These habits impact how others perceive you and your needs. There are four basic types of communication styles, all of which can promote different outcomes of a conversation.
With so many ways to communicate whether in-person, phone, or the many social media apps we can access 24/7, introverts are often viewed as odd for their lack of expressing an opinion whether with friends or in a meeting. Introverts are often described as individuals who do not like prolonged social interactions and may feel uncomfortable in large social gatherings. Introverts don’t mind remaining isolated for extended periods, however this gives them time to engage in thinking and dreaming!
Empathy is the ability to understand another person's feelings and see things from their point of view, rather than solely from your own. In order to understand what they are going through, you try to put yourself in their shoes. Empathy gives us the capacity to pick up on emotional signals through body language and facial expressions.
All families run into rough patches at some point or the other. Raising children, caring for your spouses needs, and parenting in general are difficult tasks. It's easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated by the behaviors of certain family members. In this blog, we will explore some practical tactics and strategies you can use to improve your family dynamic.
