REMARRIED FAMILIES: STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

Remarriage: New Family Relationships

As the rate of divorce continues to increase, so does the number of remarriages. Four out of five who obtain a divorce get remarried. Currently 50 million people in this country are in some way currently involved in a remarried relationship. As a result, many families are shifting away from the traditional nuclear family - biological mother, father, child or children. .

"My Kids/Your Kids"

Combining children from two families presents a special set of challenges. The children must not only adjust to a new adult, but in most cases, to new children who either move in permanently or on weekends to share space in the same home. In addition, both sets of children generally have another parent outside the new remarried family with whom they continue to have a relationship. .

Adults living with someone else's children may find it difficult to be accepted as being in charge of decisions as well as discipline. Whereas natural parents have already established close, personal bonds with their own children, a serious effort has to be made in order to establish warm, loving relationships with someone else's children. .

Remarried families are challenged in many new and unexpected ways. Learn how to use thee challenges as opportunities to communicate with and bond to the "new family". Group and individual counseling, can help children and adults adjust to their new family situation by opening the lines of communication, sorting out new emotions, and dealing effectively with anger and frustration. .

Finding the Answers

Therapy and Beyond has developed a unique program which is successfully meeting the needs of remarried families who are experiencing difficulties as a result of this new and more complicated family. Services offered to remarried families include: Group, Individual, Marriage and Family Therapy; and Educational Classes. Public education, professional consultation and referral services are also available. .