• Topic:  Will my blended family always have problems?
• Reader Contributions
• Guest Author section- more new articles
• Articles for Blended & Step Families
• Twitter Update
• Blended Family Advice Book Sale

Will my blended family always have problems?

I hear from many of you regularly.  You have couple's issues, parenting issues, stepsibling issues and more.  You wonder- will it ever settle down and everyone just get along?

Well, there are several principles to remember to keep your blended family solid.  The first principle is to focus on your marriage and keep it a priority.  Another principle is to develop house rules (developed by you and your spouse) and enforce them. If you follow these principles and a few more, (listed in the Blended Family Advice ebook) life will be much easier... but, it won't be perfect.  Your first marriage had its rough days, and your biological kids have days when they can't get along.  Families- whether biological or blended, will always have their bad days.

Life isn't perfect, and it is unrealistic to expect a blended family to function better than a biological family- with its regular arguments, sibling fights and problems.

So, relax- accept the differences in your blended family.  Spend time together, getting to know each other, and creating your own traditions.  Some of the stepsiblings may become friends, but maybe not.  Teach them to respect each other and be kind.

Treat all kids equally, whether step or biological- and this will solve many issues too.  It's a process, and one that takes patience and endurance.  You can make it, and have a successful blended family, but it does take work.  I hope our website provides some of the resources you need.

Reader Contributions

Here are some new reader contributions:

• A wonderful poem, written by Patsy Layman, stepmom to Peggy Nolan. Peggy included some great 1970's photos of her blended family.  These photos will bring back some great memories of the 70's!

Guest Author Section

I write articles for the Charlotte Examiner (I recently met a journalist who has a blended family, Phyllis Hammon and writes for the Colorado Examiner. 

Phyllis offered to post some of our articles on the Blended & Step Family Resource Center Site.  Here are the links to her articles:

• Love Your Child More Than You Despise Your Ex- by Phyllis Hammon
• Step Moms Deserve Rights Too- by Phyllis Hammon

Articles for Blended & Step Families

Here are some new articles for your education and encouragement:

• Grandparent's Golden Rules for Blended Families
• Guideline's for Divorced Parents

Twitter Update:

We're up to over 24,000 Followers!  It's quite amazing all the wonderful people and organizations I have "met" through Twitter.  Check us out at www.Twitter.com  We're @BlendedFamily4U

Sale

If you are still struggling with your blended family, check out more information about Blended Family Advice ebook.  Until Tuesday, it will be on sale.  Regularly $29.95.  I'll mark it down to $19.95 over the weekend.  On Tuesday morning 10/13, it will go back up.  This ebook  answers many of questions you have in your blended family, and gives you the principles to answer any other issues you may have.

If you have some real issues that can't be answered in a quick email, or you haven't found them in the Blended Family Advice ebook, you may want to consider coaching with Shirley Cress Dudley.  We also offer a discount on 3 sessions.

Talk with you again soon. Send me your comments, suggestions, and blended family experiences.

Shirley Cress Dudley

Shirley@BlendedFamilyAdvice.com

Follow us on Twitter at BlendedFamily4U

If you enjoy this newsletter and know someone who would benefit by reading it, forward this email to them.

Quick Links

Main Blended Family Website: http://www.blendedfamilyadvice.com

Articles: http://www.blendedfamilyadvice.com/freearticlesandadvice

Reader Contributions:  http://www.blendedfamilyadvice.com/readercontributions

Contact Information

Email:  Shirley@BlendedFamilyAdvice.com

Web:   http://www.BlendedFamilyAdvice.com