One of the most challenging things in life may be trying to successfully blend together two separate families with different expectations, experiences, and backgrounds. And being a stepparent may be the hardest thing anyone attempts in their life (possibly the most unappreciated anyway). Here are five tips from experienced parents on how to express love within a blended family.
Accept everyone for who they areLower your expectations of... Continue Reading
Unfortunately, divorce can bring out the worst in us. The biggest obstacles to successful co-parenting are emotions like anger, resentment, and jealousy. Those kinds of emotions make the challenge of co-parenting with your ex more difficult. However, your children still need their mother and their father—whether they still live together or not. Here are five things to remember to help you successfully co-parent together.
It is not... Continue Reading
Said many different ways, the questions moms and dads must tackle during divorce can be pretty common. It’s important that parents be prepared to tackle hard questions, like those on the list below, to ensure the health of their children and other family members that will be affected by divorce.
Here are four big questions parents should be prepared to tackle:
1. Where will I live?
When trying to wrap their heads around... Continue Reading
Ed. Note: This post first appeared on the DadTalk Blog in December 2014. Read the original post here.
During the holidays, we look forward to spending time with family and loved-ones. The season is full of opportunities to make wonderful memories, but it can also be a stressful time, particularly for co-parents and blended families. Parents in a healthy relationship (regardless of romantic involvement) should feel safe to express... Continue Reading
The many moving parts of a divorce can make parenting extra difficult. For fathers, maintaining healthy relationships with children can be especially challenging without the right help and approach. Here are four strategies to help you ensure your father-child relationship continues to be a success through the tough transition of a divorce.
Practice Great Co-ParentingThe start of healthy parent-child relationships during a divorce... Continue Reading
During the holidays, we look forward to spending time with family and loved-ones. The season is full of opportunities to make wonderful memories, but it can also be a stressful time, particularly for co-parents and blended families. Parents in a healthy relationship (regardless of romantic involvement) should feel safe to express themselves and respect each other’s opinions, while being able to resolve conflicts without anger. Both parents... Continue Reading
Ed. Note: This highlight is a repost from a series entitled Highlights from the Field: Office of Family Assistance Programs at Work for American Families from the Office of Family Assistance Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Technical Assistance Project. Read the original posting here.
This Highlight from the Field features Anthony, a participant of the New Mexico State University (NMSU) programming, a Responsible Fatherhood... Continue Reading
Parenting is filled with challenges. When parents live apart, these challenges can seem to grow, but the NRFC Hotline offers a resource and potential solution to parents when challenges arise. When they work together they can improve their situation and build healthy, happy homes for their children.
Below is a story about “Roberto” and “Roslyn” – two parents who were able to improve their situation with the help of the NRFC Hotline... Continue Reading
It’s funny what kids remember about their parents when they grow up. They see things. Children have a way of remembering little moments that reveal a part of your character. I remember my dad helping me with my homework and explaining how an engine works. He taught me practical things. He showed me I could depend upon him.
Even if parents are no longer together, they can still be parents for life, perhaps in a co-parenting relationship... Continue Reading
One of the greatest things that a father can do for the mother of his children is to show his appreciation for her. Whether mom and dad are together or co-parenting apart, fathers expressing appreciation for mom, greatly benefits the mother, the father, and the child(ren).
Mom will feel appreciated for the balancing act that she gracefully performs every day, often sacrificing to ensure that the needs of others are met. Dad benefits as... Continue Reading