by Krystle Hernandez

Created on: April 19, 2009

High divorce rates, remarriages, and children from previous unions where parents were not married, there are a number of blended families in today's society. Blended families come in all different sizes and often feature different kinds of members. However, no matter what form a blended family takes, there are a number of challenges that they will inevitably have to face. Fortunately, however, blended families can work towards overcoming these challenges and ultimately find peace, happiness, and balance in their family's life.

Parent vs. Parent

One of the greatest challenges faced by blended families can be unresolved conflict between the now separated biological parents. Regardless of what happened between you and your ex, you both need to get closure on your relationship so that you can effectively focus your attention on the children that you share. While your romantic relationship may have ended, you are still tied to one another as parents and as a result, you both need to be in accordance when it comes to issues that effect your children.

Kids whose parents are divorced or separated can sometimes try to manipulate situations. If parents are in constant conflict, this manipulation is made easier for the child, who can pit one parent against the other. For this reason, it is crucial that you and your ex present a unified front when it comes to raising your children.

Although you don't necessarily have to be "best friends" with your ex, you do have to have a civil relationship so that you can both parent effectively. Set aside your differences and work together to overcome challenges and conflicts that may present themselves.

Ideally, exes with children will have a discussion about how to co-parent even though they are no longer together. Throughout this discussion, exes should negotiate what rules and standards they will demand that their children live by. Having this conversation will save you two the trouble of dealing with a manipulative child who says, "well Dad says it is okay for me to stay up until midnight" when Mom says bedtime is 10pm sharp, essentially allowing you two to present a united front. Compromise, agree on a bedtime somewhere in the middle and enforce it in BOTH homes. Not only will this present a united front for your child, it will also provide more structure and stability, regardless of which home he or she is in at any given time.

Avoid intensifying conflict between you and your ex by asking for what you want or need directly. For example,

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