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Developing Strengths in Stepfamilies

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Developing Strengths in Stepfamilies FR/Marriage/2007-04pr Developing Strengths in Stepfamilies Linda Skogrand, Family Life Extension Specialist Rachel Arrington, Extension Research Assistant Brian Higginbotham, Family Life Extension Specialist Over time, most families develop strengths that help among family members—simply being nice can them face and successfully manage difficult times. make a difference (DeFrain, 2006). Expressing The same is true of stepfamilies. The family one’s appreciation is a good way to help family strengths framework, developed as a general model members feel good about each other and, in turn, for success in families, is based upon research with have positive feelings toward those providing the strong families in the United States and throughout praise. A stepmother may find that expressing her the world (DeFrain, 2006; DeFrain & Asay, 2007; appreciation to a stepchild for a job well done helps DeFrain & Stinnett, 2002). Some researchers have establish a positive bond between them. On the used the family strengths framework to focus on other hand, if she only criticizes and complains that strengths in stepfamilies (Knaub, Hanna, & Stinnett, the child does not do his or her chores, the 1984). The family strengths framework provides interactions will foster resentment and anger. simple, practical guidance for building strong Showing affection with a hug or a pat on the back healthy families. reinforces the words that are used to show appreciation. Suggestions for expressing It has been said, “If one only looks for problems in appreciation and affection include: a family, one will see only problems” (DeFrain, 2006, p. 5). The family strengths framework can • Discuss appreciation in a family meeting. help stepfamilies focus on the positive aspects of A family meeting may be helpful to discuss family life and build a more cohesive family unit. In different ways of expressing appreciation for light of the framework, stepfamilies can develop each other. These meetings can also be used strengths around the following six key to learn what makes each person feel characteristics: 1) appreciation and affection, 2) appreciated. commitment to each other, 3) positive • Show appreciation and affection by words communication, 4) successful management of stress and actions. It is important to show and crisis, 5) spiritual well-being, and 6) enjoyable appreciation for positive behaviors. time spent together (DeFrain). Responses might include: “Thanks for helping me. It made my work so much easier,” “I really appreciate your Appreciation and Affection for Each thoughtfulness in sharing with your sister,” Other or “Thank you for having such a positive attitude about doing something you did not Stepfamily relationships are strengthened each time enjoy.” The response may also include a family member feels appreciated and needed. showing affection, such as giving a hug or a Positive interactions help foster positive feelings pat on the back. • Children learn from parents. Children will • Be open and calm when expressing learn to show appreciation and affection feelings. A remarried couple may disagree when parents model these qualities. on how to discipline children, but instead of fighting they will find more success when they sit down and discuss the issue calmly. Commitment to Each Other Keeping in mind that research supports the biological parents disciplining their own Having a committed stepfamily means that each children, couples will want to discuss an person is viewed as an important part of the family approach upon which both can agree and family members are there for each other (Ganong & Coleman, 2004). (DeFrain, 2006). Stepfamilies, who share no • Keep communication positive. Arguing, previous family bond, may find it difficult to feel blaming, and criticizing will not promote committed to each other. This may be particularly healthy relationships in a stepfamily, but true when a child spends time in two different praise and kindness will. One researcher households. He or she may feel guilty or confused explains, “Love and friendship occur among about having positive feelings and interactions with family members when they invest time members of more than one family. Commitment can talking with each other, and when they make be fostered by treating each other with respect and each other feel safe and valued as they spending meaningful time together. Some express feelings” (DeFrain, 2006, p. 60). suggestions to help develop commitment to the • Listen to one another. An important part of stepfamily include: communicating is listening to what the other person has to say. This lets that person know • Support children in their commitment to that what he or she has to say is important multiple families. Parents and stepparents and meaningful. can help children by reassuring them that it • Have a sense of humor. Developing a sense is good for them to love their parents and of humor is a healthy part of communication siblings in both families, and to be (Wuerffel, DeFrain, & Stinnett, 1990). It can committed to both families. Children should help to lighten the mood when difficult not be made to pick favorites or be made to subjects are discussed and relieve tension feel guilty for loving and wanting to spend among family members. time with family members who live elsewhere. • Support family members. Show Successful Management of Stress and commitment to other family members by Crisis attending important school and social events. When faced with stress, strong families look for the • Take time for each other. Take time to do positive side of the situation. They keep their things with each other when asked. Taking communication open, are flexible, create purpose in time out to play a game or just to talk shows life, learn to laugh and cry, and take the challenges commitment. one day at a time (DeFrain, 2006). The stepfamily that makes the effort to support each other during times of crisis will grow closer as they respond to Positive Communication the stress together. If they find they cannot overcome the problem on their own, they can seek Even strong families have differences but they are help, such as counseling, to assist them through the able to communicate with each other with respect. crisis. Specific things stepfamilies can do to respond Rather than becoming hostile or angry, family to crises include the following: members can discuss differences openly and listen to other points of view (DeFrain, 2006). • Share feelings. Be especially mindful of Suggestions for developing positive communication how other family members are feeling in stepfamilies include: during a stressful event and take time to talk Meaningful family rituals can also help families to each other about those feelings. grow closer (Leon & Jacobvitz, 2003). If a • Encourage family participation in stepfamily creates a ritual of spending time responding to stress. Allow each family together, for example playing games together on member to contribute when responding to Sunday nights, it gives the family the opportunity to family stress. For example, if a parent loses become closer. As they build memories together his or her job, allow each family member an members of the stepfamily will begin to feel a sense opportunity to contribute to making life of oneness that will strengthen family relationships. easier for the entire family. Making the effort to work on these goals together will provide the stepfamily with a sense of common purpose and direction. Spending time together may Spiritual Well-being not happen unless the time is planned. The following suggestions will contribute to having Religion or spirituality in the family comes in many enjoyable experiences as a family: forms, such as a faith in a higher being or oneness with the world. Families who agree on spiritual • Plan mealtimes together. Make a plan for beliefs have more successful marriages and family all family members to be together for meals lives (Larson & Olson, 2004). However, some a couple times per week. Use that time to stepfamilies may be blending different beliefs or share each family member’s important religious backgrounds, and agreement may not be positive events of the week. Avoid focusing possible. In that case it may be beneficial for on negative issues or disciplinary actions. stepfamilies to openly acknowledge that they have • Plan fun activities. Plan an outing each different beliefs and agree to respect those month that includes all family members. differences. Family ties are made stronger through Have family members take turns deciding acceptance and tolerance. Spiritual well-being for what the event will be. stepfamilies can be enhanced by doing the following: Conclusion • Share views about religion and spirituality. Encourage family members to share their Creating strong stepfamily relationships can be ideas about God, a Supreme Being, or what challenging; however, there are specific steps is sacred. Acceptance of multiple forms of families can take to strengthen family relationships. spirituality can enhance the spiritual well- Each of the suggestions described above can help being of the family, even if the views are families develop stronger bonds of love and different. affection for one another. It may be useful to talk as • Allow time for spiritual expression. Set a family about which of these characteristics are aside time each week for family members as already in place and which characteristics could be a group or individually to think about or act improved. Begin trying one or two suggestions, upon spiritual beliefs. which can be decided upon by the entire family. As family members experience success with these one Enjoyable Time Together or two suggestions, additional areas of focus can be added to strengthen stepfamily relationships. Spending time together can be one-on-one time with one other family member or spending time together as an entire family. In either case it is References important to create a relaxed environment where each member can communicate openly (DeFrain, DeFrain, J. (2006). Family treasures: Creating 2006).
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