Thanks for watching this episode of The Family Couch!
In this episode of The Family Couch, Parenting Strategist and mother of three, Amy Ambrozich discusses the many styles of blended family parenting and the importance of building the family as a team. We discuss the impact of joining a family together with how-to steps for the children, the step and birth parents, which will lead to creating one united family.
Amy leads us through guidelines you can take to unite your blended family, sharing what is outside your realm of control and what things you can control within your family unit and how each of these play a vital role during this important time.
We discussed the importance of unifying as a couple first and then holding a family meeting with the kids, which will give everyone clear expectations on their role in the new family. She explains why the kids need to know you are working together as a united front and what impact this has for decision making down the road.
We also examine the complexity of what it is like to be the stepparent coming into a family and how to work through this time and how issues that may seem small – like personal space or borrowing of items – can change a dynamic quickly without the right expectations.
Lastly, we dig into what to do when frustrations have built up for parents – how self care and spending time as a couple impacts the family unit. Amy shares a tip for new families coming together – vision setting – and how this individual thought process and common goal setting creates a solid starting point for relationships to build.
It was a fascinating discussion and one that is important for any blended family to listen to as you navigate this important journey.
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GUEST BIO:
Amy Ambrozich, M.A., has been a parent educator since 2007. Her background includes a B.A. in clinical and child psychology from Purdue University and an M.A. in School Psychology from Governors State University. Amy started Dare to Parent, LLC to continue supporting parents in the Central Ohio area.
Dare to Parent provides workshops and consultations which give parents the strategies they need to reduce stress and improve the parent-child relationship. Amy has been invited to speak with MOPS groups, PTA members, churches and schools. Her compassion shows through as she speaks from the heart, parent-to-parent, while adding expert techniques. Parents leave her workshops armed with strategies that work and with confidence in their parenting decisions.
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RESOURCES/LINKS:
Amy’s website: http://www.daretoparent.com
Connect with Amy:
Email: amy@daretoparent.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daretoparent
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dare2parent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dare-to-parent-llc
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Want to be on The Family Couch or know someone who would be a great guest? Email us at mercedes@shameproofparenting.com
