This confidence can bring headaches. You may well find that siblings ?˜gang??up and cliques and divisions form. From older children there may be power struggles. The adults in the family need to really keep in mind what they want to achieve and avoid becoming caught up in/distracted by emotional issues. A good approach for adults here is to ask lots of questions to understand how people are thinking and feeling.

It?™s during this stage that many families get stuck. There is lots of learning, lots of realization coming all at the same time and adults can, understandably, get overwhelmed with what to do with all this information. The thing is if something isn?™t done with the information then rifts, arguments, irritations and conflict grow. This is where stepfamily life can be at it?™s most stressful; leaving you feeling drained and very unhappy, at worse families break up ??again.

If in this position, parents and/or partners can really reap rewards form seeking support and guidance through this difficult time. One way to is to get yourself a good Coach. Flexible and empowering, impartial and non-judgmental, having your own personal family coach is a really valuable way to get help.

Flowing. You?™ve learnt how to communicate effectively. You appreciate that everyone is different and although you might not agree you can accept. You are in a settled routine and understand everyone?™s needs and how to fulfil them.