Divorcees with children may eventually find themselves ready to move on and remarry. They usually arrive at a place of restored confidence, ready to try marriage again. When one or both parties bring children into a second marriage, problems can occur. Carefully thought out plans can avoid the major problems, and allow them to overlook the small ones.

Set up rules

Parents have their own ideas when it comes to how to discipline or reward their children. They also have their own set of responsibilities they feel their child is capable of handling. The couple planning to join their families together as one, need to know where each one stands on methods of discipline and on what qualifies as an infraction. Through discussions and compromises, they can prepare one another for an essential part of parenting that will prevent skirmishes once the family is living together under one roof.

Ages of the children

Younger children, including babies, toddlers, and middle-aged children have the advantage over pre-teens and adolescents, as they adjust quickly to new settings. Older children will need additional support that both parents can give them. Both parents should talk to the children and ask for their feedback. Parents can do this separately at first, and then together as a family.

Having the children write lists of the pros and cons of a blended family. Once this is completed, encourage the children to participate in a session of problem solving. Have each child come up with ideas for solutions on how to turn a con on the list into a pro.

Marrying and having children can bring with it unexpected consequences and rewards. Blending two families together in marriage can compound problems, but it can also double the rewards, if the adults involve their children in preparing for any issues that may arise, and in helping to resolve them.