Blended families can be tricky and as I like to say to be proactive and intentional in your parenting you will be much better off and avoid unnecessary disagreements. Nobody wants to get married to get divorced so pay attention to some of these tips!

1. The couple needs to communicate first off their parenting styles. What are your non-negotiables? What expectations do you have? For ex; doing chores, knock on door before entering bedroom,ect.
   
2. Setting boundaries with both the children and each other with your children is paramount to a happy, healthy, successful family life together 
   
3. Do you have the same values? Such as please/thank you, dinner time with the family Friday evenings 
   
4. Have the conversation about making sure you work together as a team and be in constant communication 
   
5. YOUR relationship comes first before the kids! Do date night, go away, hire babysitters, lock the children out for 2 hours (of age of course!) and for the love of mercy please do not stop having sex because someone will end up unhappy and that isn’t how you choose to live your life is it?
   

Many thank to our guest blog contributor Amanda Houle, MS ED, Ed  

Amanda is here to help you adopt the mindset, as well as the techniques and strategies, to be a confident parent, create a healthy partnership with your spouse and support a thriving family. If you are like many of her clients, you are DONE with the whining, the fighting, and you are tired of the sleepless nights wondering what am I doing wrong. You are ready to be the role model you know you truly are for your children. As the Parenting Strategist | Communication and Relationship Specialist, Amanda strongly believes parenting on the same page, positive discipline, owning your energy, and healthy communication are the essential steps to creating the family life of your dreams. She will work with YOU as a team to create your family vision, goals, and lay out your NEW family foundation to create the family life you desire, in 1 of the 3 private programs she offers to her one-to-one clients.

4 Pillars of Parenting With a Punch:

1.) Communicating effectively with your partner and children

2) Owning your energy, mindset, and behavior

3) Parenting on the same page- Teamwork

4) Redesigning Discipline 

1.) Communicating effectively with your partner and children

2) Owning your energy, mindset, and behavior

3) Parenting on the same page- Teamwork

4) Redesigning Discipline