I often have clients who ask me to help them navigate holiday time with their stepfamilies. This can be a daunting new experience for a stepparent and all the family in the early days of stepfamily life. I always work with them on planning and preparing for this time away together. Super important! Coming together before the holidays to discuss concerns with all involved, around food, behaviour, who is responsible for what, who will sleep where, what we will do each day, are just a few of the topics we discuss and plan for.
Gaining a sense of each persons expectations is also important. This is not something rigid, but having some realistic expectations and remaining flexible at the same time, gives everyone a sense of what the holiday will be like, while trying to meet everyone’s needs. Rather than just ‘winging it’, this give a feeling of security and a sense of togetherness, if talked about first.
That’s why I jumped at the idea of discussing the topic of holiday time with stepfamilies on this podcast with Laura Jenkins of ‘In The Blend’. I hope you enjoy listening to it.
