Today’s family is fluid and presents in different styles and in different combinations. And today’s family is often in flux. Families go through a variety of changes. Yet, throughout the change you remain a family. Emotions run high as the family needs to accommodate. It is often helpful to have an outside person with experience and insight to guide all participants through the steps.
Each change brings additional adjustments to be made by all parties. Divorce is frequent and common. And the family must move on. Often this is followed by a blended family. These additions impact the household. Extended family members such as grandparents often have a role and a different set of expectations. Persons are added also by adoption or reunification. Some events are planned and can be addressed in advance, while others, often the more difficult ones, come with little or no warning.
Each member of the family is a player and participant in the patterns established. Emotions often run high until the equilibrium is re-established and becomes the familiar pattern.