Ep 77: Trauma-Informed Step-Parenting

In today’s episode, Ginger and Julie dive into Step-Parenting. Approximately 40% of all families are blended families, which are defined as divorced and/or remarried families or those living together that have children residing with one parent and possibly visiting the other, and have another adult in their lives who is the stepparent figure. Divorce is widespread, (hovering around half of all marriages.) For children, divorce is considered a traumatizing event and being raised by stepparents can be a landmine of potential trauma. That doesn’t mean we at ATN are against divorce or that we blame the adults for their decision to separate. We want parents to understand how divorce can potentially impact your children – for the rest of their lives. And how best to help them come out of it in a positive way. Here are some takeaways. Listen to your children. Give them a safe space to express themselves. Discuss and decide as a couple how you’re going to handle family dynamics and what you want for your family. Whenever possible, try to be on the same parenting page. Take co-parenting seriously. Professional help will be needed as you blend your family, Interventions can help these struggles from becoming complex traumas and resources and support are available through ATN. If you want more information about our Trauma-Informed Certification program, go to certification.attachtrauma.org.