As remarriage after divorce has become increasingly common, more blended families or stepfamilies have emerged. According to the United States Census Bureau, over half of all American families were divorced and remarried or recoupled in 2010, which was the last major census year. Nearly 4 million children were living in a blended family or stepfamily in 2010.

All families face their own challenges, but stepfamilies have a unique set of challenges that can be hard to overcome. Here are a few tips you can follow in order to make your experience in a blended family a good one:

1. Make Sure You Plan Accordingly

Stepfamilies do not form overnight. Ending one marriage and entering another can take months, if not years. You have plenty of time to think through logistics. Before you get remarried, you should make sure that your parenting plan from your previous marriage is sound and acknowledges that you are getting remarried. You should also make sure that if you are marrying a spouse who also has children from a previous marriage that he or she has planned as well.

When a married couple decides to get divorced, their largest concern is usually related to their children. They likely worry about how the end of their marriage will impact their children and hope that their children can adapt to a new lifestyle with minimal issues.

In addition, divorcing parents wonder how to break the news of their divorce to their children. If you are getting divorced and are unsure of how to tell your children, these tips are sure to help.

Tell Children Together

Most people believe that divorce has a negative effect on children. While divorce can be difficult for them, it can also teach them valuable lessons and set them up for a happy and successful future. Here are five ways children can benefit from divorce:

1. Self Sufficiency

Children in divorced families are often more self-sufficient. Since it can be a challenge for single parents to complete all of their household chores, they often ask their children for help. This teaches them how to care for their home and themselves and they become more responsible as a result.

If you are not getting along with your spouse and believe your marriage is unhealthy, you may be wondering whether you should avoid a divorce and stay married for your children. Contrary to popular belief, staying together for the kids is not a wise move. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons staying married for your kids can do more harm than good.

1. Children May Face Resentment

Staying in an unhappy marriage may cause resentment. Your children may feel like they need to take one parent’s side over the other and experience a great deal of stress and anxiety. Even if you attempt to hide your marriage problems, your children will eventually notice the way you interact with your spouse. They may blame themselves for your issues and face guilt, low self-esteem, and resentment.

The divorce process can be stressful, expensive, and take up a great deal of your time. If you have children, you should know that there are a variety of ways you can become a better parent after divorce. Here are some tips to help you out:

1. Make Time for Your Children

It can be difficult to adjust to a new life after a divorce. While you are adjusting, be sure to make time for your children. Their needs should be your top priority so even if you are busy, taking them out for ice cream, reading a bedtime story, or helping with homework can make your children feel cared for and loved.