amy@daretoparent.com

I have an unusual question for you. Have you ever heard of the Japanese art of kintsugi ? Kintsugi is the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold or platinum. Instead of hiding cracks, the repair highlights them—honoring what has been broken while creating something entirely new. I first learned about it while watching a show, and it stayed with me. Not long after, a client said something that brought it back to mind: “As a stepfamily, we kind of keep it quiet that we’

Blended family life often brings unexpected challenges. This post supports stepfamily couples navigating early blending by normalizing feelings of uncertainty and frustration. Discover how outside support, effective communication, and a strong parenting partnership can help couples move forward with clarity and confidence.

Blending families often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Couples are hopeful about what they’re building together, while also quietly wondering how to navigate the many decisions ahead. I recently spoke with a couple who were preparing to blend their families, and as they shared their thoughts, two words kept coming up: could  and should . They were imagining what their family could  become, while also naming the shoulds —the values and expectations that mattered m