5 Questions to Ask Before Marrying Someone with Children

You find yourself experiencing a giddy high when around this person. Everything about them is simply exciting for you. So, you have come to terms that you are ready to be with this person for the rest of your life. You are fairly confident that you are in love. Now, you are wondering, what is the next step for me?

Do you know that by 2010, blended families are projected to be the largest family form in the U.S? The most shocking fact is that we have produced 25 million step-parents. Thus, it is not uncommon these days to find many single people with children from previous marriages falling in love.

A few couples have their head above their shoulders. Many are too engrossed with their romantic feelings to face the harsh realities. The result is an overwhelming rise in the number of dysfunctional families.

Myths

There are many wishful thoughts prior to marrying someone with children. Many believe that it is not at all hard to establish authority with your stepchildren after the blended family forms. Other couples assume that bonding with stepchildren will instantly happen or that love would grow quickly between the stepparent and the child.

Many couples feel that adjustments are normal and soon thereafter feelings of contentment will reign. Most couples in love are definitely assured that their future home will be no doubt "harmonious".

What Do Statistics Reveal?

The sad truth is that 66% of remarried couples with children will break up. What does this mean for blended families? It simply means that statistically, blended families are predicted to fail.

Before you take the actual plunge, there are 5 critical questions that you need to discuss with your future spouse. Like any brave soul, adding to the statistics of success stories will be your goal.

THE FIVE QUESTIONS

1. Do you clearly understand the expectations of your future spouse with regards to your role as a stepparent?