A reconstructed or reconstituted family is understood to be one that is formed by an adult couple in which at least one of the two members has a child from a previous relationship. It could be said that it is the creation of a new family from an existing one.
As for the causes that explain the phenomenon of the reconstructed family, two can be highlighted: a significant increase in the number of divorces and a more permissive and open mentality when it comes to understanding the family proposal.
General characteristics of this family model
For a family to be rebuilt, it is necessary that a previous family break up beforehand. This break can occur for several reasons: separation or divorce or the death of one of the spouses.
The formation of a new family model is not subject to fixed criteria. In this sense, there are several possibilities that exist:
1) a man and a woman and one of them brings a child from their previous relationship,
2) a man and a woman unite sentimentally, each contributing a child from the previous emotional bond,
3) two men or two women who form a family with a child born from another relationship and
4) a married couple with one or more children from previous marriages who live with the common children of the new couple.
It must be taken into account that in these cases the figures of the stepfather and stepmother are incorporated, which are not part of the traditional family.
The new reconstituted family can generate some imbalance in the relationships between its members: problems between the child and the stepfather or stepmother, tensions between the children of different parents, the interference of the previous spouses, the question of the loyalty of the children the absent father or mother or the rejection of the children to the new partner.
In general, they require a period of adaptation to the new situation.
Some keys to living in harmony
As in the traditional family, it is desirable that there be economic stability and strong emotional ties. On the other hand, it is convenient that the reconstituted families have their legal situation resolved. Obviously, the possible imbalances between its members can be solved with a lot of communication and affection.
It is very convenient that in the relationships in the new home one does not speak negatively about the father or mother who is not present.
If family tensions do not disappear, specialized psychological therapy can be used on reconstituted families.
Photo: Fotolia - zinkevych
