Media Release
New free guide to help step families have an easier time
28 July 2006
Navigating the highs and lows of stepfamily life can be a rollercoaster ride for everyone involved - parents, new partners, kids, and the extended family - but now there's a new guide to help.
To celebrate National Stepfamily Day on Sunday 30 July, the Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Joe Hockey today launched Me and My Changing Family, a free booklet produced by the Child Support Agency (CSA) to help stepfamilies move forward and build healthy relationships.
Minister Hockey said that statistics show one in four Australian families are re-partnered and around 60% of these second relationships don't make it through.
'Merging two families can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging as everyone gets used to the new arrangements. Having realistic expectations and being prepared will make the transition go more smoothly,' Minister Hockey said.
CSA consulted with experts, advocacy groups and tested the booklet with parents to ensure it addressed their issues. Me and My Changing Family is full of practical tips and hints for stepfamilies including:
- Moving on - the practicalities of making stepfamilies work,
- Information for parents - such as how to get along with your partner's ex,
- What to do when your ex re-partners and how to manage changing family circumstances,
- Stepfamilies through the kids' eyes - what are your kids going through? Turf wars. Divided loyalties,
- Extended family - what about the grandparents?
- Where to go to get extra help if you need it.
Members of stepfamilies share their experiences on what to expect when starting on the blended family journey. They offer helpful tips on what worked for them including, setting ground rules, family meetings, discipline and routines.
Stepfamilies can order their free copy from the website www.csa.gov.au or by calling 1800 040 972.
'I would encourage everyone who is embarking on this journey or feeling the pressures of stepfamily life to read Me and My Changing Family, ' Minister Hockey said.
General Manager of the Child Support Agency, Matt Miller also recommends re-partnered parents check with CSA to see if their new situation changes their child support payments.
In the words of one re-partnered parent, 'This booklet is like my bible! It's a manual for all parents dealing with re-partnering and changing family situations'.
Me and my Changing Family is the fifth in the popular Me and My series developed by CSA to help parents dealing with separation:
- Me and My Kids - Parenting from a Distance;
- Me and My Money - Practical money ideas;
- What About Me? - Taking care of yourself;
- Me my kids and my Ex - Forming a workable relationship for the benefit of your children.