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Running head: STEP-GRANDPARENTS AND THE FAMILY DYNAMICS 6

STEP-GRANDPARENTS AND THE FAMILY DYNAMICS

We know that stepparents can be an important part of any family dynamic, especially when creating that stepfamily rhythm. There are potential benefits to stepchildren offered by their step grandparents. Some of those benefits are supporting sharing of family history, introducing the stepparent’s family identity, transmitting values and beliefs, reinforcing cultural and ethnic or religious identity, supporting the stepfamily emotionally and financially, and acting as sounding boards during stressful events and family strife. (Gold, J.M; 2016).

We can see from all of the potential benefits of including the step grandparent into the family dynamics that there are benefits and the step grandparents do have a place within that dynamic of the family. As a counselor I would encourage and incorporate the role of the step-grandparent into the family dynamic by helping the family learn of the benefits of having a step-grandparent included in the family. I would also encourage and incorporate the role of the step-grandparent into the family by teaching all members of the family about the dominant social myths about stepfamilies and grandparents. I would also introduce the family to the positive reconstruction of those myths, which I believe would help create insight in towards the family dynamic.

SHARING OF FAMILY HISTORY

When a step-grandparent shares their family history it can help build rapport with the grandchildren. Both the grandchildren and step-grandparent can learn of things they have in common. The step-grandparent can also learn of ways they might be influential in helping the grandchild due to having similarities in family structure or past experiences.

TRANSMITTING VALUES AND BELIEFS

When a step-grandparent transmits their values and beliefs children tend to listen as they tend to be close to their grandparents. Children view grandparents as experienced in life and some of the values and beliefs presented may give create insight for the stepchild in developing a meaningful life.

REINFORCING CULTURAL AND ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS IDENTITY

Reinforcing cultural and or religious identity can help the step child to accept and appreciate that identity. It can also be most effective if the step grandparent shares the same cultural and religious identity as the step child; in this case the step child would most likely learn to become more comfortable with their identity and move towards acceptance.

SUPPORTING THE FAMILY EMOTIOANLLY AND FINANCIALLY

Its always good to know that there is support around the corner if needed, and having an additional member in the family that’s willing to listen or lend a helping hand financially when needed can definitely add to the family dynamics. Step grandparents tend to be effective at finding solutions to problems and can prove to be a good emotional support to the blended family.

SOUNDING BOARDS FOR STRESSFUL EVENTS AND FAMILY STRIFE

As mentioned previously step grandparents tend to have a lot of experience in knowing how to effectively solve problems. The step parent can prove to be a good support in helping the blended family find solutions to their problems and when needed can act as sounding boards to help relieve some of the stress and strife found within a new blended family.

CONCLUSION

Step grandparents can be very effective in the blended family and its’ dynamics. Children tend to lean towards their grandparents for advice and sometimes just to vent their frustrations. Incorporating a new family is not an easy task, but having support especially from a grandparent can help improve that family dynamic.

References

Gold, J.M. (2016). Stepping, in stepping out: Creating stepfamily rhythm. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.