The Connection Bridgewater-Somerville Edition April/May 2018

PAGE 10 THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION APRIL/MAY 2018 DON‘T RISK LOSING PRICELESS MEMORIES! Bedminster, NJ | 908-367-2001 | www.archivalcompany.com VIDEO TO DVD & DIGITAL FORMATS: VHS, VHS-C, H I 8, HDV, D IGITAL 8, M INI DV, U-M ATIC 3/4”, B ETA SP, SX, S UPER 8/8 MM , 16 MM CREATE YOUR DIGITAL LEGACY! Convert your old media to a digital format and enjoy your family videos on your TV. No DVDs required! OFF WITH THIS AD AAS Tax Services, LLC Branchburg Commons Bldg. 4 Ste. #427 (Executive Suites) 3322 Rt. 22 West Branchburg, NJ 08876 Tel.: 908-231-9500 For information on the firm & other details visit: www.aasTaxServices.com Professional Full Service Tax Office for Individuals and Small Business Entities Andy Adamczuk IRS Licensed Enrolled Agent Tax Experience Since 2001 MS in Accounting BS in Accounting • BS in Finance All Rutgers University, NJ Income Tax Return Preparation, Late Filings, IRS & State Tax Problem Solving, Tax Debt Reduction, Correspondence Audit, Amended Returns, Installment Payments of Tax Liabilities, Planning for Taxes & Other Tax Services Affordable Prices (check prices & discounts on our website) Monday-Friday 8am to 5:30pm • Sat. Appointments Available APalma7358@optonline.net Complete Car Care & Repair Center Foreign and Domest ic ASE Certified Technicians Computerized Auto Center Owner on Premises • Tune-Up • Name Brand Tires • Electronics & Wiring • Mufflers & Exhaust Systems • Mileage Maintenance Service • Brakes, Struts, Suspension • A/C, Heating Services • Fuel Injection Cleaning • Window Repair • Trans Flush • Radiator Flush Reasonable Rates • Prompt Friendly Service 18 Raritan Avenue, Raritan, NJ 908-526-8590 More than half of the families in the United States were formed by remarriages or recoupling of rela- tionships. Based on current statis- tics, half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce, and the average length of a marriage is seven years. With the ending of marriages, the subsequent remar- riages or the forming of new rela- tionships after divorce – particularly those remarriages or relationships that integrate children into the new relationship – create certain dynam- ics that are different from those of prior relationships. First, when blending a family, it is critical to support the children, especially emotionally. It is not unusual for a child to pine for the original family unit, and a child may struggle as he or she adapts to a new stepparent, new stepsibling(s), new neighborhood, and/or new school. It can be overwhelming for a child to digest and process this transition into a new family unit, and if not done with the best inter- ests of the child in mind, can often lead to emotional outbursts, or internal psychological turmoil, detrimental to the health and wel- fare of a child. The key to a successful transition is ensuring that the family has the therapeutic support it needs, and working with a family therapist can be the key ingredient to successful blending. This process can work if the family, as a unit, remains com- mitted and engaged in the process, without trivializing any member’s needs or expectations. Obtaining therapeutic support even before remarriage or moving in with a significant other is ideal, as it allows ample time to identify and address issues. The need for thera- peutic support may continue long- term, however, as complicated issues with the role of the step- parent and stepfamily emerge. Some children respond well and are receptive to active, involved step- parents, and may even become comfortable with discipline from a stepparent. Others may not adapt as easily, especially when a steppar- ent takes the role of disciplinarian without respecting the boundaries of a child’s comfort zone. In that case, a stepparent may need to step back and learn how to be a friendly, supportive adult in the stepchild’s life. The focus should be on trying to establish a bond and connection to the stepchild with- out trying to replace a biological parent. Children often do not want or need replacements, but rather a unified support system with strength in numbers. Children tend to thrive when they have loving, connected adults to support them. Therefore, surrounding a child with meaningful adult relationships such as these will have a positive effect on a child’s happiness. The recipe for a successfully blend- ed family rests on a generous help- ing of love, complemented with a dash of patience, a handful of tol- erance, and a sprinkle of luck, and topped with an abundance of self- lessness. Above all, it is paramount that the adults involved put the child’s needs before their own. In time, a happy, loving, balanced family should be perfected. BLENDED FAMILIES By: Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq. Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. www.theconnectionsnj.com

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDgyMDE=