The first (and closest) social group that people will experience. Families help prepare people for their place in society, support them throughout their childhood journey, and teach them valuable skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. Having a stable family is crucial for children to grow up with great emotional, physical, and mental health. But unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a perfect family unit. While separated parents, estranged relatives, and other family issues are far from abnormal, they can still pose some difficulties for family members. That is why family therapy in Singapore is so important.

Are you part of the hundreds of family units in Singapore that have experienced divorce and remarriage? If so, then you most likely have a fractured family. But just because you are part of one, does not mean you cannot recover from the event. Nor does it mean that you are undeserving of a stable unit that you can rely on.

Your specific family might face problems different from the typical nuclear family. Children from separated or divorced parents often have feelings of aimlessness and of not fitting in. Some may feel strained by their situation and might not have anyone to turn to. This, in turn, can lead to self-destructive or harmful behaviours as an outlet. You might consider relationship therapy to understand how to manage the situation better and. 

Examples of unconventional families

There is a reason why unconventional families reach this point. Neither parents nor children have to bear the burden alone. Being part of a non-typical nuclear family, whether as a parent or a child, can impact your personal experiences both directly and indirectly. All major familial changes might necessitate support from therapists or other professionals. For example, divorce counselling has helped countless individuals recover from the aftermath of separation. It has helped many people pick themselves back up and learn the best way to recover.

Are you part of an atypical family unit? You might want to consider getting family services that can provide support and assistance to you and your loved ones. Here are a few unconventional family units that deserve a little more attention.

1) Adoptive families

An adoptive family should function like a conventional one. They are families that have welcomed children into their fold, but who were originally born to other parents or families. Adoptive parents are legally the parents of the adopted child, as the adoption process ends the relationship between the child and the birth parents.

Families with adopted children may or may not have issues within the family depending on circumstances. If a family is going through a rift because of their family situation, it may do them well to seek a therapist to reconcile the differences between parents and children. Getting family services may also help families open a channel for speaking about tough topics regarding their relationships.

2) Foster families

Foster families are families that have taken in children and raised them as their own. The main difference between a foster family and an adoptive one is that children raised by foster parents are still the legal responsibility of the birth parents and local authorities. Kids raised by foster parents may be adopted by them, returned to their birth parents, or adopted by a third party. Fostering in Singapore is a complicated process that few children (and parents) will witness.

Foster family situations may seem transient, but they are a remarkably large part of a child’s potential experiences. If you are a foster parent, you need to work harder to show them love and affection. It is a confusing time for both children and parents.

3) Single-parent families

More and more children born today are the byproduct of single-parent households. Raising a child without a partner is a difficult ordeal for any parent. They often have to work twice as hard and earn enough income to support their children. Because of the burdens of single parenthood, it is more important for both the children and their parents to have a stable relationship with each other. They must know how to navigate a closer and more intimate bond because of this.

Single-parent families can be as emotionally fulfilling as two-parent ones. However, you may want to reach out to a therapist to help you understand your bond and have a smooth relationship.

4) Stepfamilies or families of remarried parents

One of the most complex family dynamics is step families. A step family, or blended family, happens when parents decide to remarry after separating from their previous partners. Children borne from previous relationships may see themselves having to live with new siblings or step parents. They are caught in separate family dynamics if their mother and father have started new relationships with other partners. Gaining a new family member can already be hard enough to wrap their heads around. Having to let perfect strangers into a close family dynamic can be extra difficult.

Give a child time to adjust to the change or seek a professional if you think your relationship with the rest of your family becomes strained. It may help you mend and address issues in the future.

How family therapy impacts different family structures

If you are a parent, it is important not to let children feel left out. Be open to them and let them voice their opinions and concerns. Gaining new half-siblings or step-siblings is a huge change that will impact their lives. Do not just approach familial issues from your perspective– it affects your children or your parents.

Every family deserves to thrive, be happy, and stay healthy. Reach out to PPIS to know more about how you can get essential family services for those grappling with personal issues. Learn about fostering in Singapore and other notable family situations.