depends on what kind of communication:)

Also...if the couple is new, I'm of the opinion they should wait til the relationship status is "old" before trying to blend. Work out the couple kinks before working on blended family kinks.

I also am starting to believe family counseling should be a requirement when families are trying to blend. I think it would save so much heartache from happening.

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. ~Buddha

Communication is indeed very important, but it must start BEFORE the blending of families. The fact that blended families come together from diverse historical backgrounds accentuates the need for tolerance of differences, and will there be many. I see blended families much like the merger of two corporations, two groups with different values and needs, procedures and interactions, coming together. Mergers in the business world do not usually take place smoothly, as new executives of the merged corporation have a difficult task before them, so do two people forming a blended family. Employees will be insecure and apprehensive about their future. One group may be used to a very relaxed atmosphere, while the other is more comfortable with the structure and rules. There is loyalty to one's own group, and distrust of the new group. Too radical or quick changes. lack of the necessary communication, and unrealistic expectations will lead to frustrations and anger. Becoming a stepparent is about meeting with the spouse to form a cohesive unit, establishing workable rules and subsuquent punishments, somewhere in between the characteristics of each of the original families that have now been joined....part time or full time. Just my way of giving an imaginable example, but believe me it does work...Good luck!

Good communication is KEY, but also working as a TEAM together.

**my stepdaughters did not grow in my tummy, they grew in my heart**

Communications is important in ANY relationship. I recommend premarital counseling to anyone getting married, whether families will be blended or not, as everyone has different expectations, backgrounds, etc... I do agree with BBB that the couple relationship should come first. And that she be ALL the time, not just at the beginning. With children, they need to see a healthy marriage relationship, and know that they are secondary when it comes to it. Parents must have a united front together, and not put ANY of the kids first---then once kids grow up and leave nest, marriage dissipates. ALL of our kids understand that if me and DH are having a discussion, they must either wait, raise their hand to talk, unless someone is bleeding, unconcious, etc...

There are few things that I really hope will stick w/all my kids. One---God's love 2--how a family works, especially marriage--if marriage is not right, nothing else will be