KATE
AN
M
P
A
H
C
ON
Dawn F
amily
of the m Topic
onth
What would you say to families that are
going through a similar situation?
K: I'd remind families that coming together
takes much longer than most expect, that you
will have good days and bad days, and that
it is overwhelmingly worth it. To prepare, I
tell them to lower their expectations of an
ideal family, throw out the rulebook for first
families, and learn about and get support
from other blended families. That support
can be in the forms of books blogs, or real life
friends, but having an example of a blended
family is critical.
Do you and your partner
both have existing children
from a previous relationship?
HOME & FAMILY
words by: Nohely Ortiz Gedeon
This month we feature executive coach Kate Chapman, owner
of This Life in Progress; a popular blog about raising her
blended family on a mini-farm with their bulldog, six hens
and three bunnies. Here she reveals the three most important
things all future blended families must bear in mind…
13 • Dawn Magazine • Issue 01
How did you tell both sets of children you
were getting married?
K: Each of us told our own biological
children, to allow for a range of emotions if
needed. Then, the future stepparent spent
some time alone with the children the follow-
ing day. After that, we got the full group of
eight together. We wanted to make sure that
everyone had time to process any concerns
or grief before involving them in any type of
celebration of our engagement.
How did you handle the children’s reactions
to their new life?
K: The children had a wide variety of re-
actions towards our new family, and still
do. The way we handle their reactions is by
ensuring that they have the space and safety
to fully experience any emotion or feeling.
Grief, sadness and anger are all okay, and an
accepted part of this life. The children know
that. That makes it easier for them to manage
when they surface. •