A few months ago, I was planning knee replacement surgery. While providing the required pre-surgical information, including current medications, health history and more, the medical staff asked a question I was unable to answer.

After a period of divorce or widowhood, you, your newly beloved and your respective children are about to become a ‘blended family.’ You and you partner will be creating a new family dynamic, which will hopefully be rewarding, but can be fraught with challenges, if little attention is paid to the consequences of the relationships.