Eight are enough for ISU study on "blended" families like Brady Bunch

The Brady Bunch was the early T-V version of something that’s become more and more common in society today — blended families. Iowa State University professor Marcia Michaels says not all families blend together as well as the Brady’s — but she thinks things can go smoother with some help. Michaels is seeking some blended families to try out a new educational program to test that theory. Michaels says it’s an education program to help the couples learn about the new challenges they face to help the new family and marriage be more successful. Michaels says people tend to think that everything will just fall into place for the newly formed family. She says it’s very complex and it’s not like the typical first family in a new marriage because they have many more family members to think about. Michaels is an assistant professor of marriage and family therapy who has studied the issue. She says there are so many variables to consider. She says some of the children don’t live in the home fulltime, you have spouses who’re still part of parenting children who don’t live there, which she says creates a more couples family. The Brady family of T-V always managed to work out their problems — but Michaels says that’s not always what happens in reality. Michaels says some stepfamilies work very well, but many do not, and she says that’s because we don’t do a very good job of educating people. Michaels is looking for couples who can participate in the program. She says it’s a group program that’ll include six to eight couples, so she’s looking to Polk, Linn and Black Hawk county for couples to take part. For more information or to register, call 1-888-275-3123.