According to recent online reports, Kate Winslet’s ex-husband is expecting a child with his second wife. This means that her daughter Mia will soon be a big sis. In a refreshing change from all the bitter custody battles we keep hearing about, Winslet and Jim Threapleton have remained good friends since splitting.

Winlset is now married to director, Sam Mendes, and they have a four year old son, Joe along with eight year old Mia, her daughter with Threapleton. As the story goes they all spend time together when they can. Let’s face it, the family as we know it changed a long time ago. Winslet’s little group is only one example of what seems to be the reshaping of the concept of what constitutes a family.

Blended families, once the domain of sitcoms, are now widely accepted. Take a look at Ashton and Demi, who frequently attend events with her children and ex-husband Bruce Willis. Isn’t that what we would all like to see, as opposed to bitterness and public battles that are drawn through the courts for years?

Studies show that extended families now outnumber traditional nuclear families in the US. This is not surprising. Divorce has become relatively common, and sometimes, even people who marry for the first time, have a spouse who already have a child or children. It is not an easy road to travel for some, but being a stepparent is no less important than being a biological parent.

I think most people would agree that an environment that fosters harmony is important for the children involved. It’s tough enough to be a stepparent I’m sure without having to deal with hostile exes, too. Anyone struggling with these issues should know that there are support groups that can help.

For those of you who are having success raising your blended family, you and Ms. Winslet are in good company. Blended families in Hollywood include, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Parenting was never meant to be easy, and being a stepparent brings its own challenges, but the rewards are all the same if a good bond and love is involved.