Navigating Extended Family Relations
Helping families build harmony and understanding with in-laws, grandparents and extended family members
Creating Balance in Extended Family Relationships
Extended family can be a source of great joy and support — but it can also bring challenges. Navigating relationships with in-laws, grandparents, siblings-in-law, and relatives often requires patience, empathy, and careful balance. At times, there may be a “tug of war” between different sides of the family, leaving couples or individuals feeling caught in the middle. Women may feel vulnerable to criticism, while men may struggle to balance loyalty between parents and partners.
At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd, we offer specialised family counselling in Singapore to help families manage extended family dynamics with respect, clarity, and compassion. Our goal is to reduce conflict, strengthen understanding, and create a more harmonious family environment.
Understanding Extended Family Dynamics
Each family has its own unique dynamics, shaped by culture, traditions, and generations. In Singapore, extended families may live in multi-generational households, where grandparents, parents, and children share space and responsibilities. While this can promote closeness, it may also bring friction.
Through family therapy sessions, we help families:
Explore underlying dynamics within joint family settings
Identify sources of tension or misunderstanding
Establish clear roles, expectations, and healthy boundaries
Encourage empathy and perspective-taking across generations
Addressing Conflicts and Finding Common Ground
Conflicts with extended family members, such as disagreements with in-laws or grandparents, are common but can be emotionally draining. Our counsellors guide families to:
Address value differences respectfully (e.g., parenting styles, lifestyle choices, cultural traditions)
Communicate openly without blame or defensiveness
Mediate disputes in a safe, neutral environment
Strengthen relationships by focusing on shared goals and family unity
Supporting Families Through Life Transitions
Major life transitions often heighten tension with extended family. For example:
Marriage – Adjusting to new family roles and expectations
Parenthood – Navigating grandparents’ involvement in child-rearing
Relocation or Career Changes – Balancing responsibilities and shifting priorities
Blended Families – Managing the integration of step-relatives or remarriage dynamics
At Listening Ear Counselling, we provide guidance during these transitions, helping families maintain closeness while safeguarding the well-being of their immediate household.
Fostering Respect and Mutual Support
Healthy extended family relationships are built on mutual respect, empathy, and support. Our therapists focus on:
Encouraging compassion toward in-laws and grandparents
Reducing misunderstandings that cause resentment
Creating a sense of belonging and acceptance within the wider family
Strengthening the couple’s partnership while maintaining external family bonds
Empowering Families for Lasting Harmony
Through tailored family counselling sessions, we empower families to:
Build stronger connections with extended family members
Develop effective communication and boundary-setting skills
Navigate cultural and generational differences with sensitivity
Reduce stress and conflict while fostering long-term harmony
At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd, we believe families can thrive when individuals feel respected, supported, and understood. Our counselling services provide the tools, guidance, and perspective needed to transform extended family challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
Our Family Counselling Fees
| Session Type | Investment | Additional Charges | Cancellation Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person Sessions | SGD 250 | – SGD 50 after-hours surcharge -Transportation fees for out-of-office sessions or different venues | Reschedule or cancel with 36+ hours’ notice. Late changes or no-shows incur full session investment. |
| Virtual Sessions (Zoom) | SGD 200 (PayNow) SGD 250 (Other Methods) | – SGD 50 after-hours surcharge | Same as above. |
What Clients say about our Marriage Counselling in Singapore
Professionally Trained, Trauma-Informed & Culturally Attuned
Evidence-Based & Grounded in Real Life
Culturally Sensitive & Globally Informed
Respectful of Complex, Delicate Issues
