How to Nurture A Blended Family

Living in todays society is a challenge when it comes to raising a family. Having a "blended" family, as I like to call it, gives one an opportunity to embrace their circumstances, nurture their family, and create a family bond as close as any traditional family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An open mind.
• An open heart
• A little patience.
• The willingness to not be bothered by what others may think or say, especially if it is something negetive.

1. Go into your relationship with an open mind, and a willingness to learn from your partner and all of the concerned individuals in your new "blend" of a family.

2. Remember, children are the masterpiece that results from an incredible reproductive process. They are not the reason parents do not get along, and therefore should be left out of any problems and concerns the "adults" may have with each other. As far as the children are concerned, they should not have childhood memories of any of the adults in their lives having arguments, speaking negatively toward each other or about each other. Their memories should be, "boy, I really loved growing up in this family!"

3. Taking the "step" out of step family should be a priority in your household. What ever word you choose to use, use it with confidence, and then correct others around you. Although the term "step" is so common in society, that does not mean it is pleasing to the ears of the young minds involved in the process. In our household I use the term blended. I don't recall where I first heard it, however the word blend reminds me of something soothing, like a milkshake, or when the ingredients of a cake are folded or blended together, or when you add milk to hot chocolate and blend it together with a spoon.......... all these examples should make you smile, or ........salivate!

4. Make a conscious effort to always put the nurturing of the heart, mind and soul of the children first and foremost in your decisions about family dynamics, and blessings will abound.

Tips & Warnings

• Be nice
• Be cordial
• Be respective
• Be willing to say yes, when you might want to say no.
• You might become friends with the other parent-surprise!

[jewl]

on 8/19/2008 I agree with #3 if you dont take the "step" out of the family. It makes you feel that you'll never be apart of that family unit. Years of patience, having an open mind, giving your heart seems often not enough. If the two parents do not agree, and one does not make an effort the family blend will not suceed. Good example of a blended family it made me smile. Thanks