Cultivating Love In A Blended Family

Whether you’re a step-parent, step-sibling, or any other member of a non-traditional family, a blended family can be a wonderful experience. Albeit, blended families come with their own list of challenges. Such as, will I be accepted by his/her kids? Can I give love to children that aren’t mine? And can I give this family the very best that I have to offer?

The ugly truth is, all those questions are valid.

As a stepmom, I know firsthand the struggles of trying to walk the tightrope of being supportive of my husband with his parental responsibilities while being keenly aware that I’m not their mother. Sadly, our statistics reflect that nearly 35% of marriages end in divorce and approximately 70% of those marriages involve children.

Striving to be a good step-parent can be similar to attempting to walk on a high wire without any experience. It comes with wobbling moments coupled with serious questions of if you’re cut out for this. I’m here to tell you that while the struggle is real, you can do it.

Regardless of who we are, we all experience ups and downs that arise when blending families.

Blended In Love recently had a sit-down conversation with Kelvin and Adrien Wilson, who too are a blended family. Check out the video on how they make it work!

Here are my tips to successfully navigate being a blended family:

Give it time. The children didn’t choose to be in this situation. Resentment may rear its ugly head and that’s when I need you to use diplomacy before responding.

Try to get along with your ex. Yes, I said it and I’m trying to practice what I preach. Understand, you’re tied to this person forever, so at some point you have to check bitterness and animosity at the front door. If it doesn’t serve you, then what’s the point in having it?!

Gotta be flexible. Attitudes will arise and you’ll experience moments of complete and utter being a loss for words in handling situations. Just breathe, step away from it and ultimately roll with the punches. These little people are having the exact same struggles that you’re having.

Start your own traditions. I’m big on creating memories. Come up with a new tradition that can include the entire blended family. It’s hard on everyone to find their place of happiness, incorporate something as simple as creating movie night, or cooking night. This is the first step in building a lasting relationship.

Remember, I didn’t say it would be easy but it’ll be WORTH IT in the end!

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It’s all about xoxo!