Tag Archives: stepchildren

The Marriage Week in Review November 26- December 1

Welcome to our first official week in review for December. It’s the 12th month of the year and we’ve got just 23 shopping days left until Christmas and I’m planning a birthday party! Tomorrow, we’re throwing a party for our six year old and she’s got a number of guests, young and old coming. My husband and I get to play the hosts with the most and I’ve got 20 little treat bags to make today – in and around putting up Christmas decorations in the yard. Since I know you’re just as busy with all the lazy, hazy, crazy … Continue reading →

Negative Feelings toward Stepchildren, Part III

When we feel taken for granted, it hurts. It is not conducive to a happy relationship with stepchildren, or a spouse. That’s why communication is necessary. Your spouse also has the responsibility of working to ensure that his or her children treat you with respect and courtesy. Yet, you may need to bring it to his or her attention. Try to gently discuss these issues with your spouse, without children present. Explain how you feel, without accusing. Use “I statements,” such as “I feel taken for granted,” instead of “You (or your kids) don’t appreciate me.” Try to frame the … Continue reading →

Negative Feelings toward Stepchildren, Part II

Another issue when it comes to stepchildren is not knowing exactly how you’re supposed to feel. As a parent, you may assume that you are automatically supposed to love all children. However, no one automatically loves all people, and that unfortunately includes children. Of course, developing love for your stepchildren should be your goal, but that doesn’t mean you’ll instantly have such feelings. All loving relationships take time to develop. You may also find that you’re trying too hard. You may feel as if you have to get along with the children all the time, or else you are doing … Continue reading →

Negative Feelings toward Stepchildren, Part I

This is a painful and difficult problem, which was recently expressed by a reader, so I’m going to do a series of articles on this topic. I hope this information will prove helpful. I’m not a counselor, so if you feel you need professional help, please seek advice from a qualified expert (*please see articles listed below). There are many reasons why stepparent and stepchild relationships are difficult, including not taking the time to get to know one another. However, there may also be other issues. Blended family relationships can be successful and fulfilling, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. … Continue reading →

Getting Married….With Children

Several years ago I fell in love and was proposed to. I eagerly said yes and the wedding planning began! What is different, but not uncommon, about our union is that we both had children from previous relationships. We were not just coming together as husband and wife but also as Mother and Father. Because blending is hard enough work as it is, it was important to us to include the children in our wedding plans. This was my first marriage so it was important that it be treated as such. But even if it was my 101st marriage, every … Continue reading →

Blending Families – Past & Present

I’ve noticed over the years that when it comes to divorces and blending families, there is no topic so passionately discussed as the issues surrounding step-parenthood. As a step-mother, I feel particularly passionate about this topic. Our new generation of blended families brings something unique to the table that past generations failed to provide – depth of personal experience. Our generation of step-parents was quite frequently the adult byproducts of blended families themselves. Often times we can vividly remember how it felt to establish a relationship with this pseudo-parent as a small child – good, bad or ugly. This depth … Continue reading →