Our family enjoyed a long Easter week-end with four of our five children home. As I watched our kids interact, I couldn’t help but reminisce of times past when we encountered constant bickering and conflict among them. But now, with four of our children in their young adult years and only one child at home, the relationships have matured and grown beyond what I could have ever expected.
In the Easter picture of the kids, it’s interesting to take note of how they arranged themselves. My two biological daughters are on each end with my stepdaughter in the middle. In early pictures of our family, my bio children always stayed close to each other and stood side by side. But as years have changed their relationsips, they easily assume positions next to their step-siblings.
I would love to give easy, pat answers on how to mold relationships in blended families. But there are no easy answers.
It requires time, perseverance, and unending prayer. It requires constant nurturing of your marriage. It requires going the extra mile when you don’t feel like it. It requires sacrificing some of your needs and wants for the sake of others.
But I can tell you from experience, the rewards are worth the effort.
I know there are days you want to quit. I’ve been there. Especially during the early years of our marriage, I remember thinking that single parenting was easier than trying to blend our family. If my first divorce hadn’t been so painful, I would have probably walked out. But after 16 years as a stepparent, I’m thankful I didn’t give up.
I’m also thankful that step-relationships change as time passes. It’s worth investing your time.
How have your relationships changed? Will you share it with us?
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Related Posts:
Are You Willing to go the Distance as a Stepparent?
Nuggets of Wisdom from Co-Author Laura Petherbridge: The Smart Stepmom
LOVE this post, only wish I had found your site sooner! My husband and I also have a blended family – 7 of us all together. Some days are harder than others, and you are right….the relationships do change as time passes. There have been many days spent in prayer but it does get better! The strain on the marriage becomes less and less each passing day. Truly with God all things are possible!
Thank you Stephanie. Glad to hear you are experiencing less strain as time passes. Blending a family is not easy and the more people involved, the more complicated it can be. But it’s really fun to have a big family now that our kids are older and we can enjoy each other more. Hang in there – I’m sure you’re doing a great job as a stepmom.
Gayla
I have been really enjoying your blog so I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! – here is the link:
http://modernchristianwoman.wordpress.com/
Thank you Stephanie! I’ll check it out!
Gayla