Blended families are nothing new. In fact, Jesus was a part of a blended family. Blended families are a reality in America and in the church. Approximately 12 million children in the US are living in a blended family, having a biological parent who is married to someone who is not that child’s biological parent. Over 65 percent of Americans are a stepparent, a stepchild, a stepsibling or a step-grandparent.
There are challenging dynamics in blended families that do not exist in biological families. Our culture often stigmatizes blended families. In the media, step-mothers are seen as wicked. Step-fathers are depicted as mean or abusive. Step-children are portrayed as defiant and rebellious. However, the stereotype doesn’t have to be your reality. Blended families can be victorious!
As families blend together, it is all about making adjustments and being flexible. The age of the children can affect the ease in which a family blends. Generally speaking, the younger the children, the easier the blending of the family.
A blended family typically requires more communication, consultation and coordination than a traditional family. Communicate when you are treated in a way that makes you feel loved and a part of the family. Communicate when feelings are hurt, and expectations are not met. Communicate when people in the family are doing the right thing. Express when you see growth and progress. Additionally, communicate boundaries and family expectations.
If you want to be a victorious blended family, make God the heartbeat of your family. Pray together. Pray for one another privately. Pray for the child’s other biological parent. Worship and serve the Lord together. Study the Word at home together.
The blessing comes when blended families live in the empowerment of God. Through Jesus, your family can be victorious!
There are challenging dynamics in blended families that do not exist in biological families. Our culture often stigmatizes blended families. In the media, step-mothers are seen as wicked. Step-fathers are depicted as mean or abusive. Step-children are portrayed as defiant and rebellious. However, the stereotype doesn’t have to be your reality. Blended families can be victorious!
As families blend together, it is all about making adjustments and being flexible. The age of the children can affect the ease in which a family blends. Generally speaking, the younger the children, the easier the blending of the family.
A blended family typically requires more communication, consultation and coordination than a traditional family. Communicate when you are treated in a way that makes you feel loved and a part of the family. Communicate when feelings are hurt, and expectations are not met. Communicate when people in the family are doing the right thing. Express when you see growth and progress. Additionally, communicate boundaries and family expectations.
If you want to be a victorious blended family, make God the heartbeat of your family. Pray together. Pray for one another privately. Pray for the child’s other biological parent. Worship and serve the Lord together. Study the Word at home together.
The blessing comes when blended families live in the empowerment of God. Through Jesus, your family can be victorious!
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