Essence.com currently has a featuer where they offer advice to those of us in blended families. Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Create Everyone’s Own Space
If the children from a previous relationship are only with the new family on the weekends then extra effort needs to be made so that they will feel included. It is hard to feel wanted when you are sleeping on the couch. Create a space specifically for them, and if they aren’t able to have their own bedroom then possibly [set aside] their own bed and dresser that is only used by them.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Blended families have their challenges, as do all families. Honesty and openness makes this easier for everyone. Encourage children to discuss the changes in their family. Children still need time alone with their biological parent and should be able to share their feelings about their step-parent. Step-parents also need a place to speak honestly about their feelings. They need friends and confidantes who are separate from the situation and can support them.
They also have a photo gallery of their favorite blended celebrity families. You can check out the full story here and the photo gallery here.
i don know about some people but i love will smith he has a beautifull wife and kids!!! go free to all
Nice story. Hits home for me.
Good advice.
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It’s not always easy to be a blended family. Yes we all need our own space and need to learn not to sweat the samll stuff.
I have been with my fiance for 4 years. I am 13 years older than him. He has a 7 year old niece who is currently being diagnosed for AD/HD. Upon first meeting the child, I suspected that there may be a problem. Here’s what’s really bothering me. I recently inquired as to how her evaluation is going. He got upset and claims that I treat her badly. I explained to him that his sister seems be to in denial and is not seeking help for the child. The child is very bright but is very disruptive in school, is fidgety and cannot seem to focus on tasks. She is also very aggressive and does not play well with other children. His sister constantly calls for anything like a broken toy, they need batteries, there’s a school trip but the niece is not allowed to go unless an adult accompanies her. his family lives right around the corner and this whole situation is causing problems in our relationship.
Some blended families work out very well. My blended family is not working out at all. the situation is this. My husband daughter feels that she is the wife. She states repeatedly that she does not or will not listen to me at all. My husband states that it is o.k. for her not to listen to me at all. The situation is causing serious problems in our relationship.