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.