By Ronnie Tyler Discipline can be a point of contention in a blended family. Differences in parenting styles can literally make a couple split if you don't take measures to build strong relationships and to ensure that your marriage bond is strong. When Lamar and I were engaged, I got my first glimpse of this step-family dynamic. We had an argument about how I … [Read more...]
Stepfamilies: The Washington Post Examines The Wording
The Washington Post recently ran an article about how the word "stepfamily" is falling out of favor in the U.S. A new poll announced that 4 out of 10 American consider themselves as part of a stepfamily but a growing number is rejecting the label altogether. Excerpt: Call them blended families, bonus families or para-kin. Just don't call them stepfamilies. The term - seared … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: What I’ve Learned As A Stepparent
by Lamar Tyler BMWK family we hope that you've enjoyed Blended Families week here at BlackandMarriedWithKids.com. We know that this is a hot button topic that affects a lot of people. So we wanted to dedicate an entire week to the topic. Ronnie started the week with her thoughts and perspective so I wanted to close it out with mine. As you can see from the comments … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: Playing 2nd Fiddle To Another Man’s (or Woman’s) Child
By Eric Payne Those who follow my blog, MakesMeWannaHoller.com, know that I've got a 14 year old and a 4 year old and most days I'm up to my eyeballs with the two of them. Some days, my 4 year old girl shows me myself when I was a little boy growing up. Sometimes she does so with such accuracy, it's as if I'm looking into a mirror of my past. My son is a different story. I … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: You’re Not My Daddy!
by Aja Dorsey Jackson It all started with broccoli. One night a few years ago, when my now 10-year-old was about seven my husband, who is not my daughter's father, noticed at dinner that she was trying to avoid eating her broccoli by pushing it around on her plate (that "trick" never seems to die). "Eat your broccoli." He told her. She proceeded to nibble on the top … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: I May Not Be Your Mama, But…
by Harriet Hairston Blended families have become quite the norm in modern day times. The Brady Bunch is no longer an exception to be gawked at during prime time television. These days, children are being raised with step-parents, half-siblings and if the parents play their cards right, one big, happy family! It is in light of that kind of dynamic that I dedicate this … [Read more...]
Confessions From a Blended Family: A Biological Mom’s Perspective
Divorce rates in America are about 49% for the 1st marriage, but goes up to 67% for the 2nd marriage and jumps up again for 3rd marriages. And I can image that the issues/complexities of dealing with a blended family contributes to the divorce rates of many remarriages. Blending families is not easy! You are bringing together two families that have different customs and … [Read more...]
You Ain’t My Mammy!!! 3 Ways to Nurture a Blended Family
Harpo shouts "You ain't my mammy!!! " and follows it by throwing a rock at Celie's head. This was Celie's first introduction to her step kids in the movie ,The Color Purple. (check out the movie clip below about six minutes and 50 seconds in.) At first when I saw Ms. Celie get hit by that rock, I was shocked. And this is going to sound awful, keep in mind I was young … [Read more...]