10 Positive Signs that a Child is Part of a Blended Family
Blending a family does come with its challenges: like sibling rivalry, a child feeling neglected, or a stepparent and child not bonding. The issues can be further compounded when co-parenting with a difficult ex. It’s safe to say that your character and fortitude will be tested when merging two homes. But it’s not all bad.
Life in a blended family has its benefits, too. Meg and I love our blended mix, with five children. They are a fun group that keeps us entertained despite all the ups and downs.
I never wanted my children to experience divorce. I never wanted them to grow up living in two homes or being part of a blended home. Maybe you’ve thought similar things. But life happens and here we are now - in a reality we may have never chosen. Believe it or not, there is an incredible amount of positivity in this journey.
If you’re in a blended family, enjoy your expanded tribe. Give them your best because they are not second best.
Recently, I overheard a conversation among our girls which prompted this post. They were playing with their baby doll and the words “child support” were mentioned. It was hilarious!
Meg and I have noticed how unique those interactions are because our children are no longer part of a traditional family. We’ve decided to see the good, be silly, and laugh when it’s uncomfortable during our blending process. It helps us and we pray it makes the process more enjoyable for your family as well.
10 Positive Signs that a Child is Part of a Blended Family
They can get on an airplane and fly by themselves, no big deal. They get to have more adventures!
They like their stepparent’s cooking (or something else) better than yours and they love roasting you over it. (If your kids are free to express themselves in this way, you’ve created a safe space for them and you’re a mature parent.)
They have two sets of everything. LITERALLY. Two beds. Two houses. Two lunchboxes. You name it, they’ve got options.
They live by two different sets of rules and they think they can get away with everything. They’re creative and resilient!
When asked about their homework or missing library books, it’s always at the other house. Yeah, right. They have many opportunities to develop responsibility.
They say, “I have 4 parents and 8 grandparents, how many do you have?” They know they have more people to love them!
They get blank stares and strange questions when they introduce their step-siblings or stepparents to other people, especially when their family member has a different skin color than they do! They get to develop great people skills and embrace diversity at a young age — diversity isn’t limited to skin color.
When asked about how many siblings they have, they may say something like, “Hold on, I have to count... I have X at dad’s house and X at mom’s house and my stepmom is pregnant so I’ll have another one soon.” They get to be math geniuses and have more people to love. Winning!
They say, “I didn’t get everything I wanted for my birthday but it’s okay, next week I’ll have a birthday party at dad’s house.” Blended kids get double the gifts at birthdays and Christmas!
10.
When seeing a kid playing with a new baby doll, they may ask, “Does that baby have child support?” After I overheard one of our daughters asking another child this question, Meg and I died laughing. Our kids already know the importance of parental responsibility and financial stability — that’s a positive thing!
We understand that some of these things can feel more challenging than positive, initially, and we know that each blended family is different. Our goal isn’t to invalidate or diminish the struggles that blended kids face. Our kids are safe to express their frustration and sadness to us. We also know that our attitudes set the atmosphere in our home so we’re intentional about focusing on the good. You can point out unique traits to your kids so that they can be proud of being part of a blended family - it’s something to celebrate!
What funny things have been said in your blended family?
