Blending families doesn’t have to be a nightmare; it can be an opportunity to show a child that love extends beyond problems between their mom and dad. Stepparents or loving partners that a child may encounter after a divorce, separation or death of a parent, can play an integral part in a child’s life and can provide insight into the depth of a healthy, loving relationship.
One of the most common concerns amongst parents is sibling rivalry. Sometimes the rivalry is quite innocuous - like when siblings fight over which side of the couch to sit on or who got more French fries. Other times, it’s more extreme, like when there’s hair pulling and toys being thrown like speeding bullets from one end of the room to another.
Little girls are sugary sweet and filled with adoration for their mommy. As they approach the teen years, the mother-daughter relationship often gets a bit trickier. I try to connect with my tween every day to remind her that we still have something awesome between us.
“It’s harder than I thought it would be,” my friend commented of her new marriage. “I don’t understand his kids and we’re not on the same page when it comes to parenting. I hope it gets easier with time or I don’t know if we’ll make it.” Remarriage, when children are part of the package, is challenging. Understanding the unique relationships created and how to navigate the stages the new family will face can help determine the success or failure of remarriage.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
