Blended Families

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At first its all peaches and rainbows, or whatever lovely thing comes to your mind. Siblings are getting along and loving the idea of always having a new playmate or baby sister around. Very quickly caring for that sibling, or sharing with them turns into an unwanted brother I didn't ask for. Walking through the difficulties of a blended family is not harder than what other families experience, its simply different. Different issues with the same hearts and selfish mindsets that everyone has in life, regardless of their family circumstance.

In 2021, Andrew became very aware of what life is like in a blended family. His wife Melissa has 2 boys that together made their new household a total of 5 boys between the ages of 10 and 14. Learning the parenting styles of another person and the definitions of things such as respect, disrespect and obedience within the blended household is very different. Children already need to be raised somewhat differently based on each child's needs, maturity level and understanding. When you add another person's perspective, ideas and the fact that they're not your blood child, or you haven't "raised then thus far", it becomes even more apparent that each child need special attention in different areas of their development. Siblings aren't the only new thing however. Introducing additional step-parents and the other children's biological parent into the mix can lead to even more of a creative journey. Living in the midst of it currently, Andrew can share in the struggles as well as some conflict resolution ideas and advice when it comes to navigating life in a blended family.