Step families are different.
A lot of people incorrectly assume they will look, feel and act like any other family.
WRONG!They are distinctly unique.
Because of this, the way you approach them has to be different as well.
It's almost like a big balancing act.
You have children you need to focus on as well as your spouse.
Both groups need your attention.
Both groups may feel uncomfortable with the other.
How do you bring everyone together so things start feeling more like a family?Well, let's look at that...
A big difference in step families and nuclear families (mom, dad and their kids) is that when you get married, you have a closer bond to your children than you do your new spouse.
That's only normal.
You've known them the longest and they are kids while your spouse is a full grown adult and can take care of them self.
Your job over the course of the marriage, though is to slowly start drawing closer to your new spouse and eventually to place that relationship above your children.
Now, I know some of you may be getting really uncomfortable right now.
Let me explain what I mean by that.
I'm not talking about abandoning your children or ignoring their needs.
What I'm talking about is the natural order of relationships.
We are called to put God first, then our marriage, then our family, and then everything else.
Step families have this a little backwards in the beginning with the family coming before the marriage.
Here are some problems with having it backwards: Your spouse doesn't feel "honored or cherished" - Do you remember those words?Most of you said those as wedding vows.
If you always view your spouse as less than your kids, they will become resentful.
They need to come first.
The two of you are to become "one" and not let anyone come between you - even your children.
Think of it this way, if your own spouse won't stick up for you, who will? Your kids will become self-centered - If you spend your life putting your children first above all else, they will assume the rest of the world will do this as well.
They will not truly grasp the concept that they are not at the center of everyone's universe.
This creates spoiled.
self-centered and compassionless children.
They are not used to thinking of other's needs because they've never had to.
Not the legacy of a good marriage to pass on - One of our main jobs as parents is to model healthy relationships to our children.
If you are not honoring and cherishing this new spouse, how can you possibly be modeling how to treat a husband or wife?Your children will not grasp the concepts of compromise and intimacy in marriage if they don't see you doing it in your own.
Won't allow spouse and step kids to develop a healthy relationship - When your children see you picking them over the new spouse, they recognize they wield a lot of power.
They can use this to make their step parent miserable.
These two groups will not be on equal footing.
It doesn't allow them to get to know one another in a genuine way because the balance of power is off.
The kids know you will always choose them and so does your spouse.
This switch in roles MUST happen, but it should happen gradually and very intentionally.
Your kids and spouse need to understand what is going on.
The family needs to be very clear on where everyone stands.