The Truth About Blended Families

As a writer, sometimes thoughts enter my mind and won’t leave until I put them to paper. The other day, someone wrote in complimenting our blended family, saying we make it look easy. This was a well-meaning compliment, that I graciously accepted, but it also got me thinking. 

I talk about this in my co-parenting guide, Same Team, but the fundamentals of co-parenting well depend significantly on your circumstances and the parents that make up your blended family. We have a lot working in our favor. One being YEARS of healing and forgiveness. We are parenting from our scars, not our open wounds. Next being, four extremely committed and loving parents who truly put our child at the center of it all. Last, our ability to be flexible and swallow our pride. 

I see that not everyone has this dynamic we’ve created. I see that families deal with much heavier influences that go beyond practical tips. However, reading the message of “easy” and “blended families” in the same sentence is what keeps circling round my mind. We are thoughtful and intentional in the way we co-parent, but not a day goes by I don’t miss our daughter when she’s not under my roof and there’s no real advice that will change that. So if you’re feeling like life in your blended family is hard, it’s because it is. You’re not alone in this. Put those babies’ needs before your ego and keep the long game as your motivation. 

AND, if you want an extra bit of encouragement, pick up Same Team.