Insights Into Establishing A Harmonious Blended Family

Many adults are getting married with children already in the wings. The result – blended families – can be greatly rewarding, although not without conflict. This article highlights some areas of concern for blended families and how to deal with them.

It is not uncommon these days for couples to pursue remarriage with children already in tow. Blended family statistics show that at least one in three Americans is now a stepchild, stepparent, a stepsibling, or some part of a blended family.

Blended families are usually the result of remarriage after divorce, where both bride and groom have kids under their wings. Or perhaps it’s a first time wedding for two single parents. Whatever the reason, families that are united by virtue of marriage and not blood are on the rise, bringing hope and stability to many people’s lives.

Blended Family Remarriage Conflicts

It’s not much of a surprise, however, that kids who suddenly have to deal with a “stepmother” or “stepfather” tend to shy away, become closed off, or openly rebel towards change. It’s a normal blended family issue that can be dealt with successfully; one must be prepared for resistance though.

Another blended family problem that often crops up is experienced by adults who can’t deal with children that are not their own. This usually stems from the idea that because a child is not one’s own flesh and blood, one has no real right to get involved in that child’s life. Like every other blended family conflict, it can be dealt with positively and effectively.

If you are part of a stepfamily, you’re probably familiar with these and other situations. The good news is, these are all perfectly normal and each situation can be resolved given sufficient time, love, and understanding.

The following are some common stepfamily conflicts and how you can handle them positively, solidifying your family’s unity and strength.

The Blended Family – Start Off With A Statement

It’s a good idea to make a commitment from the very beginning of your relationship. Couples have found that engaging in a unity family ceremony during the wedding is a great way to encourage family members to accept and love each other.

Basically, a unity family ceremony is when the bride, groom, and children all take turns pouring different colored sand into a glass jar or vase, creating a unique symbol of their unity. Families can also recite a blended family vow for the wedding to verbally signify their commitment to unity and harmony. It’s a great step towards getting along with each other and is very conducive to the growth of familial relationships.

The Blended Family – Decide On Where to Live

A big factor in establishing harmony in a family is your place of residence after getting married. Obviously, there’s no place like home and some children resent the idea of having to move into a step-siblings house (while the original resident stepsibling doesn’t have to endure the same sacrifice). A new home for everyone means the entire family has to start over and everyone is equal. It can be refreshing and exciting to move into a new home together.

The Blended Family – Face and Bury Old Conflicts

If a family is formed after a remarriage, children and parents are liable to carry over hurts and resentments from the previous marriage that can affect the harmony of the new family. For example, anger towards ex-husbands or wives, disappointment in children that their biological parents won’t ever work things out – these things can be deeply painful to deal with.

It’s best to handle these issues in a loving, non-judgmental manner, with everyone agreeing to support each other until the emotional wounds have healed. Constant verbal support and affirmation, hugs and kisses, and other forms of affection can all have massive impact on individual feelings.

Being negative and standoffish will only perpetuate ill-feelings and disharmony. Start your remarriage by being positive and strong for others in all situations.

How to Build Blended Family Relationships

The overall secret to building a strong blended family is to pay attention to the feelings of everyone involved and to build good faith between each other as a result.

Regarding the issue of discipline: a parent can start exerting authority and instating rules once he or she has earned the trust of the children. You can do this by listening, empathizing, and taking a genuine liking to a child’s interests. Once you have proved you are for real and you truly care, they will trust you even when you discipline. It’s all about building caring relationships above anything else.

We wish all parents and children good luck as you strive to build a strong blended family. To quote the Beatles, “All you need is love.” That, in a nutshell, is what makes both natural and blended families work out.

About the Author

Sharon Vaz is founder of
http://www.unitysandceremony.net
, an authority website dedicated to providing brides resources on planning an spectacular Unity Sand Ceremony.

Wedding–Unity Sand

Personalized Unity Sand Ceremony Set Contempo Style $29.95 Personalized 3 piece unity sand ceremony set features a cork stopper. 7.5″ Center vase will hold up to 2 cups of sand and each 7.5″ side pouring vase will hold about one cup. Free etching includes names, date of event and a short message on the center vase and a name on each of the side pouring vases. Examples of a short message: Always and Forever, From this day forward, today I will marry my bes…

Personalized Unity Sand Ceremony Set / Cyl $29.95 Personalized 3 piece Unity Sand Ceremony Set consists of (1) 9″ Cylinder center vase that holds approximately 3 cups of sand and (2) 7″ tall pouring vases that hold about (1) cup of sand eaach. Free Etching includes your names on the center vase, a short message and your wedding date. Also includes a name on each of the pouring vases…Examples of messages…”Today,Tomorrow, Always”..Always and Fo…

Deluxe ANFORA Italian Sand Wedding Unity Heart Glass Bottle Set $49.99 A great alternative to the classic unity candle ceremony. Perserve your special day in the “sands of time” ….

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Light Switch Covers – single toggle switch $11.75 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material….

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Light Switch Covers – double toggle switch $13.75 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material….

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Light Switch Covers – 2 plug outlet cover $13.95 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material….

Cathy’S Two Shall Become One Sand Ceremony Unity Set, 4-Piece $39.99 The 4 Piece Two Shall Become One Sand Ceremony Unity Set adds a personal touch to your ceremony. Including three small vases and one large vase, all members of the family can take part in your special day, including the kids! By pouring layers of sand together in a large vase you can create a symbolic keepsake. Fill with the sand of your choosing. This large glass vase is engraved with the “Two Sh…

Unity Sand Ceremony Miniature Nesting Vases $17.96 The Sand Unity Ceremony has become a very popular option. With the addition of these coordinating Miniature Nesting Vases and constrasting colors of sand, now children can be invited to take part. The mixing of the various sand colors is a fitting way to symbolize the new Blended Family that will result from this union. Although there are no set guidelines fro this ceremony, generally the sand is …

Personalized 4pc. Sand Ceremony Unity Set (Clear) (12H x 12W x 12D) $37.99 The Personalized 4pc. Sand Ceremony Unity Set is a great way to celebrate two families becoming one. Customize the vase with any text of your choosing to give this piece special meaning. This is a great wedding accessory for adding a custom touch to your ceremony. SAND NOT INCLUDED. Comes with a unity vase and three pouring vases. Makes a great keepsake. Unity vase measure 10″ T x 2 5/8″D.&nb…

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Mouse Pads $11.99 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Mouse Pad is measuring 8w x 8h x .25d, soft commercial quality high resolution product. The image is permanent and becomes part of the mouse pad surface. Our transfer method produces professional matte finish with Premium Quality and Superior image resolution….

Personalized Unity Sand Ceremony Set Contempo Style $29.95 Personalized 3 piece unity sand ceremony set features a cork stopper. 7.5″ Center vase will hold up to 2 cups of sand and each 7.5″ side pouring vase will hold about one cup. Free etching includes names, date of event and a short message on the center vase and a name on each of the side pouring vases. Examples of a short message: Always and Forever, From this day forward, today I will marry my bes…

Personalized Unity Sand Ceremony Set / Cyl $29.95 Personalized 3 piece Unity Sand Ceremony Set consists of (1) 9″ Cylinder center vase that holds approximately 3 cups of sand and (2) 7″ tall pouring vases that hold about (1) cup of sand eaach. Free Etching includes your names on the center vase, a short message and your wedding date. Also includes a name on each of the pouring vases…Examples of messages…”Today,Tomorrow, Always”..Always and Fo…

Deluxe ANFORA Italian Sand Wedding Unity Heart Glass Bottle Set $49.99 A great alternative to the classic unity candle ceremony. Perserve your special day in the “sands of time” ….

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Light Switch Covers – single toggle switch $11.75 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material….

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Light Switch Covers – double toggle switch $13.75 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material….

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Light Switch Covers – 2 plug outlet cover $13.95 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material….

Hearts Sand Ceremony 4 Piece Set $51.62 Hearts sand ceremony set of four includes large cylinder with glazed, resin base and removable lid carved with hearts featuring rhinestone accents and three smaller cylinders. Large cylinder, 9″ tall, 3″ in diameter; 11 3/4″ tall, 4 1/4″ in diameter including lide and base; small cylinders, 7 1/2″ tall, 1 3/4″ in diameter.Not available personalized. Sand sold separately….

Cathy’S Two Shall Become One Sand Ceremony Unity Set, 4-Piece $39.99 The 4 Piece Two Shall Become One Sand Ceremony Unity Set adds a personal touch to your ceremony. Including three small vases and one large vase, all members of the family can take part in your special day, including the kids! By pouring layers of sand together in a large vase you can create a symbolic keepsake. Fill with the sand of your choosing. This large glass vase is engraved with the “Two Sh…

Personalized 4pc. Sand Ceremony Unity Set (Clear) (12H x 12W x 12D) $37.99 The Personalized 4pc. Sand Ceremony Unity Set is a great way to celebrate two families becoming one. Customize the vase with any text of your choosing to give this piece special meaning. This is a great wedding accessory for adding a custom touch to your ceremony. SAND NOT INCLUDED. Comes with a unity vase and three pouring vases. Makes a great keepsake. Unity vase measure 10″ T x 2 5/8″D.&nb…

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9×9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion….

Heart Unity Sand Set $32.38 This elegant unity sand set includes: one glass heart bottle with rubber seal cork and glass stopper (bottle is 6.5″ tall without stopper, 8.5″ with stopper, 5″ wide and 3.5″ deep), one wire base (5.5″ tall) and two containers of sand (15.8 oz each)….

Unity Candle and Sand Ceremony: A Definitive Guide to the Creative Use of Candle and Sand Rituals in Wedding and Commitment Ceremonies $19.95 This easy-to-read book takes a fresh look at both the Unity Candle and the Sand Ceremony, both of which are frequently included in marriage and commitment ceremonies. It documents the history of the Unity Candle and the Sand Ceremony, challenges you to think about what the ritual symbolizes for you, presents you with creative alternatives, and guides you guiding the reader through the process of d…

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Mouse Pads $11.99 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Mouse Pad is measuring 8w x 8h x .25d, soft commercial quality high resolution product. The image is permanent and becomes part of the mouse pad surface. Our transfer method produces professional matte finish with Premium Quality and Superior image resolution….

Beverly Turner Wedding Attendant and Bridal Party Design – Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach – Water Bottles $9.99 Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor, Autumn Ribbon with Flower on Peach Water Bottle is 21oz capacity – 8 inch tall, 2.5 inch diameter. Sports bottle have become a welcome addition to today’s fitness craze. Use sports water bottle while exercising, gardening or watching sports events. Water bottle comes with image on both sides and it is top shelf dishwasher safe….