The Blended Family
Romans 14:19
What Is a Blended Family?
The blended family is a
family unit in which one or
both of the spouses have
been previously married and
bring a child or children to
the relationship
Blended means:
"mixed together." It suggests
a combining of separate
units into an integrated
whole
The stepfamily
• at least one spouse has a parental relationship
with a child based on marriage, not blood.
• "You're not my mother.“
• "You are so right. However, I am the mother in
this home."
• "You're not my dad. I don't have to do what you
say.“
• "Your mother and I have talked about this, and
we have agreed that this decision is best for
Nuclear Family
• The nuclear family is a traditional
family unit composed of . . .
• one husband and one wife
• one marriage
• one or more children from one
union
Follow after Peace
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Col. 3:12-15
Prov. 24:3
Is 43:18
Prov. 16:3
Gen 2:24
The Realization
that a blended family is not ideal;
there will always be a unique set
of family problems
• that mistakes will be made, but
God uses mistakes to build
character and strengthen the
family unit
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Realization
• that it is going to take the cooperation
of both partners to overcome
difficulties and make the marriage
work
• that it takes time, and it may be years
before there are any signs of unity or
smooth functioning relationships
Realization
• that God will use this
blended family as a source of
spiritual growth, a means of
healing the past and a
demonstration of His
unconditional love
Battles
• Child rearing
• Financial difficulties
• Relatives
• Value systems
• Sharing tasks
Bonding
• Build a solid relationship with your
spouse.
• Base your relationship on Christ.
• Face difficulties with a united front.
• Amos 3:3
Bonding
• Observe family traditions and holidays with
flexibility.
• Be aware of various family expectations.
• Be considerate of children who are caught in
the middle.
• Be willing to sacrifice personal expectations for
holidays.
• Romans 12:10
Bonding
• Nurture the children's nuclear family
relationships.
• Respect the missing parent's rights.
• Encourage communication with all
grandparents and relatives.
• Encourage holiday cards, birthday gifts and
thank-you notes.
• Ex. 20:12
Bonding
Determine to stand firm.
Don't relax your standards.
Don't be sensitive to rejection.
Don't expect a problem free family.
Prov. 29:15,17
Bonding
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Initiate family structure.
Work toward a Biblical authority structure.
Have well-defined boundaries.
Maintain consistent discipline.
Be united in decisions.
Prov. 3:12
Bonding
Negotiate mutual ground.
Encourage open and honest
communication.
Have frequent family meetings and
devotions.
Talk, talk, talk with each other!
1 Cor 1:10
Bonding
• Grow in dependence upon
Christ.
• Col. 2:6-7