Get the app7 Day Devotional for the Stepparent Sample
Blended family complexity means patience is a must. “My stepson and I can find a good rhythm together in giving and receiving love —until he goes to his mom’s house for a few days. After that, he’s different with me for a while and we have to re-group.” This is a common experience for stepparents. Patience in that season is a must.
You can also be patient with yourself. “In the beginning I felt so overwhelmed. I had to step back and take a breather every once in a while, and when I felt like I could give again without feeling resentful that my stepkids weren’t speaking my love language.” This form of self-care is wise, but be sure to explain to your spouse what you’re doing so they don’t resent you pulling back a little.
Ironically, eagerness trips up many well-intentioned stepparents. It sets you up to give without limits and expect it to be appreciated. Many “wicked stepmothers” are really just overly eager caregivers who are trying to make everything right for a child who has been through many painful experiences. Repairing the child’s life and being desperate for the child’s love and acceptance make many stepmoms appear to be overbearing and emotionally fragile.
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About this Plan
There are seasons where most stepparents feel that they do most of the giving and get very little in return. Stepparenting is hard. A relationship plagued by love conflicts and a child's lower motivation toward love and bonding are usually at the roots of this. For these seven days, learn to get past these stepparenting challenges and get on the road to building love together.
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We would like to thank Moody Publishers for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/marriage-and-family/building-love-together-in-blended-families/
