10 Steps to Unity in Your Blended FamilySample

Step 7: Spend individual time with each child.

Children crave their parents' (and stepparents’) undivided attention. They need to know they are valued, loved, and heard. As parents, we can work to create time and space to bond and learn about each other. When blending a family, this can feel awkward, uncomfortable, and challenging, especially when you are beginning to establish new relationships with your stepchildren. Finding time for your stepchildren and biological children may present challenges, so it takes intentionality and effort. Biological children can feel overlooked by a biological parent because these children now have to share that parent with a stepparent and stepchildren. On the other hand, stepchildren may feel like they are not as loved by a stepparent. Parents and stepparents may feel pulled in multiple directions as they seek to treat every family member equally.

Spending individual time with a child helps to establish trust and shows them that you see them and that they are important. We cannot do this without intentionally setting aside the time to spend with each child one-on-one. Scripture reminds us that children are a blessing from God. As we seek to build a godly, well-blended family unit, our families have an amazing opportunity to reflect the love of Christ towards children whom God has placed in our life by design. Children are a gift from God, and our time with each of them is important, powerful, and transformative.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the precious gift of our children! Help us be intentional as we train them up in Your ways. We ask that You direct us in how to use our time wisely and give each of our children the special attention and guidance they need. Lord, make us examples of Your love and help us to guide our children in their walks with You. Use us to break generational cycles and curses by teaching our children to seek You in every area of their lives. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.