This is such a beautiful testament to both you, Sis, and the beautiful blended family that you are.
I can't add anything, as I've not experienced that step-parenting situation, however, all your advice is so sound.
The similarity I draw is when we had to share our parents with various young members of our family, who were sent over from Kenya, to live with us for 2-4 years at a time, to study. Then, it felt like we were sharing our parents and my Pops and Mum found themselves in such a tricky situation, trying to balance their time and love for us, but being mum and dad to young adults, who were far away from home.
Thankfully, it was mostly okay, apart from one cousin who was rather entitled, and she made life for us all a living hell for 3 years...
I’m glad you all got there in the end it was a long and treacherous journey and like Hannibal you crossed the Alps in the end. The love you all have for each other shines out of your words. Well done xx
Blended families and step children also means as in my case, extra grandchildren. It’s delightful to suddenly have these new children in your life and I too recognise that I want to go all out with affection and being a new ‘Nanny’ and my hubby a new ‘Grandad’. It does feel sometimes that I’m conflicted as neither of my actual grandchildren live with my son and my son lives with his partner and stepdaughter. It’s also hard that they don’t live close by. I want to give equally of my time and affection and give gifts etc at the same time being mindful of the different dynamics of each family situation.
It sounds as if your family is blended beautifully with invisible threads.
As always a very insightful read. It’s never easy blending a family or having a single man join an established family, I have tried it several times and failed. So glad you got through all the trials and tribulations, you have a beautiful family xxx
What a beautiful family the Prowse family is xx
This is such a beautiful testament to both you, Sis, and the beautiful blended family that you are.
I can't add anything, as I've not experienced that step-parenting situation, however, all your advice is so sound.
The similarity I draw is when we had to share our parents with various young members of our family, who were sent over from Kenya, to live with us for 2-4 years at a time, to study. Then, it felt like we were sharing our parents and my Pops and Mum found themselves in such a tricky situation, trying to balance their time and love for us, but being mum and dad to young adults, who were far away from home.
Thankfully, it was mostly okay, apart from one cousin who was rather entitled, and she made life for us all a living hell for 3 years...
You really are the most amazing person Mandy. Much love to you all. Linda xx
I’m glad you all got there in the end it was a long and treacherous journey and like Hannibal you crossed the Alps in the end. The love you all have for each other shines out of your words. Well done xx
Another inspiring post. Thank you Amanda.
Blended families and step children also means as in my case, extra grandchildren. It’s delightful to suddenly have these new children in your life and I too recognise that I want to go all out with affection and being a new ‘Nanny’ and my hubby a new ‘Grandad’. It does feel sometimes that I’m conflicted as neither of my actual grandchildren live with my son and my son lives with his partner and stepdaughter. It’s also hard that they don’t live close by. I want to give equally of my time and affection and give gifts etc at the same time being mindful of the different dynamics of each family situation.
It sounds as if your family is blended beautifully with invisible threads.
As always a very insightful read. It’s never easy blending a family or having a single man join an established family, I have tried it several times and failed. So glad you got through all the trials and tribulations, you have a beautiful family xxx