Advice From The Blender
Stepfamily Summer Survival Tips
By Susan J. Hetrick
Summertime is here! At least it is in
In stepfamilies summertime means that the kids are out of school and either hanging around your house complaining that they're bored, or they're off visiting their other parent, hanging around their house complaining that they're bored.
Whether your stepkids are visiting you for a week or two, or all the kids are home for the summer, how do you keep the kids relatively free from boredom? Here are some suggestions:
- Kick the kids out of the house: Have a backyard splash day. If you don't have a pool (or a kiddie pool), turn on the sprinklers or the hose, and let them have at it. Water balloons and squirt guns make it all the more interesting! (Don't forget the sunscreen.)
- Movie
Marathon : Check with your local newspapers for kid- or teen-friendly shows. Some theaters offer free kid's movies in the mornings during the summer (or reduced price matinees), and local hotels may offer "dive-in movies" at their pool. Or for a different option, pop some popcorn, close the shades and watch two or three DVDs on a beach blanket in the living room! - Lights, camera, action: Nurture your budding actors, singers, dancers and directors by suggesting that the kids put on their own Bollywood musical extravaganza! Allow them to raid your closets for costumes and if you have a video camera, let them film their masterpiece!
- Other ideas: Jigsaw puzzles, miniature golf, visit your local art or history museum (many offer admission-free days), check out a book at your local library, try a family fitness challenge, camp in the backyard, learn something new, do a scavenger hunt.
Frequently, other issues arise for stepfamilies during the summer, besides boredom. If the kids' visitation schedule changes during the summer months, this can result in flaring tempers. There are differences in family dynamics from one house to the other: rules may vary; stepsiblings may compete for attention. Relearning to live with one another may mean renegotiating some boundaries or reminding everyone that you're all family. It can be very stressful. Don't expect everybody to get along fabulously all the time, and be considerate and understanding if anyone is having a tough time adjusting. Give it time, prayer and lots of love.
If your summer involves a family vacation, remember that all of those same rules apply. Have realistic expectations, relax, and let the little things go. Remember - it's not about you. "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint." (1 Peter 4:8-9)
