Step by Step Celebrating Blended Families
We’ve come a long way since most people thought of a family as a mother, father, and two children. Divorce, remarriage, half siblings, and extended family relationships have shown us a family’s structure matters less than whether it’s filled with love. On Sept. 16, we honor one of the many forms families can take with National Stepfamily Day. About 1 in 3 Americans has a blended family, and if you’re one of them, you have reason to celebrate. Stepmothers and stepfathers contribute so much to the families they’re a part of, but they still often get a bad rap in the media. Of course, there are bad apples in every bunch, but most stepfamilies consist of loving if imperfect people. That’s not to say the process of blending families is simple. Those who have done it know it takes patience and hard work. We love our biological children at first sight, but love in stepfamilies takes time.
Don’t beat yourself up if you’re still working on creating the family you envision. Keep working at it, and don’t be afraid to seek outside help from a family therapist. Meanwhile, it’s crucial to remain supportive if you have a child who is part of a blended family with your ex. You may not have gotten to choose their new family members, but they’re still your child’s family. Encourage your child to build relationships with their stepparent and stepsiblings, and be available to listen without judgment when things go wrong. Blended or not, no family is perfect, and we all have disagreements and struggles.
Finally, you can also do your part to cooperate and get along. You don’t have to be best friends with your ex’s new spouse — or your new spouse’s ex — but you should try to give them grace. Whether you like them or not, they’re probably trying their best. Peacefulness will serve everyone much better than resentment or bickering. Even though it takes work, the ties you and your children will make are worth the effort. Take some time to celebrate your blended family this month with a dinner, game, or small party. It will make everyone feel seen, appreciated, and accepted. Remember — there’s no such thing as too much love.
No-Fuss Chicken and Rice Soup
Inspired by RecipeTinEats.com
Fall is almost here, so it’s time to break out the soup! Your family is sure to love this recipe — it’s a classic.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped
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1/4 tsp pepper
4 cups chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups water
3 carrots, sliced
1 1/4 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
3 celery ribs, sliced
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 chicken bouillon cubes
Salt, to taste
1/2 tsp dried parsley
Ashley, Christopher, Rosalie, Rebecca, Sarina at a Family Law ethics meeting.
Directions
1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery, then sauté for 1 more minute. 2. Add the bouillon, parsley, pepper, chicken broth, and water. Stir, then add the chicken thighs. 3. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 30 minutes, then add the rice. Stir, cover, and simmer for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the chicken to a large bowl. Shred the meat and add it back to the soup. Discard the bones. 5. Stir, salt, and serve!
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