A Blended Family?

The simple definition of a blended family, also called a step family, reconstituted family, or a complex family. It is a family unit where one or both parents have children from a previous relationship, but they have combined to form a new family. The parents may or may not then have children with each other. Traditionally, the parents of a blended family would be married, often after a divorce or death of a previous spouse. However, modern blended families may not marry. Cohabitating parents serve as role models for the children without a marriage ceremony.

     While the concept of the step family has been around for centuries, many blended families were not recognized until the two parents married and agreed to care for the children together. Today, it is much more acceptable for the adults in the relationship to live together and raise the children jointly without the legal commitment of a marriage or adoption. This more lenient approach can cause difficulties, particularly in terms of child support, children who must readjust to a new position in the family order, family values, responsibilities of each family member, conflicting behaviors and expectations and so much more.

     I think it is impossible to list all the conflicts that a blended family will have to address.  I also think the blended family is worth the effort.  My main concern with the trend of the blended family is the Biblical view of marriage is being compromised.  This, again in my opinion, will make blended family failure more difficult going forward.  God is on record stating that marriage is sacred and honorable.  Our nation does not need to depart from this in any way shape or form.