We're a blended family- Ask me anything

[Rhymingrose]

My DP and I have lived together for 4 years with our DC, I have 2 DC and DP has 3

Just married, I have 3 DH has 1. It's all very new still. How do you feel about sc? Do you love them like your own? I think I'm starting to love my ss I hope dh feels the same about mine

@confusedat30 I do love my SC but it is different to how I feel about my own DC but that's not to say I treat them unfairly. It's just I've loved my DC from the moment they were born whereas It took time to get to know MY SC and build relationships and bonds with them and with that I've found love for them

That's good to know it wasn't instant. I was worrying about that. Thank you!

How often do you have your SC or is it their resident home?

If it isn't, what if they wanted to come and live with you full time? Or had to?

My SC are with us full time then my DC are pretty much half and half between us and their dad

Do your DC find it difficult that the other DCs are there all the time and they’re not?

How do you deal with things like holidays and gifts given that some of the children have another active parent to contribute and the other DCs don’t?

Do your DC find it difficult that the other DCs are there all the time and they’re not?
At first it was difficult because sometimes they'd miss out on something but it's become easier, especially as they've gotten older. We try keep things they really want to do for when they are around so it's not too much of a problem.
How do you deal with things like holidays and gifts given that some of the children have another active parent to contribute and the other DCs don’t?
Last year DC had a big holiday with their dad, SC were quite upset when they found out so we booked a few days away for the same time. When it's something big like that a treat for the others too does help but with smaller things they aren't too fussed by it

Do you and your DP agree on parenting strategies etc?

I think that’s the main thing that seems to cause issues, when one parent is slack with their own DCs or undermines the other parents discipline. It’s the main reason after 7 years I don’t live with my DP! He’s very laid back and I couldn’t cope with the lack of boundaries or rules at his house