Beware the Green Eyed Monster: How Jealousy Can Impact Your Blended Family

I tiptoed up to the topic, believing that most of us are pretty sensitive about it: “Sometimes step parents feel…I don’t want to call it jealousy, but…” at which point Kelly, eight years into her step mom experience, interrupted, “Oh, you can call it jealous! I was definitely jealous!—of a six year old, no less!” We were talking about what can often become a defining dynamic between children and step parents, and consequently, a divisive issue for a biological parent and their spouse. It’s not an emotion many of us are willing to cop to, especially if the trigger is … Continue reading

Marriage and Household Roles

Having “assigned roles” in the household can make for fewer arguments in a marriage. Knowing exactly who is responsible for what can help the tasks get done and cut down on arguments. Here is how. Assigning roles In my marriage, we seem to have naturally fallen into responsibilities, although some things are done as a team, and other things seem to be done by whomever gets inspired (or tired) when a task is left undone. Most of the time, we fall into the typical gender roles that you might have expected from the 1950s. Part of the reason for this … Continue reading

What Do I Do About My Ex-Spouse’s Family?

You have been with your partner for quite some time. You start to drift apart and then it happens. You have tried to repair your relationship, but you both come to the conclusion that it just cannot be repaired. There is too much damage there and too many sad, hurtful memories. You decide that it is best for the both of you to split apart. You both part and go your separate ways, but you still have to see each other because there are children involved. You have to come to some kind of agreement about many difficult situations. One … Continue reading

Comfort Foods: Casseroles

I’m on a comfort food kick. Perhaps, it’s because we are still dealing with snow and below zero windchills, or I’m just lazy. Either way when I think of comfort food, casseroles immediately come to mind. If you have a large family or you contribute to a lot of potlucks, then you know how convenient casseroles can be. You simply gather a bunch of delicious ingredients, mix them up, place them in the oven, and a short time later—presto—instant dinner. If you are looking for a warm, hearty, one-dish delight to serve tonight, consider the following outstanding casserole recipes: CHICKEN … Continue reading

Family Relationships and Attitude

Extended family is always going to be part of your married life. Even if you are no longer in contacted with your extended family, they will always be there in the form of influence over you and your spouse. These are the people that helped form your young lives, and their dynamics will definitely mold your beliefs. One of these beliefs is an attitude toward family and the roles that the in-laws take. When you became a daughter-in-law or son-in-law where you immediately part of the family and treated as a natural child? Or, are you family but more at … Continue reading

Busting Stereotypes in a Single Parent Family on Purpose

One of the natural perks of a single parent family is that we have the opportunity to live outside the box in terms of gender stereotypes. As the sole parent, we can take on both the “traditionally” masculine and feminine roles and we can encourage our children to develop beyond those stereotypes as well. The first step, however, is that we have to acknowledge how we may be clinging to stereotypes and figure out how to move beyond them. I am proud to say that my version of a single parent family is pretty much stereotype-free. This is not to … Continue reading

Family Fitness: Stress and How it Affects the Family

How many arguments do parents have when one or the other arrives late from work? How many times have you heard a partner say, ‘I thought this was the one place I could catch a break!’ The myth of family is that the home should be a bastion of peace and tranquility. The stresses of life should not walk in the front door and sit down to share the supper table with the wife, kids, parents and in-laws. Family Stress Family stress is very much like normal stress in that the stress itself is inevitable. Families, after all, are comprised … Continue reading

Strengthen the Family

There has been a focus on strengthening the family lately. In my life I have felt a stronger urge to focus on my children and on the environment in my home. This last General Conference session there were five talks that were specifically on strengthening the family, while many others mentioned the importance of it. It is important to continually work on strengthening your family. One of the most important things you can do is to help your children understand their purpose in this world. The best way to do this is teach them the plan of salvation. This includes … Continue reading

LDS Family Week in Review: June 24-30

Thanks for sticking with us for another great week in the LDS Families blog. We covered topics ranging from genealogy to baby blues to working through marriage struggles this week, and we’re glad you could join us for them. In case you missed anything, here is the week in review. Gospel Doctrine: In Whosoever Killeth You…, we discussed the various modern day apostles who gave their life for their faith. In The Mission of the Holy Ghost, we discussed the various roles of the Spirit. In Sorrow Turned to Joy, we discussed both the sadness and the joy of the … Continue reading

LDS Family Week in Review: April 29-May 5

This has been a fantastic week in the LDS blog. I’m still working on getting back up to speed in the Gospel Doctrine and EQ/RS Lesson categories following the arrival of our new little one, but was able to write some. We’ve also had some other fantastic blogs! Gospel Doctrine In The Rich Young Man, we talked about how the youth in the Sunday School lesson eagerly embraced Christ – until he found out what the Master required was his all. In Give As Ye Are Able, we reviewed ways the Lord expects us to give. And in The Root … Continue reading