I was already going to be late, and I knew it. Skimming through the house, I tried to piece together all my essential parts before running out the door: purse, phone, coffee… And then I saw them. The dishes, stacked carefully in the sink, looking aged and forlorn, waiting patiently. I glanced at the time,…
When you have children, it’s important to help them stay connected to the other biological parent’s family. Too often, second marriages result in broken extended-family relationships, and this will hurt the children. They are forever connected to that biological extended family, for better or for worse. They are related by blood and by heritage, whether…
Preparing for marriage begins long before the proposal. I glimpsed this recently when I had the opportunity to offer words to a thirteen-year-old during a rite of passage ceremony. While the boy currently cares more for World of Warcraft, burps and farts, and squirrel impersonations, his father wisely knew that this would be a moment…
The parenting factor is always interesting, and usually challenging, in blending a family and in remarriage life. And if one of you doesn’t have children, this may be extra challenging, especially if you’re a woman. As a new bride, you’ll be instantly sharing your husband with his children, and you may experience feelings of resentment,…
“I need you to listen to me with your eyes,” Stephanie, my wife, says as we’re discussing our upcoming weekend plans. Truth be told, I was in the middle of a project on my computer and didn’t want to stop. “I’m listening, just keep talking,” I reply. She continues talking and then asks me for…
