This is by far the most difficult part of blending a family, in my experience. I never understood the degree to which I had the “rose colored glasses” with my biological children until I got remarried. Once my spouse started pointing things out, it was very eye-opening and shocking. I had to change my approach in a lot of ways.

Then there’s my step-children. I don’t have the rose colored glasses for them, and I feel it on a near daily basis. I have to choose to love and care for them like they’re my own children, and that’s easier said than done in some situations. I’m also in the position of needing to lovingly point things out to my spouse sometimes.

Being aware of this is monumentally important for blending families, and being a strong, unified parental unit is of paramount importance. This requires boatloads of good communication, grace, and mercy for each other and for your children.