There is no perfect formula for blending families together but having the right expectations can help to lay the right foundation for success.
Talking Points:
- Blending families is challenging. You’re talking two different families and combining them together. That process is bound to bring about some conflict when each family has their own set of rules, values and ways of doing things.
- You need to think of this process more like a crockpot than a blender. A crockpot allows each individual meat and vegetable to cook alongside the others without getting lost. A blender forces the food together into a jumbled mess.
- If you want to be successful at blending your families, be ready to negotiate and adjust along the way. Matthew 7:12
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe your current progress with blending your families. What has gone well? What has been hard?
- What were/are your expectations for how your families would/should blend?
- Think about the blender and crockpot idea. Which would you say best represents your approach in bringing your families together?
- What are the pitfalls of the blender approach?
- Why is having the ability to adjust so important in combining families? How well have you done in this so far?
- Read Matthew 7:12. How can the Golden Rule help your family?
- What are some of the issues that need to be negotiated? What are some possible solutions?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
