Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Cassandra Scrimgeour: When Is the "Right Time" for a Baby?
Significant Wage Gap Between Working Moms And Working Women
Making space for step-children
Filed under: Divorce & Custody, Activities: Babies, Decor
I have several close friends who are divorced and share custody of their children. For some of my friends, this means that the kids live half the time at one house and half at another; for others, it means being one place when school is in session and somewhere else for summers. In each case, though, both parents must have somewhere for the kids to sleep and lounge when they are at home, which can lead to space and decorating challenges.
Yesterday's New York Times had an interesting piece on what step-families are doing to make everyone feel at home. The article profiles several families in various situations (everything from a house full of step-siblings to children who visit only for holidays) and explored what the options are for creating space for everyone. "Members of these blended families, as well as psychotherapists, said creating a comfortable and inclusive home is fraught with difficulty. For adults and children alike, having a place in the house has parallels to having a place in the family. Hurt feelings and lasting resentment can spring from something as seemingly mundane as wall color or closet space."
This is not something that I have ever dealt with, although I am sympathetic. My parents come to visit often and we have a guest room that is almost exclusively for their use. But honestly, that's not the same as having a child live in the house part-time, particularly a child who has already been through a divorce. I can see how the space issue could be incredibly tricky.
How has your family handled this? Do your step-children have a designated and decorated room in your house? Do your children have a special place at your ex's home? What strategies can you offer to other parents trying to build new families and new homes?
Yesterday's New York Times had an interesting piece on what step-families are doing to make everyone feel at home. The article profiles several families in various situations (everything from a house full of step-siblings to children who visit only for holidays) and explored what the options are for creating space for everyone. "Members of these blended families, as well as psychotherapists, said creating a comfortable and inclusive home is fraught with difficulty. For adults and children alike, having a place in the house has parallels to having a place in the family. Hurt feelings and lasting resentment can spring from something as seemingly mundane as wall color or closet space."
This is not something that I have ever dealt with, although I am sympathetic. My parents come to visit often and we have a guest room that is almost exclusively for their use. But honestly, that's not the same as having a child live in the house part-time, particularly a child who has already been through a divorce. I can see how the space issue could be incredibly tricky.
How has your family handled this? Do your step-children have a designated and decorated room in your house? Do your children have a special place at your ex's home? What strategies can you offer to other parents trying to build new families and new homes?
YourVoice
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
RelatedVideos
-
When to Start Baby on Regular Milk
Confused about when to start your baby on regular milk? Get the scoop from The Bump on the right time to make the switch.
-
Family Fitness Tips
Pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears reveals how participating in team sports, avoiding unhealthy eating habits at home and incorporating vegetables into all your meals can keep your family healthy and fit!
-
Raising Your Girl's Self Esteem in a Princess-Free Zone
From the royal wedding to Disney, everybody loves a princess…right? No! Not all little girls want to wear dresses and play with Barbie. Now there's a place where they can go—no princesses allowed!
-
Reduce Homework Stress with Your Child
Education expert Ann Dolin discusses how to work with an easily frustrated child during complicated homework assignments.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family