National Stepfamily Day is celebrated annually on September 16. The purpose of this day is to honor blended families. It also helps call attention to the fact more than 30 percent of American households currently include a stepparent. Studies indicate it takes an average of four years for a blended family to build a strong connection, but you do not need to wait this long to start celebrating National Stepfamily Day.
In fact, making this holiday part of your annual routine could help bring the blended family together more quickly, especially if you place a major emphasis on having a fun experience each year.
Why Should We Celebrate this Holiday?
If the children in your household ask their birth parent why they want to celebrate National Stepfamily Day, they should take the opportunity to discuss with them how important it is to honor the contributions their stepparent has made in their life.
After all, even if they have had a difficult time connecting with their stepparent, it is still highly likely that they have some happy memories together, and this is a good stepping stone to help them connect on a better level.
How can We Celebrate this Holiday?
Your family can create traditions to accompany National Stepfamily Day. For example, some families always go out to brunch on Mother’s Day, so you could go out to dinner each year on National Stepfamily Day instead. Alternatively, you could turn the day into a fun bonding experience that includes an outing to a bowling alley, miniature golf course or laser tag facility.
Ultimately, the way you decide to celebrate the holiday is up to you, but the important part is to make sure the day is utilized to bring the entire blended family together. Keep in mind the children might resist the idea at first, but if you create an enjoyable environment for the day, they are likely to end up creating fond memories that will help everyone connect on a better level.
Other Reasons to Celebrate
Some children believe it is shameful to have a blended family. Although this thought has absolutely no basis in reality, it is still an issue some kids will struggle with. The birth parent should always take every opportunity to help their children see how nice it can be to bond with their stepparent.
After all, living in a house full of love and happy moments is the best way to overcome any perceived social stigmas.
Some families choose to celebrate National Stepfamily Day by taking steps to make their family more legally connected. For example, you could work with your family lawyer to undergo the process of legally adopting your stepchildren. According to one family law and divorce lawyer in Florida, you can even have your spouse make an amendment to include the stepparent on parenting plans.
This is a major step that will showcase your commitment to the entire family. Even if you are not ready to go down this route, you can still use National Stepfamily Day as a good excuse for spending some quality time with your blended family.
Being a step parent is often a thankless job, as Melanie Fleury has seen with family members. Katz & Philips, a family law and divorce law firm in Florida, knows no one plans on getting divorced and remarried. If you know a step parent or have a step parent make sure to let them know they are appreciated and loved.
Please forward this email using the social media buttons below.
