Is It A Good Idea For Blended Families To Spend A Honeymoon Together As A Family?
I was asked this question on Quora. Quora is a question-and-answer website where visitors ask questions and get answers. Answers can be factual or in the form of opinions.
My Answer
If your schedule and finances allow ideally, I would suggest planning two honeymoons: one first for the couple and the other for the family. However, if you can only have one then definitely have a honeymoon for the couple.
Within the blended family, the most important relationship is the one between the husband and wife. Having a honeymoon as a couple communicates to the entire family the importance of the marital relationship.
Making your spouse a priority also teaches your children or stepchildren what a healthy relationship should be like. Asides from the positive influence on their future romantic endeavors, it teaches them other vital lessons some of which include:
The Importance of Communication
Maintaining open and healthy communication with your spouse teaches your children the importance of communication. This way, from an early age, they’ll understand the importance of listening and sharing one’s thoughts and opinions respectfully.
Some of the ways to show your kids how a relationship with good communication looks is by:
- Listening attentively when speaking to your partner,
- Maintaining eye contact, and
- Also staying focused.
Couples Time Alone
In addition to helping a couple relax, have fun and reconnect, it’s a great way to rejuvenate and perform your parental duties with ease.
Ultimately, this will help you strengthen your relationship with the kids and share a stronger bond.
Mental Stability in Your Children
A healthy marriage will help your children feel safe, loved, and secure in their homes. Raising children in a toxic relationship can have a long term negative effect on your child’s mental health.
It can also lead to drug dependency, academic setbacks, teenage pregnancy, and toxic relationships. It’s essential for your children to see your love and devotion towards your spouse.
A healthy marriage assures your kids of a stable and loving home. It also teaches them the right values they’ll need in adulthood.
Marriage is an institution that can provide relief, companionship, and peace. However, if not correctly handled, it can also be a source of tension and stress.
All marriages will have difficulties, but blended families present some unique challenges. These challenges are one of the largest causes of divorce.
Here are a few tips that can help divorce-proof your blended family marriage.
Strengthen Marital Bond
The bond between a husband and wife should be continuously nurtured. In the beginning, the relationship between the biological parent and child is the strongest. However, over time, couples should develop a strong bond. This provides a soft landing in times of conflict.
Avoid behaviors that can be detrimental to the relationship between you and your spouse. This includes emotional exploitation, dishonesty, or being disrespectful towards your spouse.
Encourage Parent-Child Relationship
Create opportunities for your spouse and stepkids to spend time together developing a healthy relationship. Time together can be spent getting to know each other or engaging in a hobby. Let the child know both parents have the child’s best interest at heart.
Always show a united front with your spouse when parenting your stepchild and parental differences should be resolved behind closed doors. Eventually, your stepkids will see that everything is in their best interest, and how important they are to you too.
Resolve Conflicts Calmly
It’s typical for conflicts to occur. However, how you handle it, is crucial to the survival of your marriage. Communicate respectfully and come to an understanding with your partner before making decisions that can affect the family. If tempers are raging, it’s best to walk away from the situation until everyone is calmer.
Seek Professional Help
Blended families have unique challenges, and sometimes, even after our best efforts, things can get out of control. It’s okay to seek professional help when this happens. Help could be from a religious leader or a family therapist.
A successful marriage entails a lot of commitment and hard work. By working together, a blended family can make their union divorce-proof and build a stable home.
