DC4K » Step families

Question of the week: What do kids in two-parent homes have in common with kids in divorced homes?

8167796 - four multi-ethnic children sitting together smiling outdoors, ages 7 to 9, focus on asian girl

It might surprise you to know that some kids in two-parent homes have a lot in common with children of divorce. Even though this is a blog about kids and divorce, stay with me as I explain what I mean. Among the children who participate in your church programs, some in two-parent homes display characteristics that may not make sense. They come Read more…

Posted: September 27th, 2017 ˑ 4 Comments
Filled under: Accept the Challenge, Divorce Issues, Question of the week

How to help the child of divorce when families blend

When children of divorce are being raised in a two-parent home, most people call these two-parent homes stepfamilies or blended families. Blending two completely different families takes time—and much effort on the part of the parents and children in the new family. And remember, there are two additional “other” parents outside the family trying to blend. Quite often, those of us in children’s ministry Read more…

Posted: August 14th, 2017 ˑ 2 Comments
Filled under: Divorce Issues, Step and blended families, Stress, Summer

Feeling trapped in a blended family

When I was a little kid, we had these fascinating contraptions called Japanese finger traps. I believe they are also called Chinese finger puzzles or Chinese finger cuffs. This novelty toy is a lot of fun for kids. The finger trap is a cylinder-like device. When you put a finger in each end and try to pull your fingers out, the cylinder tightens Read more…

Posted: August 9th, 2017 ˑ 2 Comments
Filled under: Brain Research, Discipline, Emotions, Step and blended families, Stress

Question of the week: Why do single parents identify life events as ‘before’ or ‘after’ divorce?

Many of the single parents you interact with are divorced. In their minds, and in their interactions with you, they draw a clear line defining life “before my divorce” and “after my divorce.” Is this healthy? Does labeling life “before the divorce” and “after the divorce” keep single parents from moving forward? Does it mean they are still struggling with their divorce and Read more…

Posted: June 1st, 2017 ˑ 2 Comments
Filled under: Question of the week, Single Parents, Step and blended families

Has non-traditional family become traditional?

Recently at the D6 2015 Conference there was a lot of talk about families. The D6 Conference is about family ministry with those families usually being the two-parent families. This year there was a lot of talk about the non-traditional families. You know those families that don’t fit the traditional mold of a two-parent family. These include the Single parent family Step and Read more…

Posted: October 7th, 2015 ˑ No Comments
Filled under: Accept the Challenge, Attracting families, Question of the week, Single Parents, Step and blended families