Prime Time 7/8, Writing, Arbeitsheft

6 Topics 1 Relationships and social networks 1.1 Text input Some blended families just don’t get along Two adults marry and bring children into the new marriage. Some of these families get along wonderfully, and some families who have been blended for years never accept each other as family. Here are some reasons a blended family may stay incompatible and not blend. The couple has children over 21 It’s possible that the family doesn’t “blend” because the children have moved out on their own and are starting their own families. That’s OK, as long as there is respect for the new stepparent, as their parent’s spouse. Otherwise, it makes life a little tougher for the grandchildren, who don’t understand why some of the grandparents are not accepted equally. These adult children are limiting the love these stepparents can have for them and for their children, but it is their own choice. Parents looked for a mate, but not a co-parent Once the divorced mum and dad start dating again, they are each looking not only for a spouse, but also a stepparent for their children. It does make dating more difficult, but it is certainly necessary to understand if your new love is interested in getting to know your children, love them and spend time raising them with you. A parent should only marry someone who will be a good stepmum/stepdad to his or her children. Parents are not willing to treat all of their children (biological or step) fairly and equally Some parents forget that they should give their stepchildren the same treatment that they would want for their own children from their new spouses. Each parent should treat each child in the home (whether biological or step) equally and fairly. House rules need to be established and followed by all. There should be consequences, enforced by the biological parent, if these house rules and guidelines are not met. It should be unacceptable for a child to treat a stepsibling or stepparent with disrespect or rudeness. Some families just don’t blend In reality, there are some families that never get along. I don’t think it’s the children’s fault; it’s the parents’ fault. It’s the parents’ responsibility to communicate their expectations for the newly blended family, reminding their children that everyone should treat each other with respect, everyone is loved and special in this house, and to treat their stepfamily the way they themselves want to be treated. If the parents don’t communicate these guidelines, then the children don’t know how to act and feel it’s OK to have a constant “war” going on. Personality differences I don’t believe personality differences have a part in the blending process. As parents, we love our children as soon as they are born, immediately and automatically. We may have children that have our personality or children that have personalities completely different from ours. It doesn’t matter; we love them just the same. There are days when we may not like their behaviour or actions, but we still love them. In summary, I do believe that any family can get along – yes, ANY blended or stepfamily – no matter how different, as long as the parents are devoted to each other and determined to be the best parents they can be to all of the children in their home. (Shirley Cress Dudley, www.selfgrowth.com; adapted) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv