The Origins Of Step-parents' Week In The United States


by Andrew Gibson - Date: 2008-07-12 - Word Count: 516 Share This!

Traditional families are no longer just that. The prevalence of divorce and the continued search for successful partnerships despite past failures result in what are called blended families. A blended family is one that is produced by the marriage of two people, at least one of whom has children from a previous relationship.

This kind of family runs into some unique issues, such as having an extra person to compete for a parental role. Though becoming a step-parent is rarely a choice, it is a difficult but ultimately rewarding, as the stress placed on step-parents is less of a disciplinary nature than of bonding and earning the respect of stepchildren.

It is now possible to celebrate the efforts of step-parents and thank them for all of their hard work by sending them free e-cards. Sending ecards is a great way to say thank you or to celebrate the birthday of step-parents.

Often children feel torn between their biological parent and what they perceive to be his or her replacement, but this risk can be reduced by establishing a respectful rapport and open communication between the separated biological parents and not putting down any member of the family structure, no matter how complicated it gets.

The only reason kids might feel the need to choose is because of the pressures placed on them by the parents, but assuming that all adults involved are dedicated to making the situation work and behaving maturely in spite of the potential tension, step-parents make unique contributions to the family that deserve to be honoured. Step-parents' Week is celebrated annually during the first week of June and during this week many hundreds of thousands of free e-cards are sent.

If you were or are being raised within a blended family, this is the day to thank your step-parents' for their dedication and efforts. Make your stepmother or stepfather proud of their hard work by spending some time with them and demonstrating the great job they did with you.

Do something special for them, like cooking them a meal, or sending them to a day-long retreat, such as a spa, sports event, or outdoor excursion. Take them out to dinner, send them a free e-card or flowers, and otherwise show your love and appreciation for the delicate role they assumed in your life. If you are an adult with a new step-parent, make an effort to get to know him or her.

Recognize the special relationship they have formed with your biological parent, and respect it by not interfering but paying it due interest. After all, parenting is the most difficult job of all, and accepting the added challenge of raising children that are not biologically yours shows a devotion to one's spouse, the ability to adapt to an already intricate family situation, as well as the patience to hang on when the going gets rough.

So, celebrate Step-parents' Week by expressing your gratitude and respect to your own committed step-parents or any step-parents that are an integral part of the families you know and send them a free e-card to show how much you care.

Related Tags: ecards, e cards, free e-cards, step parents week

Andrew Gibson is MD of Greeting-Cards.com. It has thousands of free ecards to choose from for birthdays and all occasions. Many people now send Free e-cards to celebrate Step-parents week and select them from www.Greeting-Cards.com

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