How To Draw Your Blended Family Closer
“Family is not always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.” ― Unknown
Balancing family life with consideration for traditions can be challenging. What happens if you remarry and you do not only bring a new spouse into your family dynamic but also your new spouses’ children from their previous partnership?
Raising children in a blended family can bring its unique set of surprises that can be both rewarding and overwhelming. As stepfamilies start navigating their new family roles, it would be highly beneficial to consider the following:
- Create a foundation. Before taking big steps like marriage or moving in together, it is important to talk to your partner about how you will both approach parenting. You may be surprised to learn that you and your partner have very different styles of parenting. To be a blended family you need to create a solid foundation, one that places you on the same page. Creating a united front. Also, it is very important as spouses to make time for each other and not lose sight of why you are in each other’s lives.
- Be mindful of your expectations. Many stepparents feel the pressure to make their new family the perfect one. However, even under the most ideal circumstances it takes time and lots of it to find a rhythm that works. Do not expect to feel profound affection for your partner’s children straight away. Instead keep the lines of communication open. Discuss your hopes, dreams and fears together with the understanding that everyone needs to be flexible. Forging genuine, honest and respectful relationships take time.
- Focus on building respectful relationships. Co-parenting is rarely easy, but it is important not to play your child against their mother/father. Your marriage may be over, but your family is not; acting in your children’s best interest is your most important priority. Additionally, take small steps in building a relationship with your stepchildren. Focus on building a respectful relationship with them before you expect them to have a loving relationship with you. Recognise the importance of your stepchildren’s relationship with their other parents. Do not seek to replace them, but rather focus on creating a new relationship that focuses on mutual respect.
- Compassion for everyone’s development. Members of your blended family may be at various life stages and have different needs. They may also be at different stages in accepting this new family. Family members need to understand and honour those differences and act accordingly.
- Be yourself. Never lose sight of who you are. You and your spouse will need to be in constant, open communication about the family. You are in this relationship for a reason. Do not try to be who you are not. You can be a valuable force in your step child's life, but they also have their own parents. Work at being a loving mentor and positive role model. Be an extension and enhancement for your growing family.
- Balance your attention. In life everything we do takes effort. Take special care to give equal attention to your new family members. Spend time alone with your spouse and work hard on you being a couple. Make time for your own children in order to make them feel secure that you are not replacing them, as well as spend time with your stepchildren to get to know them better. This will allow you to meet them where they are.
- Set family rules beyond the confines of your ‘traditional’ home. When you bring families together one of the first things you should do is have a family meeting between spouses and previous spouses. Until your stepchildren know you and trust you better, you cannot expect them to listen to you simply because you are now the new dad or mom in the house. That doesn’t mean you will never be the disciplinarian. It is important to reach some sort of arrangement between households that can benefit all of your children. This includes: bedtimes, chores, screen time, discipline, security and other family-related interactions.
- Expect setbacks. Your family relationships will fluctuate over time. You and your partner will probably learn by trial and error as you take on new challenges. Children may feel conflicting loyalties and need to pull back sometimes.
- Do not play the blame game. Never blame your stepchildren for disagreements in the family. When you are frustrated about emotions, finances, etc., do not blame or scold your stepchildren for what your husband’s ex-partner is doing. Remember to be mindful and place your stepchildren’s needs first.
- Have a sense of humour. Maintain a positive attitude. Save your energy for important things by not taking every single matter too seriously. Remember your stepchildren are going to push the boundaries to come into their own in the new family dynamic.
- Build a new history together. Do not try to erase memories of what was once a family, but simply work harder to build new memories and traditions together as a blended family. Plan trips, eat together, play games and take loads of pictures.
Putting tips like these into practice may be harder than expected. Balancing blended family life can be overwhelming, but the way a blended family communicates says a lot about the level of trust between them. When communication is clear, open, and frequent, there are fewer opportunities for misunderstanding and more possibilities for connection.
It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship. Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives. “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”
Discover effective strategies and fun activities to help children build strong problem-solving skills for lifelong success.
Discover the various learning styles, how they influence education, and tips to enhance learning based on individual preferences.
Learn what working memory is and discover effective strategies to enhance it. From cognitive exercises to lifestyle tips, boost your memory capacity for better learning, productivity, and everyday performance.
Discover how to determine your child's personality type with our comprehensive guide. Learn about assessment techniques, the importance of understanding personality in child development, and how to tailor your parenting approach to meet your child's unique needs.
Discover the wide-ranging benefits of arts and music education at Makini School. Learn how these programs enhance academic performance, foster emotional and social development, and promote cultural awareness among students.
Explore what digital literacy is and why it's crucial for navigating today's digital-first world. Learn about its importance in education, the workplace, and beyond, and discover how you can enhance your digital skills.
Support your child's emotional growth with techniques that teach self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication from an early age.
Discover why early childhood development is crucial for a child’s future success. Explore the top 10 reasons it shapes learning, health, and emotional well-being.
Compare International and British curricula - understand key differences, benefits, and academic approaches to make the best choice for your child's education.
