Winter weather should not stop your blended family from bonding

Winter activities for your blended family

The weather is getting colder, and you may find yourself stuck inside with little to do. There is no better time to focus on blending your new step family. A blended family gets acquainted quicker when they actually do things together, and here are some great ideas.

Family projects

Cold, winter weather is a great time to tidy up the guest bedroom, garage or attic. You can assign individual tasks to each member, yet encourage everyone to work as a team. This could also be a good chance to have the kids clean out their bedrooms. You can give each child two garbage bags: one for trash and one for donations. Once the room is tidied up, let that same team follow up by vacuuming and dusting the room. As each project is completed, have a celebration that includes something like a special dinner.

Provide opportunities for step kids to connect with each other

Have a table set up with board games, Wii, Xbox or PlayStation games. Even something as simple as checkers can get everyone involved. Another great idea is to begin, and leave out, a large puzzle for the winter. No one will be able to stroll past it without stopping to find a few pieces. Once they sit down to check it out, it is much easier for a step mom or step dad to sit down and join in the fun. This can be a great bonding activity for a blended family or step family.

The point is, regardless of what the kids are actually doing, whether it is work or fun, they are interacting with each other and bonding as a blended family. This bonding could certainly happen by itself, but why not present more opportunities for it to happen?

Start planning summer trips

It does not matter that winter is here. It may be cold today, but there is no better time to start talking about taking a vacation together as a family. Make a trip to the library and gather some brochures and information on places you and your kids may like to visit. Discuss which types of trips interest everyone. Is your family the active kind that would enjoy a backpacking trip? Would they enjoy the pampering of an all-inclusive resort more? There are many affordable cruises to consider as well, and most offer non-stop family activities. Of course, the final decision will be made by the adults, but it always makes sense to gather as much input as you can from every member of your step family.

This is a great way for step siblings to discover how much they have in common, as they discuss their own likes and dislikes. Once you establish what everyone is interested in, as well as what they would not enjoy, you then want to research what would work best for the schedule and budget of your blended family. Keep in mind that embarking on a more costly vacation does not necessarily mean you will have more fun or that you care more about your children. Your children will cherish this special time with you, and not care about what it cost. The goal is to create positive memories. Great memories of time spent with parents who care about them and step brothers and sisters who are a new part of their blended family.

The Blended and Step Family Resource Center has resources including licensed professional counselors who offer coaching to blended and stepfamilies, with the purpose of helping blended families become strong and successful.