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POLISHED STONES ETIQUETTE: Step Family Manners
*In today’s society we now have more blended families than ever before. In fact, my own family is a blended family. I have three children from a previous marriage and my husband has two daughters. However, the girl’s mom is deceased and they have asked that we not refer to each other as step-mom or step-daughter. I gladly granted their wish.
Being part of a blended family can become challenging at times. I have found the reason our family works so well is because we are all very conscious about practicing good manners and respect for each other. I would like to share with you some practical ways to help make life a little easier within your blended family.
The way people treat each other at home sets a pattern for how they will relate to other people outside their home as well. It also affects whether or not your home is a nice place for others to visit. Some things you and your child can do to help create family harmony:
· Acknowledge each other’s presence. Say good morning, good night and speak when you enter the home. That makes the atmosphere much nicer than when we act as though the person does not exist.
· Ask each other what you would like to be called. Some step-children call the step- parent by their first name or “mom” or “dad”. Whatever terms are used, everyone should be in agreement and feel comfortable. No child should be forced to call a step-parent “mom” or “dad”.
· Celebrate birthdays and other accomplishments. It is very polite to acknowledge holidays such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
· Share uncomfortable feelings. In our home we have family meetings. Everyone has an opportunity to share their feelings and everyone gets a chance to offer solutions to the problems. Our goal is always to make this family work well for everyone. You must have a goal.
Getting along is possible when everyone in the family makes a personal commitment to family harmony. It won’t be easy, but compromise and a great deal of give-and-take will help. Remember, “People are like diamonds, they sparkle once they are polished.”
Angela Carr Patterson is an etiquette consultant, producer of The National Faces Going Places Showcase and owner of Oasis Promotions, a model/talent consultant company. A popular speaker for events and conferences, Angela travels the country conducting her Etiquette Workshops and searching for aspiring artists and entertainers to perform in her annual showcases. Contact Angela to become a certified etiquette consultant in your area.
Visit: www.oasispromotions.net Email: Angelapatterson@oasispromotions.net
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