When Your Ex is Everywhere You Want to Be

One of the hardest aspects of living in a blended family is sharing. There are only so many special occasions and milestones to go around in a family. Divvying up family time for children of divorced parents becomes quite challenging. This is especially true when one parent has extreme emotional needs and few venues for joy in life outside of the children and grandchildren.

A needy parent essentially sabotages their child's relationships with anyone else who wants to be a part of that life; such as spouses, in-laws, exes, steps and maybe even friends.  An adult child must feel enormous guilt and grief as they repeatedly accommodate a dominating parent.

Take heart, underdogs, patience is a virtue. It's human nature to grow resentful when burdened by uncontrollable obligations.

In the name of love, the mature and gracious will reconcile their disadvantaged position in the blended family, and appreciate what little family time is relegated to them. The kids will appreciate the respect shown to them.

Hang in there... be happy... and thank God you have venues for joy outside your children's lives. All good relationships are luxuries, not necessities.