Stacey Solomon praised for ‘beautiful’ post about ‘complicated blended families’ on Father’s Day
Stacey Solomon has been praised for sharing a "beautiful" post about "complicated blended families" in a touching Father's Day tribute to her dad and husband Joe Swash.
The couple share three children together, but the Sort Your Life Out presenter also has two children from previous relationships, while Swash has another son from a previous relationship.
Sharing a sweet mirror selfie to Instagram featuring Solomon, her husband, dad and children Rex, Rose and Belle, the Loose Women panellist added a touching tribute to the two fathers in her life.
"My dad, their Dad, Our heroes. Happy Father's Day, Dad & Daddy!" she began, before going on to acknowledge the loss of their own fathers.
The mum-of-five then went on to discuss how their own family dynamic is somewhat "complicated" but that her husband makes it "effortless".
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"Joe, I know it’s not easy & blended families are complicated to say the least… but you make it all seem effortless," she wrote. "You’re the most incredible husband, father and father figure to ALL of our children and I feel every emotion raising our family with you."
She signed off by thanking her dad and Swash for everything they do.
"To the moon and back Joe. To the moon and back dad," she added.
After sharing the emotional post, fans applauded the star for her words on blended families.
"So beautiful," one wrote.
"Gorgeous family and beautiful heartfelt words Stacey," another agreed.
"What a wonderful crew and team you all make," yet another fan commented.
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Myleene Klass has also previously opened up about life in a blended family, admitting that being a stepmum has its challenges but she has found a way to overcome them.
The former Hear'say star singer shares son, Apollo, with her fiancé Simon Motson, and has two children, Ava and Hero from her relationship with ex-husband Graham Quinn.
Like Klass, Motson also has two children from a previous relationship.
Speaking on the Made By Mammas podcast, Klass likened their situation to being on a boat together.
"This is how I view it," she explained. "And if one of you rocks the boat, we're all going to feel it. And if one of you goes overboard, I'm going to grab you and make sure you're safe. That's the only way we're going to get through it, is if we're all in this together."
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Challenges of parenting in blended families
Parenting in a blended family, with children from previous relationships, comes with its own unique set of challenges, of course.
Fiona Small, founder of the Young Mums Support Network, says she would advise couples embarking on bringing together a blended family to take time to adjust and allow their children to communicate how they feel.
"Only use the term stepmum or stepdad if all who are involved feel comfortable with it," she adds.
"When families begin to blend, communication is key as you now are parenting with a new set-up which can pose as a challenge if not managed correctly.
"Take the time to manage the transition from early on, even before you move in together and be prepared to listen, even if it hurts."
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Action for children has provided some tips on how to adapt to parenting in a blended family:
Don’t rush things. Your kids might not like your new partner or their children right away, and that’s OK.
If you have your own child or children, make time for them. Have regular one-to-one contact so they can talk things through with you and enjoy time with you on their own. Make sure they know that you’re there to listen when they’re ready to talk.
Talk about rules, routines and values you want in your shared house. Two households mean a different sets of rules and expectations.
Reassure them. They may worry about change, especially if other children will be coming into the home.
Recognise their feelings of sadness, confusion or anger. Keep telling them that you love them and will be there for them.
Two households means a different sets of rules and expectations. Talk about rules, routines and values you want in your shared household before moving in.
Set ground rules with your partner about disciplining each other’s children. This can be one of the trickiest things to manage.
Try to keep positive relationships with any ex-partners. Keeping things peaceful can help with setting routines and pick–ups and drop offs. Never be critical about your ex-partner to your children.
Make time for your relationship, too. Spending time together and having fun will make it easier to cope with any challenges when they arise. If you’re able to work together on issues, your children will see this.
