How to make all children feel part of family...

Re: How to make all children feel part of family...

• squarepeg72

  

  August 2011 edited December 2011

  Have you talked to them about what they would like to do? There are a couple of sticky threads at the top with suggestions, and your best resource is the kids. My three love helping plan and finding poems or reading about creating a family might be a good job for them to do together.

  June 2012 Siggy Challange - Shoes

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• right1thistime member

  

  August 2011 edited December 2011

  My opinion is that making the children feel part of the family doesn't happen at the wedding or reception, it is a process that occurs over time. 
  
  My opinion about children in the wedding is that what you have is fine, and you don't need anything else.  Ask them is the best advice you will get. ~Donna

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• Chrissl6 member

  

  August 2011 edited December 2011

  Guess I should specify a few things... when he & his childrens mother divorced, she took them out of his life (moved away with new hubby) most of the years they were young. They have been back in his life the last few years but it is hard on all of them to re connect. He & the ex are getting along fine now, as I do with her also. I mainly want his children to feel that, just because they are older & mine are younger, that does't make them any less important to us. His son has lived with us & his daughter will be staying with us for awhile while she looks for a place to live (she's in another state, moving back home). Anyways, maybe that will give you a lil more of an idea why I would like to include them as much as possible. I do like the idea of asking the children though & will be sitting down with them soon as talking to them about it. Thanks

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• Lisa50 member

  

  August 2011 edited December 2011

  I've always thought that vows should be between those making the commitment -- the bride and groom.  I am not a fan of anything that seems like family vows.
  
  I think that having any/all of the children as attendants can work well, if it is something each of them wants to do.  Ask and they'll let you know.  Moving on ... How about making sure all of you are seated at the same table during the reception?  I don't have any other ideas with such a great age range, but I'm sure someone else will have something constructive to offer.  Good luck!
  
  That can take care of the wedding day, but as Donna offered, becoming a family happens over time.

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• rapunnzzll

  

  August 2011 edited December 2011

  I agree with the pp's.  Vows are between you and your spouse.  Personally, I don't think the ceremony is the time to do something. 
  
  In your situation talking to them before is very important.  Our children range in age from 32 to 10, five all together.  They all were very proud to be part of our wedding any my son's toast made everyone cry. 
  
  You could also mention them in your thank you/welcome speeches at your reception somehow incorporating everyone as family.  Or perhaps do something extra special for them at the rehearsal dinner if you are having something like that. 

  
  130 Invited to dance the night away!
  92 Want to show their best moves!
  38 Have two left feet and won't be dancing!
  0 Are too embarrased to say they don't dance!
  
  

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