Traits of a healthy stepfamily
- The stepparent role is well-defined
- Children feel safe and centered
- A healthy parenting role is in place
- Individual needs are valued and met
- Insider/outsider issues are being addressed
- Movement between families is fluid
- Issues around grief and loss have been addressed
- Old traditions are honored as new traditions are being created
- The marriage relationship is nurtured
- The family has a strong spiritual dimension emphasizing grace, love and acceptance
Healthy Relationships
God designed you for relationships. He wants those relationships to reflect His character and the life He desires for you- love, joy, peace, compassion, faithfulness, mercy, trust, hope and grace. God also designed you for community, a place to be nurtured and equipped to fulfill His call for your life. Healthy, authentic relationships happen best in the context of community. You cannot be part of a healthy relationship if you are not spiritually, relationally and emotionally healthy. God is for you and He is a God of second chances. He looks far more at where you are and where you are going than where you have been.Ways to become a healthy single
- Live life in the present
- Embrace and resolve issues from the past
- Learn to effectively express your feelings and needs
- Identify and address unhealthy behavior or relationship patterns
- Develop healthy boundaries, especially around sexuality
- Become an active part of a spiritual community
- Commit to being accountable for your actions and attitudes
- Actively build five-facet friendships
- Seek to follow Jesus well
