This reflection isn’t about tips for surviving a day at an amusement park; everything went smoothly. We took the dogs for a walk, grabbed lunch, and left on schedule. The kids were packed with swimsuits, fresh clothes, sunscreen, and water bottles. The roads were clear, and there were no issues with the discount coupons we received with their report cards last June. There were no tears or meltdowns, making our visit feel like a scene from a feel-good movie.
The day stands out because of the valuable lessons I learned about being a mother in a blended family. It’s easy to overlook the positive moments and instead focus on the negatives, which is precisely why gratitude journals are so beneficial. Here’s what I took away from our day at the amusement park:
1. Kids Can Create Their Own Fun
Visiting the amusement park isn’t a frequent activity for us. Knowing this might be our only trip this summer added pressure to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. It’s a common challenge when navigating the needs of both biological and stepchildren. However, this time, I decided to step back and let them take charge of their enjoyment. I realized that if they weren’t having fun in a place designed for joy, it likely stemmed from their own choices. Kids often think they are the center of the universe, and it’s essential they understand that fun is a personal choice. This philosophy worked wonders, as everyone had an amazing time.
2. Unity Matters
We decided to leave our cell phones in the car and stick together as a family. With four girls aged 11 to 15, we needed to agree on rides, meal times, and shows. Surprisingly, there were no disagreements, and we returned home with the same four children we had set out with! I believe having each girl consider the others made them more accommodating and understanding. If we had only been with my stepdaughters or my daughters, it might not have gone as smoothly.
3. Listening to My Body is Key
Since becoming a mother, I’ve realized I can no longer handle thrilling rides. What used to be exhilarating now just leads to nausea. While I felt brave enough for a roller coaster, my body had other ideas. After a wild corkscrew turn, my neck felt like it had been hit by a truck. My partner, who is five years older, also ended up nursing a backache after the ride. It was a clear reminder: we are not as young as we feel! The cost of our amusement park outing was substantial, but the chiropractic bills are priceless!
4. Kids Show Gratitude
Throughout the day, each girl expressed gratitude several times—thank you for the park, for the lovely lunch, and, once again, thank you for the park. Though they often show appreciation, hearing them share how much they enjoyed the day and valued being together was unexpected. It gave me hope that they are starting to see our blended family as a cohesive unit, even if it sometimes feels fragmented.
5. Hand-Holding is Timeless
Amusement parks provide a rare chance to connect with teens without distractions. Unlike shopping trips, where we get sidetracked, we had ample time to chat between rides. My 15-year-old even held my hand at times, and my stepdaughter linked her arm with mine, which showcased her growing comfort with me. These small gestures remind me that while they may not hold my hand like they did a decade ago, I’ll cherish these moments as they navigate their teenage years.
Our day at the amusement park may not have been extraordinary, but I feel grateful for the experience. It served as a building block for our blended family, reinforcing the connections among us.
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In summary, the day at the amusement park was not just fun; it was a meaningful experience that contributed to the development of our blended family dynamics.