Blending Family Movies

220px-StepmomThere are lots of ways to start discussions with your children about remarriage and blending your family. One way is to watch some of the following blending family movies* together and then talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the characters’ experiences. Take some time this summer, or all year long, to learn and talk together.

The Brady Bunch Movie: Thought I’d get this out of the way from the get go. While rather unrealistic, the Bradys are one of the first “blending families” on screen. The movie will give you some laughs, some groans, and some things to talk about.

Yours, Mine and Ours: The original version with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda and the newer version with Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo both share the story of the chaos, struggles and emotions that blending families often face. There are lots of laughs but also some touching moments that will give you fodder for conversation.

StepMom: This movie is a story about the struggles faced between a biological mom and a stepmom that helps the viewers understand how difficult it is for parents, children and stepparents to find their roles in the blending family transition. The poignant story and its ending might help everyone in a blending family learn about their journey. (Rated P-13 for some language and some adult content.)

Mrs. Doubtfire: The challenges of custody is front and center in this funny and touching story of a father who wants to see his children so badly that he pretends to be a female nanny. Lots of issues can be addressed by watching this movie together.

One Fine Day: Even though this sweet movie is not so much about a blending family as about single parents trying to balance work and children and relationships, it can help kids see how difficult it is to juggle it all and may help them understand the complexities we all face.

The Parent Trap: Another good movie that shows how divorce leaves children longing for connection and how they’ll do just about anything to get parents back together. This movie can start discussions about missing a parent, the longing to get parents back together, and the need to work through it all together.

*Please review movies first and/or check out www.PluggedIn.com or other reviews before viewing movies with your kids.

What other blending family movies would you suggest? I’d love to know!

 

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