18-year-old plans birthday trip with parents and siblings, stepdad complains of being excluded: 'We’ve built a real family over the years'

Once a family becomes blended, it is difficult to un-blend it again.

You might think that at this point, society has worked out the script for parents, stepparents, and kids to all get along together without any issues, but it still seems like that is a long way from happening. Whether a parent has unresolved issues with an ex or a stepparent and child just can't seem to get along, there are all kinds of problems that can arise from families changing shape in this way.

This doesn't mean that the family dynamic is doomed to failure if a parent chooses to get remarried, but it does require a little extra effort and care to make sure that things go as smoothly as possible. The best-case scenario is that a stepparent becomes somebody that the kids love and trust, giving them the benefit of another supportive adult guardian in their live

It can be a difficult relationship to build, but it is undoubtedly a rewarding one when it is done right. By the same token, when an attempt is made to build a bridge and it doesn't get accepted, it can be difficult to deal with on an emotional level.

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In this story, a man had been happily married to his wife for eight years and become a stepdad to her three teenage children. He felt like they all got along well, with the kids splitting their time between living with them and their biological father.
His stepson was soon to turn 18, and for his birthday, he wanted to organize a trip to celebrate. The kids began to plan a weeklong vacation that only included them and their biological parents, excluding their stepdad.
While the stepdad wanted to be reasonable and respect their wishes, he felt insecure about being left out and about his wife spending a lengthy amount of time with her ex.
When he spoke to the children about it, it transpired that his wife had been convinced by them to accept the arrangement. He still wasn't happy with what has happening.
My stepkids are planning a family only trip with their mom and bio dad, and I’m struggling with how to feel

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