Help For Blended Families

Blended families present husbands, wives, moms, dads, and children – regardless of age – special opportunities and difficulties. A lot of angst, emotion…and special graces can be seen in the “mashing together” of individuals into a family.  At the Focus Marriage Forum, the most active conversation centers around blended families, kids and priorities.

Today’s Focus radio program addresses blended families. Our guests, Danny and Rayna Ortlie, speak openly about the joys – and challenges – of their rather unique situation. By the way, Danny’s book, Mommy Paints The Sky, is a tender account of his the marriage to and loss of his first wife, and how God graciously brought Rayna into his life.

Struggling with tough issues in your family? You’ll find a helpful list of trusted resources here. If you’d prefer to talk with someone, Focus on the Family Help Center counselors are here to listen and pray with you. You can arrange to speak with a licensed Christian counselor at no cost by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mountain time. Last year this compassionate team helped 66,000 individuals – so be aware that you’ll probably need to leave your name and number for a counselor to return your call.

Escaping the Kids

I doubt that he anticipated the response when he wrote about it on his blog. Obviously, though, my colleague (and boss) Focus President Jim Daly touched a nerve when he shared his thoughts about McDain’s Restaurant and Golf Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. The eatery had just recently implemented a new rule that  bans children under the age of six. There was some press coverage about the policy, sparking some sharp comments.

Some parents were offended. How dare a business ban children! Others – even parents, or perhaps especially parents – said they are fine with a “kid free” zone, where they can enjoy a meal without a crying child (maybe even their own!).

Here’s the link. Read Jim’s thoughts, and if you have a few minutes, browse the comments by his readers – almost 900 people have weighed in so far!

And tell me: Do you favor a place where you can “escape kids?” Or do you find a rule like the one at McDain’s offensive?

By the way, I’m for a business being able to exclude kids. Even my own.