By: Emily Johnson
Updated: Feb. 25, 2021
Originally Published: Aug. 5, 2015
This article is not aimed at offering survival tactics for a day at an amusement park; in fact, everything went smoothly. We took care of the dogs, grabbed lunch, and left home right on schedule. The children had their swimsuits, dry clothes, sunscreen, and water bottles ready. The roads were clear, and the coupons we received with report cards in June worked perfectly. There were no tears, no meltdowns, and nothing that could lead to frustration or conflict. Essentially, our amusement park outing resembled a scene from a joyful movie montage.
Reflecting on our day, I discovered valuable lessons about motherhood within a blended family. It’s easy to overlook positive experiences; negativity tends to linger longer in our memories. Here’s what I learned from our visit to the park:
1. Encouraging Kids to Embrace Their Own Fun
Amusement park visits are rare for us. Given that this might be our sole trip this summer, the urge to cater to everyone’s preferences was strong. However, I realized that if kids can’t find joy in an inherently fun place, it’s often because they are fixated on their own desires. Their disappointment is a part of learning that they are not the center of the universe. I relinquished the need to be everyone’s favorite, and instead, allowed them to own their experiences. As a result, everyone had an amazing time!
2. The Importance of Sticking Together
We took a gamble by leaving our phones in the car and making it a point to stay united. With four daughters aged 11 to 15, they had to agree on which rides to try, when to have lunch, and even if we should reserve time for a show. Surprisingly, there were no disputes, and we returned home with the same four kids we started with. The girls managed to accomplish most of their wishes while learning the value of compromise. This collective experience likely fostered a sense of empathy and cooperation, enhancing the day’s enjoyment.
3. Listening to My Aging Body
Since having my eldest child, I’ve been unable to enjoy thrill rides without feeling nauseated. I was willing to attempt a few roller coasters, but my body had other ideas. After enduring a painful twist on a ride, it became clear: we are not as young as we feel. This experience highlighted the need to acknowledge my physical limitations. The cost for a family of six at the amusement park was significant, but the need for chiropractic care afterward was priceless.
4. Children’s Capacity for Gratitude
Throughout the day, each girl expressed thanks multiple times—for the park visit, the enjoyable lunch, and the shared experience. This was heartwarming, as they usually don’t vocalize their appreciation. Their ability to recognize the joy of being together as a family unit signaled progress in our blended family’s cohesion. Despite the occasional disjointedness, we are starting to fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
5. My Teenager’s Need for Connection
It’s not often I get uninterrupted time with my teenager. While shopping can be distracting, the amusement park allowed for meaningful conversations between rides. It was touching when my 15-year-old reached for my hand, and my stepdaughter also showed affection. Although this kind of closeness may not occur frequently, I treasure these small moments that help sustain our familial bonds through the challenges of adolescence.
Our day at the amusement park may not have been extraordinary, but I’m thankful for the experience. It served as a foundational moment in strengthening our blended family dynamic. For more insights into family building and home insemination methods, you might find this post on intracervical insemination helpful. Additionally, for authoritative resources, check out Make a Mom and Kindbody, which offer valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: A day at the amusement park provided key lessons about parenting in a blended family, emphasizing the importance of letting children find their own fun, the value of unity, the need to listen to one’s body, the power of gratitude, and the cherished moments of connection with teenagers. These experiences contribute to strengthening familial bonds.