Life

13 Step-Family Quotes For National Step-Family Day

by Chelsey Grasso
mother and son
Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty Images

Not every marriage lasts forever, and with divorce being as common as it is, the likelihood of being a part of a step-family touches a lot of people. But where there is love, it doesn't matter if there are blood relations, and as these 13 step-family quotes for National Step-Family Day reveal, there is so much to be thankful for if you are a part of a mixed family.

Sept. 16 marks National Step-Family Day, so if you have a step-parent, a step-sibling, or a step-child, make sure you take note of the date on your calendar. Many step-families go through some tough times, especially at first, but once everyone in the family can make it past the huge amounts of change, greatness can come from it. After all, if you can love someone who isn't blood-related to you as much as you would love somebody who is, that says a lot.

Spend your Sept. 16 loving your step-family for who they are and all that you've been through together. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? And such is certainly the case when it comes to familial relations. Life isn't perfect, and neither is any family, no matter what it looks like. Love is perfect, though, and it can mend all things effortlessly.

1. "My stepdaughters have two really great parents who love them to pieces. I don't have to be 'the mother' — they already have a mom. I support their father with parenting, but for my personal relationship with them, I get to really enjoy the kids." — Brynn Bruno

2. "One of the most important lessons our children have learned from our divorces is that some things in life can come to an end, but that's OK because something new is manifested. In our case, it's a blended family that has respect, love, trust, authenticity, and a sense of fun." — Jennifer Kessler

3. "If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance." — George Bernard Shaw

4. "Live one day at a time (or one moment if you have to). Blend little by little and celebrate even the smallest breakthrough." — Andi Parker-Kimbrough

5. "You have to take things slowly. Just because you love someone doesn't mean that you're going to automatically love their children. All relationships take time to grow and develop. Be willing to give everyone the time and space that they need. It will come." — Kelly LeFurgey

6. "Find a way to let go of the things that ended your previous marriage. The quicker you can find a way to work with the other parent, the happier everyone will be. Coming to the realization that you will not always get what you want is difficult, but essential, in order to move forward." — Matt Robertson

7. "When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses." — Joyce brothers

8. "The reality is, no matter how prepared you are, no matter how many books you read or how many experts you consult, there is no magic to this. It's hard work. It's dedication. It's being the one true home that is safe, sound, and trustworthy. Divorce is so horrible, destabilizing, and scary. And we've learned that the only thing we can do in response is make our home safe." — Jesika Davis

9. "Remember why you chose to come together in the first place — the love that you have for your partner. Your partner's children are an extension of them and this makes them just as important to your happiness." — Beth Huber

10. "Remember 'this, too, shall pass.' The good, the bad, the ugly — don't get too attracted to any one feeling. Also, use a chore chart, for the love of all that's good in the world. Seriously, it changed everything." — Raiye Rosado

11. "There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues... are created, strengthened and maintained." — Winston Churchill

12. "Stop thinking that things are going to be perfect. It's not going to happen. The kids will not get along all the time, the house will not always be quiet, you will not always hear 'please' and 'thank you.' It isn't realistic. What is realistic is taking stock of how incredibly lucky you are to have more children to love and to guide." — Kellee Mulkerin-Ford

13. "Pick your battles with everyone, including yourself... remind yourself everyday that you have been given another chance at love and cherish that opportunity." — Jessica Warrick

Images: Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty Images; Giphy