Navigating the Challenges of Blending a Family Amidst Disrespect and Complex Dynamics

Ways to Foster Harmony in a Blended Family

Family is everything, right? Well…Merging two families under one roof is a journey filled with potential for love, growth, and new beginnings. Yet, this path is often laden with obstacles, especially when negative dynamics threaten the family’s harmony.

The challenges become even more pronounced when a child, influenced by a resentful biological parent, exhibits behavior that disrupts the peace and safety of the household.

This intricate dynamic can put significant strain on relationships within the blended family, necessitating thoughtful and persistent efforts to navigate.

Consider the expanded tales of families grappling with these complex dynamics. For instance, in the Johnson family, the child, influenced by their mother’s negative views, began exhibiting concerning behaviors such as harming animals and relocating items from their father’s house to their mother’s, signaling a deep-seated struggle with the new family structure. They also engaged in covert activities like sending photos and videos to their biological mother, further complicating the family dynamics.

The Finer Points of Studying Abroad

Jacquelyn R. Trotman is currently attending Syracuse University and studying to earn a B.S. in Retail Management and a B.S. in Advertising. She is also in the Renée Crown Honors Program and a Whitman Leadership Scholar.

One of my greatest privileges has been being able to take my educational experiences outside of the classroom and all around the world! In May 2023, I participated in the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University’s East Asia Immersion Trip program. As a business student and global citizen, I knew this experience would be an amazing opportunity to learn about business in a more global context, and to visit Japan and South Korea- places I’ve always been interested in traveling to- for the first time. 

On Samia Nkrumah's Advocacy

Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah is an activist for social justice and equity, philanthropist, former politician, and the daughter of Kwame Nkrumah. She is also an honorary member of Zetas Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. In the last few months she has been vocal in advocating for election reforms that empower the voices of marginalized citizens, including women and those from smaller political parties. She is also advocating for LGBT+ rights in Ghana.

From the Daily Graphic

Nkrumah is currently advocating for the current president of Ghana to veto an anti-LGBT+ bill. In February of 2024, a bill was passed in Ghana that heightens the consequences for consensual same-sex conduct. The bill also criminalizes organizations advocating for LGBT rights in the country. An additional layer to the bill includes imprisonment for individuals who do not report these activities and censoring anyone who advocates via social media. Read more about the legislation on the Human Rights Watch website

In March, Samia Nkrumah spoke on the issue emphasizing the need for education and empathy, instead of fear and hate. She also alluded to the bills divisive approach and stressed the need for people in Ghana to unite around their shared heritage and protect each other. In addition to Nkrumah's perspective and advocacy, the Ministry of Finance has named the economic impact of signing the bill into law, citing the country could lose almost $4 billion from the World Bank alone.

A good overview of the issue and an interview with an artist in Ghana who may be impacted by the bill can be found on The Daily Graphic.