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By Susan, March 3, 2010

My family is currently attending a Smart Steps class for stepfamilies. My kids claim that they don’t need the class because everything is fine among members of the stepfamily. In fact, I have been targeted as the chief cause of family discord for enrolling them in a class that wastes their time. Of course, I’m also blamed for the tedium of homework, the necessity for sunscreen, and the flavor of green beans.

Lesson number one: Biologically related children are not to be called “real” or “natural” siblings, but “bio” siblings. When we drive to the class, we fill the seven-seat minivan, and the bio bickering ensues.

I like this class so far but wonder where we sign up to keep peace among bio siblings. Our family has two big brothers and a bunch of little sisters. Naturally, conflicts occur, and everyone takes turns being the instigator. My sisters and I attended the School of Knock It Off Or You’ll Walk. Maybe bio irritation serves a purpose, like preparing us for all the pests we’ll come across throughout our lives.

In an attempt to get out of the class, one child (whose identity I’ll protect for my own safety) asked, “Do I still have to go? I didn’t fight with anyone all weekend.” Maybe that’s not the outcome the course creators intended, but I’d still call it a success.

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