If you’re getting Married . . . with Children, a family ceremony may be the way to go.

I had never heard of such a thing, but an article in the Appleton (Wis.) Post Crescent alerted me to what I had been missing. It’s a family ceremony included after a couple’s wedding ceremony that reaffirms the children’s role in the family and the new couple’s life together. The children are given family medallions, three rings linked together to symbolize the family’s love.

I think this is a great idea, especially for younger children. Ed has a son and two daughters, and sometimes I feel the girls may feel insecure with their role in our home, especially since they don’t live with us. I plan to talk to Ed and see how he feels about rounding out our commitment as a couple with a commitment as a family.

 Has anyone reading this combined families? How did your children feel? Sometimes it’s hard to know with teenagers if they’ll feel loved or embarrassed, so if anyone’s got any thoughts on the issue, post a comment.