Stepparenting is hard, especially after loss of a family member. Ron Deal understands how blending a family can be hard, and in his book ‘Preparing to Blend,’ crafted for engaged or pre-engaged couples with kids from previous relationships, he guides you through the journey of combining loss and love, touching on wedding planning and communication.
Show Notes and Resources

Connect with Ron Deal and catch more of his thoughts at rondeal.org/about, and on X @RonLDeal and Facebook @SmartStepfamilies and @FamilyLifeBlended
And grab Ron Deal’s book “Preparing to Blend”, in our shop.
Listen to the full episode of on FamilyLife Blended
Intrigued by today’s episode? Think deeper about blending families.
Want to hear more episodes by Ron Deal, listen here!
Join the Robbins in exploring five must-have conversations on finances, sex, God, family, and the future in our all new Preparing for Marriage study!
Resurrection Eggs for Kids: Make Easter memorable! Enjoy a fun egg hunt tradition with storybook, symbols, stickers, and Jesus Film Project videos. Free with any donation!
Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife’s app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Check out all the FamilyLife’s podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

Trauma and suffering can impact families in unexpected ways. Joel and Vaneetha Risner share with Ron Deal the positive effects of loss and suffering and how it helped to ground their faith, trust God in deeper ways, and bond their blended family.

Show Notes and Resources

Check out the podcast on YouTube!
Join us for Blended & Blessed 2024!
Learn about Vaneetha.
Say “thank you” with a gift of support.
Blended & Blessed All-Access Pass

Conflicts are inevitable on family journeys. Rodney and Annetta Whitney share their journey, confusing dynamics, and their light bulb moments with Ron Deal. Stepparent, if you feel like an outsider, keep having hard discussions and don’t give up.

Show Notes and Resources

Grab your copy of The Smart Stepfamily
Check out where Ron will be speaking.
The Smart Stepfamily series free on Right Now Media!
Join us for the Blended & Blessed livestream!
Call us and leave a message with your podcast suggestion! 407-826-2606

Do you have trouble organizing your life? Your family calendar? Well, help is on the way! Ron Deal speaks with James and Ginger Dellaripa about challenges of blended family management including schedules, co-parenting, custody, and more. Listen to gain valuable insights in getting your life organized.

Show Notes and Resources

Get organized for 30 days free! Use the code: FLB30
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning
Learn more about our Blended resources
Ron’s speaking schedule
Please leave a message for us: 407-826-2606
Join us for the Blended & Blessed livestream!

Getting remarried in later life after the death of a spouse or divorce? How do you know if you’re ready? Should you consider the feelings of your adult children? Ron Deal talks with Jim & Shirley Mozena about the risks, as well as rewards, of a later-life remarriage and what to consider as you date.

Show Notes and Resources

Access The Smart Stepfamily for free!
More about Jim and Shirley and their book, Second Chance At Love
Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning
More FamilyLife Blended resources
Every gift to FamilyLife Blended for the month of December is matched!
Email: blendedquestions@familylife.com or call: 407-826-2606

Have you ever wondered how to be thankful in a hard season in your blended family? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about finding joy, regardless of our circumstances, as we focus on God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His promises.
Show Notes and Resources

Thank you for sending a gift to be matched dollar for dollar!
Send us your review via email: blendedquestions@familylife.com or voicemail: 407-826-2606.
Info on Blended and Blessed
Register now for Blended & Blessed Live Event and Livestream.

High-conflict co-parenting is a common struggle in blended families. Ron Deal speaks with Diane Dierks & Rick Voyles on how to improve co-parenting conflict as you prioritize what you’re fighting for, change your response, & consider your kids first.
Show Notes and Resources

List of counselors
Register for Preparing to Blend
Co-parenting Dilemmas podcast
Get the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry All-Access Digital Pass.
Ron’s personal speaking schedule.
Send a gift to FamilyLife Blended.
Email a comment about this show or call to share your thoughts. blendedquestions@familylife.com or 407-826-2606

When we blend two families, what’s the goal & how do we get there? Do we focus more on parenting or our marriage? Do I parent my stepchild or build a relationship first? How do we manage a difficult former spouse? Ron Deal answers these questions & more about the critical tasks of parenting in a blended family.
Show Notes and Resources

You still have time to join the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!
The Online Certificate in Blended Family Ministry
Get monthly encouragement for your blended family
FamilyLife Blended Resources
Get the Summit All-Access Digital Pass
Email us your questions at blendedquestions@familylife.com

Blended families come in all shapes and sizes. Each family is unique with its own complexities. Chris and Yodit Brooks share their stories growing up in a blended family as well as wisdom they’ve gained from raising both their adopted and biological children. Family stories matter.
Show Notes and Resources

The Smart Stepfamily on Right Now Media
Get a copy of The Smart Stepfamily
Summit on Stepfamily Ministry: Registration & Information
Listen to Equipped with Chris Brooks.
Ron’s personal speaking schedule.
Support the FamilyLife Blended podcast
Call in a review 407-826-2606

Being a stepfather can feel like bathing cats with your hair on fire—but your thoughtful navigation of the dynamics in your home can make a difference that lasts for decades. Author Gil Stuart offers tips on stepfathering thoughtfully, and shaping the kind of family you all long for.
We are the one with the influence. Are we going to use it for good or for evil? I mean, when you think about what the Scripture says: “The power of the tongue is for life or for death.” So, what are we saying? Is it going to bring life, or is it going to bring death to the stepfamily environment? What a place for a hero to step up!  – Gil Stuart
Show Notes and Resources

The Summit on StepFamily Ministry; Find out how you and your church can minister to blended families at summitonstepfamilies.com
Listen to the full episode here: Unsung Heroes
Discover more resources on our shop and listen to more on the FamilyLife Blended podcast
Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife’s app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Check out all the FamilyLife podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network