All Articles for Stepfamily Living

Have you wondered what's going on inside a child of divorce? Ron Deal and Lauren Reitsema address common questions parents and stepparents ask about kids.

You know, sometimes members of a stepfamily are confused about what to call each other.

The Bible says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." What? Speak up! I can't hear you!

Have you ever noticed that worry can spoil an otherwise happy day?

You know that scene in Forrest Gump when he runs back and forth across the country for three years? Hey, stop running!

So, what do you call a stepfamily?

Parents are lying to their kids...for personal gain. And, it's got to stop.

It's that time of year again when you not only need to plan for the holidays but need to prepare for co-parenting issues that inevitably arise. Ron Deal and guests share their wisdom and blunders of navigating holidays through the years.

I'm not sure you want to do this, but if you want to push a friend or family member away, just lie to them.

How do you get ready to blend a new stepfamily? Drs. Jeff and Judi Parziale discuss with Ron Deal how they coach couples in pre-stepfamily work and the wisdom they have learned in their 20 year marriage.

Okay, let's face it some people are just easier to forgive than others.

For a woman with no biological children, stepping into the role of stepmom can be a bewildering labyrinth of complexities. Ron Deal and Laura Petherbridge discuss how to navigate this winding path.

Money matters can be a pain point in any marriage and family. However, stepfamilies can produce monetary minefields! Ron Deal, along with, Greg S. Pettys and David O. Edwards, discuss financial planning and how blended families can finance togetherness.

Ron Deal says there's no need to carry around the baggage of your past sins and we should let God deal with it. He talks us through the story of the woman at the well.

How can I share the gospel if my family is a mess? Ron Deal reminds us that most of the families featured in Jesus' lineage were dysfunctional, so you're in good company.

Our God is a God of reconciliation. And any time we can reconcile a relationship, it's a good thing.

When it comes to supporting couples in stepfamilies, everyone can play a part.

In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Brian and Diane Fromme. They share stories and wisdom from their experience, and Diane gives insight on the challenge of entering a family that is grieving the death of a parent.

If self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, then how do we allow the Spirit to cultivate that fruit in our lives? Rob Bugh discusses how this quality is especially critical in blended families.

Soooo, how strong is your flexibility muscle?

Rob Bugh talks about the importance of self-control in blended families. He tells about how a lack of self-control caused great regret in the early years of his new marriage.

If you want to love someone well, be a gentle-servant.

How do you sift through the murky waters of lawyers, legalities and loss while parenting your children? Ron Deal talks with Willie and Rachel Scott about their perspective and how God walked them through their individual stories of custody matters.

Is your family communication filtered or unfiltered?

This is ironic, in today's digital world we're more connected and disconnected than ever before.

In biological families, when a husband and wife move toward each other, they bring their children with them.

Someone once said that being nagged is like being nibbled to death by a duck.

Actions speak much louder than words.

Does your childhood, or previous relationships, ever creep into your current ones? If you've ever noticed that certain themes tend to repeat in our relationships you are not alone. Ron Deal is talking with USA-Today Best-selling author Tricia Goyer.

A biological family is born out of hopefulness while a stepfamily is born out of loss.

Really? Jesus learned obedience?

What if your stepdaughter is "the other woman"?

Help me. My family is falling apart.

They just don't get it, Ron. Stepfamilies are not the same.

A pre-nup. You want us to do a pre-nup?

Do you want to start a fight in a stepfamily with adult kids? Just start talking about money.

"Ron, this is so hard for me to relate to. I've never experienced a blended family." Well, maybe you have.

What good is a trust without trust?

Okay, I'm going to let you in on a little secret.

To make a friend, be gentle-respectful.

In stepfamilies, be gentle and respectful.

Do you want to be strong? Be gentle-strong.

Why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane?

Hey, we respect you enough to give it to you straight.

Rodney and Lisa Webb share their difficult blended journey, as counselor and therapist Helen Wheeler and blended family expert Ron Deal speak wisdom.

Are you so bold as to insult God?

Have you ever had someone get mad at you...because you forgave them?

A foolish child will make your soul ache.

So, what's your bias?

Experiencing the love of Christ changes us.