FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

Did you know the military has a high-rate of couples in stepfamilies? Did you know that military personnel marry, divorce, and remarry at a younger age and more frequently than civilians do? Todd Gangl, co-founder of Military Ready Stepfamily, talks with Ron Deal about the added stressors military stepfamilies experience and how these families can create a healthy stepfamily culture that gives everyone the opportunity to bond, even amidst the challenges. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about The Military Ready Stepfamily and how to create a Stepfamily Care Plan. https://www.themilitaryreadystepfamily.com/ Learn about the resource When War Comes Home. https://shop.familylife.com/p-1559-when-war-comes-home.aspx Learn more about the Restored and Remarried resource. https://gilandbrenda.com/restored-remarried/ Learn about the Combat Trauma Healing Manual. https://crumilitary.org/product/combat-trauma-healing-manual/ Resources from Tammy and Jay Daughtry. http://modernfamilydynamics.com/about/ Learn more about the online courses FamilyLife has to offer. https://www.familylife.com/learn Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/ Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

We can't help but live in a social culture. For blended families, that culture often includes multiple homes, ambiguous roles of parents and stepparents, and lots of moving parts. Listen in while Ron Deal talks with pediatrician Dr. Meg Meeker on how parents and stepparents can protect their kids from the culture and make a lasting impact on those in their home. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dr. Meg Meeker's book: Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture: 11 Steps to Keep Her Happy, Healthy, and Safe. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621575039/ Check out Dr. Meg Meeker's podcast. https://www.meekerparenting.com/podcast Podcast #26: Two Homes, Two Sets of Values: From a Child’s Point of View. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/26-two-homes-two-sets-of-values-from-a-childs-point-of-view/ Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended Learn more about FamilyLife's Art of Parenting®. https://www.familylife.com/parenting/register/ Watch blended family parenting tips from Ron Deal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1r30g9sMm4andlist=PLoZ3uqAYX8EHZjGMdaSq55x93sOyetX7c See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Our world expects moms and stepmoms to be against each other. The social media club of "let's bash the mom or stepmom and commiserate together" is alive and well. But when a mom and stepmom don't play that game-when they find a way past resentment and appreciate what each offers the children, and cooperate on behalf of the child-people take notice and the world celebrates a small victory. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Jessica Patterson, a licensed counselor and mom and stepmom about how to mitigate the battle of the moms. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Jessica Patterson. https://www.newlifecounselingcenter.com/ Article: Battle of the Moms in a Blended family. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/multiple-home-realities/battle-of-the-moms-in-a-blended-family/ The Smart Stepmom by Ron Deal and Laura Petherbridge.  https://shop.familylife.com/p-5665-the-smart-stepmom.aspx Listen to episode "21: Stepfamilies and The Holidays". https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-blended-podcast/21-stepfamilies-and-the-holidays/ Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

For most of us, grandparents are fabulous! They are the adults who love us, but don't have to discipline us, and because they don't have to take us home, relish the chance to spoil us. Stepgrandparenting can be all that if everyone agrees that it can-and everyone wants it to happen. Listen in on this episode while Ron Deal talks with Gordon and Carrie Taylor about the unique aspects of grandparenting in blended families. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Gordon and Carri Taylor's ministry Opportunities Unlimited.  http://www.cgtaylor.com/ Read about stepgrandparenting and how to bring the outsider in. https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/learn/special-topics/stepgrandparenting-bringing-the-outsider-in Learn more about blended family resources. https://shop.familylife.com/Products.aspx?categoryid=171 Learn more about the Legacy Coalition. https://legacycoalition.com/ Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.  https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Whatever we invest ourselves on a regular basis-our habits-not only become commonplace, but actually shape our decisions and our relationships. What are the habits-the daily practices-of your marriage? And how can they make your blended family marriage stronger? In this episode, Ron Deal talks with marriage and family therapist and stepfamily coach, Jayna Haney, and her husband Mike about intentional daily habits that have strengthened their marriage and stepfamily relationships over time. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Mike and Jayna Haney. https://www.thebridgeacross.com Check out Jayna's blog. https://www.jaynahaney.com/2020/05/15/feeling-left-out-make-more-time-with-your-spouse/ The Smart Stepfamily Marriage by Ron Deal.  https://shop.familylife.com/p-4114-the-smart-stepfamily-marriage.aspx Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.  https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Parents, stepparents and school representatives (teachers, counselors, and administrators) all play a role in helping school-home relationships thrive. But not everyone knows how to play that role. Ron Deal is joined by school counselor Allison Weatter, principal Steven Helmick, and teacher Nan Deal, along with stepmom and author Gayla Grace, for a panel discussion on this important subject. As a parent or stepparent, how can you help teachers understand your unique stepfamily dynamics and relate to your child better? As a teacher or school counselor, how can you better advocate for and look out for your students who live in stepfamily or single parent homes? Kids wear different backpacks to school with baggage they're carrying from life experiences. Listen in for some great ideas on how to help lighten their load as a parent, stepparent, or school representative. Show Notes and Resources Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Stepfamily life often includes a variety of crises, some big, many small. How do you effectively manage those crises and come out on the other side with connected relationships and renewed commitment? Crisis counselor Jennifer Ellers became a stepmom and had to survive her own crisis of expectation. She and her husband, Kevin, join Ron Deal in this episode and offer tips and tools they've learned from their years in a stepfamily. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Kevin and Jennifer Ellers.  http://institute4compassionatecare.com/ and http://www.crisisresponse.org/Our-Instructors/ International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. https://icisf.org/ellers-m-a-jennifer/ ARTICLE: Coaching for Resilience: An Interview with Jennifer. (8 min. read) https://www.aacc.net/2017/09/20/coaching-for-resilience-an-interview-with-jennifer-cisney-ellers/ Blended Family Ministry Map. https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/find-an-event/ Find stepfamily resources in the online store. https://shop.familylife.com/products.aspx?categoryid=171andpage=1andpagesize=all Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.  https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

As a second wife or husband, have you ever felt second best? Or treated as second class by others? How can you be first in your spouse's heart when you're not the ONLY? In this episode, Ron Deal talks with Lore Ferguson Wilbert about how to combat your insecurities that naturally arise in second marriages. Perhaps there's a lack of trust, shame, or feelings of competition with your partner's former spouse. Whatever the reason, insecurities dissipate when we look to God as our source of love for our identity. We can respond from His wellspring of love even in the midst of hard emotions, offering compassion for our spouse instead of competition with someone who isn't even in the picture anymore. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Lore Wilbert at Sayable.net. ARTICLE: Second Wife, Second Life. (8 min. read)  https://www.fathommag.com/stories/second-wife-second-life Handle With Care by Lore Wilbert.  https://www.handlewithcarebook.com/ Dating and The Single Parent by Ron Deal.  https://shop.familylife.com/p-2487-dating-and-the-single-parent.aspx Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal.  https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx Daily Encouragement for The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal.  https://shop.familylife.com/p-5224-daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry.  https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Are you looking for support for the unique dynamics and challenges that stepfamily life brings? Have you wondered where you can go to get help? Then this episode is for you! Ron Deal talks with Gil and Brenda Stuart on how to find a church that will support you as a stepcouple, how to know if you need counseling and where to go, and what to do if not everyone is willing to go. It might be as simple as attending a small group at your church with other couples on a similar journey. But you must commit to go! Listen in as we talk about the value of finding the right support for your stepfamily and your part in making it happen. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Gil and Brenda Stuart. https://gilandbrenda.com/ Blended Family Ministry Map. https://www.familylife.com/blendedmap Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ How to Find a Competent Christian Stepfamily Therapist. https://www.smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/learn/sharing-hope-finding-help/how-to-find-a-competent-christian-stepfamily-therapist Trusted Counselor List https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/marriage-therapy-intensives Encouragement for the couples in a stepfamily. https://gilandbrenda.com/restored-remarried/ Building Love Together in Blended Families by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal.  https://shop.familylife.com/p-5763-building-love-together-in-blended-families.aspx See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

If you had your pick, what term would you use for the stepparent in your family? Some people are perfectly fine with “stepparent”, but others prefer “bonus parent” or “Smom” if you’re a stepmom. And, does the label really matter? Or is it how you conduct yourself as a stepparent that matters? Ron Deal will get into all that and more on today’s FamilyLife Blended podcast with guests, Steve and Misty Arterburn. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Steve and Misty Arterburn http://www.stevearterburn.com/ The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal.  https://shop.familylife.com/p-3625-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx Blended and Blessed- Digital All-Access Pass https://shop.familylife.com/p-5838-all-access-pass-blended-blessed-2020.aspx Learn more and register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. https://www.summitonstepfamilies.com/ Books by Steve and Misty Arterburn http://www.stevearterburn.com/books/mediterranean-love-plan/ Daily Encouragement for The Smart Stepfamily https://shop.familylife.com/p-5224-daily-encouragement-for-the-smart-stepfamily.aspx Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like the FamilyLife Blended® Podcast. https://donate.familylife.com/familylife-blended/ See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy