FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

Do you struggle with 2nd wife syndrome? Are you confused with your role and often feel you can't measure up to the expectations? Ron Deal speaks with Bill and Jen Rogers on the valuable role stepmoms play and offers encouragement and pro tips for those stuck in the trenches. Show Notes and Resources Free download: Top 10 Pro tips Jen's Bold and Blended podcast Read: The Smart Stepmom Attend The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry virtually! Find a small group or add your group to the Blended ministry map. Set sail with on the Love Like You Mean It cruise! Thank you for making a gift to FamilyLife Blended. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Litigation creates stress and anxiety for stepfamilies, but there are ways to experience peace and bring kindness to others in the midst of it. Listen to Ron Deal with Scott and Vanessa Martindale on how to resist negative emotions and find resolution in custody cases that best meets the needs of your child. Show Notes and Resources Find more FamilyLife Blended resources. Get your copy of Scott and Vanessa's book, Blended and Redeemed Learn more about Scott and Vanessa Join the Virtual Summit on Stepfamily ministry this year! Thank you for supporting FamilyLife Blended. We would love to hear from you. Email blendedquestions@familylife.com | Call 407-826-2606 See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

When complicated circumstances show up in blended families, relationship-building slows down. Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Darrell Bock about how the death of his mom when he was a teenager, a dad who traveled weekly with work, and a new stepmom with three kids created tension and uneasiness for everyone. Show Notes and Resources Blended and Blessed information and registration Get your copy of Lauren Reitsema’s book, In Their Shoes. Get your copy of Building Love Together in Blended Families Buy a copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning Send a tax deductible gift for FamilyLife Blended. Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call with a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Stepfamilies are fundamentally different than biological families, which can create tension and ambiguity for everyone involved. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Patricia Papernow about key principles for healthy relationship building in blended families which navigating complex dynamics and competing priorities between the marriage and the children. Show Notes and Resources Step-Insiders and Step-Outsiders Validating Children in Stepfamilies Dr. Papernow's website Join sites around the globe for this year's Blended and Blessed! Send a tax deductible gift for FamilyLife Blended. Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call with a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

How can you establish your marital relationship as the foundation for the home when children preceded your union? It starts by understanding that a strong marriage contributes more significantly to the stability of the home than any other factor—including the children. In this episode, Ron Deal and Gayla Grace offer practical tips on how to put your spouse in the front seat of your heart while still prioritizing your children. Show Notes and Resources Your review of the podcast might be played on a future show! Call 407-826-2606 FamilyLife Blended resources Make a tax deductible donation. Join us for this year's Blended and Blessed. Watch from home! See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Blending isn't the goal for stepfamilies; it suggests the family becomes one in a relational sense, which rarely occurs. Other cooking strategies that stepfamilies try, such as the instapot, food processor, or pressure cooker, don't work well either. Then what does? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace discuss how crockpot cooking is the key. Show Notes and Resources Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily Blended Family Events and Resources Join us for this year's Blended and Blessed. Watch from home! Make a tax deductible contribution to support the blended podcast. Write to us at blendedquestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606 to share a review of the podcast. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you have a roadmap to follow on your blended family journey? We'd like to encourage using God's Word to guide you, encourage you, and empower your steps. Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace, along with stepcouple guests, talk about the value of scripture for families who are in need of hope, guidance, comfort, and encouragement in their homes. Show Notes and Resources We would love to hear about your family's "Promised Land Moment!" Call 407-826-2606 or write to us at blendedquestions@familylife.com Epsiode 97: Protecting Your Kids From Porn Blended Family Events and Resources Thank you for sending support. One day to a better marriage! Learn more. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What are key stepping stones every stepfamily needs that will lead to healthy relationship building? Ron Deal and Gayla Grace discuss how perseverance, flexibility, commitment, Christ-likeness and other core attributes work together to create familyness. Show Notes and Resources Share a positive moment in your family's journey with others. Write to us at BlendedQuestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606 to share a positive moment for your family! Blended Family Events and Resources Get your copy of The Smart Stepfamily. Make a tax deductible contribution to support the blended podcast. One day to a better marriage! Learn more. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Every parent undertands the power a smartphone carries with kids. What rules, principles, or contracts should you put in place to manage their use? David Eaton, author of Smartphone Sanity, talks with Ron Deal about 8 major concerns to consider that will keep smartphones from invading your home and hijacking your child. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Axis. Get your copy of David's book, Smartphone Sanity. Get your copy of David's book, Engaging Your Teens World. Thank you for supporting FamilyLife Blended with a donation. Find blended events and groups in your area. Blended Family Events and Resources We'd love to hear about your journey! Write to us at BlendedQuestions@familylife.com or call 407-826-2606 to share a positive moment for your family! See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Parents who are alienated from their children due to the behavior of a former spouse face devastating loss. But there is hope for redemption! Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Dr. Richard Marks on how Marks re-connected with his mother as an adult and has enjoyed a healthy, thriving relationship with her for 30 years. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dr. Richard Marks Listen to episode #6: Challenging Co-Parent Situations and Parent Alienation. Make a tax deductible contribution to support the blended podcast. Call 407-826-2606 or email blendedquestions@familylife.com to tell us about a “Promised Land Moment” for your family (e.g., a moment of joy or success for your family)! See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy