Are you waiting to be wanted by someone you care about in your blended family? It's a hard reality for many in the early years. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Cheryl Shumake on how to persevere through the waiting during the wilderness years.
Preparing for marriage to begin a blended family comes with unique dynamics. Ron Deal, Director of FamilyLife Blended, talks about addressing not just the joining of two hearts, but those of the whole family.
Are you engaged or just beginning a blended family? Ron Deal, Director of FamilyLife Blended, discusses how couples can prepare their families to blend with intentionality and joy.
Unpacking bumps and bruises on the blended family journey is part of readying yourself for stepfamily living. In this episode, Craig and Gina Morgan talk with Ron Deal and unpack some of their baggage and invite you to do the same as you listen.
The holidays can be a challenge for blended families. Ron Deal moderates a panel discussing the complexity of holidays with stepfamilies.
Labels can be confusing in stepfamilies. Does it really matter what a stepchild calls his stepparent? Join Ron Deal and Steve and Misty Arterburn as they discuss this important topic.
Blending a family isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it. Ron Deal reminds couples that their marriage must be a priority if the marriage is going to thrive. Hear one young woman share what it's like to be a stepdaughter.
Ron Deal explains that marriage, while typically a two-person dance, gets complicated as couples try to manage all the lives around them. He encourages couples to hold onto God's hand and never give up.
Ron Deal talks with Dave and Ann Wilson about how couples often get blindsided when trying to blend two families. He gives some practical advice for interacting with stepchildren.
Andy and Heather Hetchler were surprised by how hard it was to bring their families together when one former spouse was an MIA parent. Hear their conversation with Ron Deal about their experience and how they began sharing what they learned with others.
Gary Chapman joins Ron Deal to talk about loving your blended family members through the five love languages: touch, quality time, gifts, words of affirmation, and acts of service.
Gary Chapman and Ron Deal team up to talk about applying the love languages to a second marriage. Both spouses need to be intentional about protecting their marriage and reassuring their children.
What says love to you? A tender touch? A surprise gift? Time with your honey? Gary Chapman joins blended-family expert Ron Deal, to talk about the love languages and the blended family.
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.