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July 12, 2017


Title: Summer Tips for Blended Families
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Dr. Daniel Huerta
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

Danny Huerta, with Focus on the Family, has some helpful summer tips for the many, many parents who are part of a “blended family”.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How can the non-custodial parent help ease the transition when their kids come to stay with them during the summer or other holidays?

Is consistency important between the two households?

Why is it vital for parents to be flexible?

Danny suggests planning a fun outing for the first night kids are with their parent. It doesn’t have to be expensive – a simple ice cream stop will suffice! Listen as he offers other memory-making ideas.



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October 20, 2016


Title: Manage Holidays with Stepfamilies
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)


Part 1 of 2

If you think your life is hectic during the holidays, you should try coordinating schedules, dinner plans, and Christmas gifts with the parents of three households – most of whom don’t care for each other very much!

Ron Deal is a marriage and family author, conference speaker, and therapist. He is Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies™ and director of FamilyLife Blended™, the ministry initiative of FamilyLife® to stepfamilies. Today, he will be offering guidelines blended families should follow to make holidays run more smoothly.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why is planning so important? Is it helpful to use a calendar?

Does it hurt to ask to alter the schedule from the “court orders”? Ron reminds us that each family situation is different and not all families get along very well, so make sure you use your best judgment concerning this suggestion. You don’t want to start a firestorm.

Is it imperative to keep traditions simple and ongoing?



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Manage Holidays with Stepfamilies
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Prayer and a good attitude are also vital to happy holidays – whether or not you have a blended family.
Why does this make a difference and what does he suggest families do to make the holidays more bearable?

Why should parents encourage their children to have fun during their time with the other parent?

Holidays are stressful for kids, too, and they often get moody not knowing how to react to certain situations. Why should parents be sensitive to these mood swings and not punish their kids for having “feelings”?




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March 10, 2015


Title: Balancing a Blended Family
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Perfecting the balance between God, work, hobbies, kids, and spending time with your spouse is a never-ending chore. But it is achievable! Ron Deal is an expert on helping families, especially blended families, obtain a lasting balance in order to keep their families intact.

He says, “The marriage has to come first. It is the leading relationship within the home.” I think we all recognize this fact, but it is often hard to actually do it. Ron explains how simply letting your spouse know they are the most important living person in their life is key.

However, this gets a little complicated blended families. Ron explains how it is easy to let the kids get in the way of the marriage relationship because they’ve been the main focus in a single-parent household before the new mom/dad stepped into the picture. But how do you keep the kids from feeling abandoned? “There is a delicate balance that must be obtained,” Ron says. One suggestions Ron has for couples is to find a mentor couple to help them on their journey.

Also, when you get your love relationship with God right, then all the other “stuff” will just fall into place. We only have 24 hours in each day. Use them wisely. You can make in difference in your family, but you must be willing to try before you can be successful. Read Psalm 22 with your family tonight at the dinner table. Then read Psalm 23. God is always with us; we have nothing to fear.

You can find Ron Deal [here].



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November 25, 2014


Title: Blended Families and the Holidays
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Part 1 of 2

The holidays are supposed to be a time of rejoicing, with family gatherings, food, and tradition. Many things can interfere with our happiness, however: the recent death of a loved one or the loss of a job and financial stress. Or maybe you fall into another category, one that includes nearly half of all American, specifically children: The Blended Family.

NOTE: The details discussed in the two segments with Ron Deal apply to everyone, whether you are a blended family or not. You may have adult children who are married with their own children. They can’t always come to “your” house – they have other priorities now! Some may live miles away now and can’t afford to come home every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Or maybe all the in-laws are coming to your house this year! What now?

Ron Deal, with Smart Stepfamilies, says there are some guidelines that everyone, especially blended families, should consider. First, he says planning is essential. School programs, church programs (for both families), traveling, parties, and even the traditional day set aside to decorate the tree can clash and add so much unneeded stress if they aren’t planned ahead of time. Remember to be kind to everyone involved or every year will be a battle.

Some other helpful tips for blended families:
If you send a text to your child every night when they are at their other parent’s house continue to do so during the holidays. Step-parents need to recognize that children are torn between being happy and sad at the holidays; they need support and listening ears. This is a great way to bond with your step-child and let them know you really do care. Parents – you need to be happy for your children when they leave – even though you don’t want to be! Reassure your child that it is ok for them to be happy!



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Blended Families and the Holidays
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

When you first got married, did you feel like an outsider? Your spouse’s family may have certain traditions which seemed so strange to you! But traditions are very, very important, especially during the holidays and even more so for children.

You, as the parent, may be stressed over the turkey and place settings and getting the house cleaned. Your children are stressed, too, but for different reasons. Your spouse comes first, but your children need extra-special attention during this time. Stick with traditions, but also try to find a way to combine your traditions into one. This will make it even more special!

Ron Deal has some great advice for church workers around the holidays. You may notice your new neighbors have a few extra kids hanging around that you don’t recognize. Invite them to church for your Christmas programs.

Also, try to be more flexible when there are extra kids in your class. Ron reminds us to be sensitive to the fact that these children may not be able to come more often than the two weeks at Christmastime. Make them welcome, but don’t be too eager in your invitation for them to come back.

Ron says “Have an open heart…Commit it to God and roll with it.” More information from Ron Deal on successful stepfamilies can be found at www.SmartStepfamilies.com  and www.FamilyLife.com .



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September 12, 2011


Title: Is It Time for “MY” Mid-Life Crisis?
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

When we approach each day, do we filter all our activities through the lens of eternity? What will really matter?

The faith of our children and grandchildren depends on their guide, and too often their guide is their parent(s).

May we as parents and grandparents begin to ask ourselves:
1. What can I do with the rest of my life that is significant – of eternal importance?
2. How do I live and love every day in light of eternity?
3. What can I do with my time that will glorify God the most?

The here and now is not all there is, but sometimes we live as if there is no tomorrow and NO ETERNITY. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. You can make a difference for all eternity. Live as if eternity matters!



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December 1, 2010


Title: Blended Families Proliferate: Becoming a Smart Stepmom
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Laura Petherbridge
with The Smart Stepmom  (www.TheSmartStepmom.com)

Segment 1 of 3

Discussing practical insights for him and her and the kids who make up blended families.

Laura Petherbridge discusses fresh new insights into how to overcome the Christmas and holiday stressors unique to stepmoms. Laura and Rod Deal will team up during an upcoming Live Webinar: Becoming a Smart Stepmom scheduled for Tuesday night December 7. For more log onto www.TheSmartStepmom.com. Click below to listen to this segment.



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Title: Stressors Unique to Blended Families
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Laura Petherbridge
with The Smart Stepmom  (www.TheSmartStepmom.com)

Segment 2 of 3

Discusses ways to prepare for realistic expectations for moms and dads in blended families.

Holidays are stressful enough without added more and more layers of families which comes with the territory by joining his with hers to make a blended family. Laura and Rod Deal will team up during an upcoming Live Webinar: Becoming a Smart Stepmom scheduled for Tuesday night December 7. For more log onto www.TheSmartStepmom.com. Click below to listen to this segment.



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Title: Practical Help and Encouragement for Blended Families
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Laura Petherbridge
with The Smart Stepmom  (www.TheSmartStepmom.com)

Segment 3 of 3

Discusses ways to overcome stress commonly found in blended families.

Many couples in blended families often feel their day to day experiences are just unique to their blended family. Laura assures our listeners that thousands of families right here in the Houston area face the same difficulties and her insight is uplifting and encouraging. Laura and Rod Deal will team up during an upcoming Live Webinar: Becoming a Smart Stepmom scheduled for Tuesday night December 7. For more log onto www.TheSmartStepmom.com. Click below to listen to this segment.



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November 5, 2010


Title: Blended Families Proliferate: Becoming a Smart Stepmom
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Laura Petherbridge
with The Smart Stepmom  (www.TheSmartStepmom.com)

Segment 1 of 3

Discussing practical insights for him and her and the kids who make up blended families.

Laura Petherbridge discusses fresh new insights into how to overcome the Christmas and holiday stressors unique to stepmoms. Laura and Rod Deal will team up during an upcoming Live Webinar: Becoming a Smart Stepmom scheduled for Tuesday night December 7. For more log onto www.TheSmartStepmom.com. Click below to listen to this segment.



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Title: Stressors Unique to Blended Families
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Laura Petherbridge
with The Smart Stepmom  (www.TheSmartStepmom.com)

Segment 2 of 3

Discusses ways to prepare for realistic expectations for moms and dads in blended families.

Holidays are stressful enough without added more and more layers of families which comes with the territory by joining his with hers to make a blended family. Laura and Rod Deal will team up during an upcoming Live Webinar: Becoming a Smart Stepmom scheduled for Tuesday night December 7. For more log onto www.TheSmartStepmom.com.  Click below to listen to this segment.



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Title: Practical Help and Encouragement for Blended Families
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Laura Petherbridge
with The Smart Stepmom  (www.TheSmartStepmom.com)

Segment 3 of 3

Discusses ways to overcome stress commonly found in blended families.

Many couples in blended families often feel their day to day experiences are just unique to their blended family. Laura assures our listeners that thousands of families right here in the Houston area face the same difficulties and her insight is uplifting and encouraging. Laura and Rod Deal will team up during an upcoming Live Webinar: Becoming a Smart Stepmom scheduled for Tuesday night December 7. For more log onto www.TheSmartStepmom.com. Click below to listen to this segment.



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November 4, 2010


Title: Building Successful Stepfamilies
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Segment 1 of 3

Does America suffer from a cycle of generational divorce?

Can re-divorce be prevented?

Today, how do various members of a blended family cope with the added stress?



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Title: MIX HOLIDAYS AND BLENDED FAMILES TOGETHER AND THE OUTCOME CAN BECOME STRESS-VILLE!
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Segment 2 of 3


Do the complexities of the blended family add to the stresses of holiday times?

Successful Step Families (www.SuccessfulStepFamilies)



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Title: WHAT IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS BLENDED FAMILIES TOGETHER?
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Segment 3 of 3


Over 2/3rds of second marriages end in divorce. Can blended marriages add some glue to their relationships to hold the ship together?

Successful Step Families (www.SuccessfulStepFamilies)



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August 18, 2010


Title: Beyond the Brady Bunch: Hope and Help for Blended Families Part 1 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ray and Debbie Alsdorf
with Blended Family Living (www.BlendedFamilyLiving.com)

With Biblical wisdom and practical insights for today’s stepfamilies, Ray and Debbie Alsdorf – the parents of his and her, with candor and heartfelt compassion and sympathy and empathy share the complexities and blessings they have experienced when merging two homes into one.

Ray and Debbie Alsdorf – the parents of his and hers…with candor and heartfelt compassion…sympathy and empathy….Ray and Debbie share the complexities and blessings they have experienced when merging two homes into one.

With Biblical wisdom and practical insights for today’s stepfamilies…everywhere.

(Continued next segment)



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Title: Beyond the Brady Bunch: Hope and Help for Blended Families Part 2 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ray and Debbie Alsdorf
with Blended Family Living (www.BlendedFamilyLiving.com)

1.   Do you have a t-shirt that says, “Been there…done that…now…gonna help you with that!”? 

2.   How can parents and children learn to live with new hope? 

3.   Are all families…all families….alike or do all families have differences? 

4.   Is there Power behind the biological bond? 

5.   What about holidays, money, custody and other nuts and bolts details to blending two families? 

6.   Should parents…all parents…set aside scheduled time every week to listen to their children? 

7.   Debbie: what traps do mothers/women fall into? 

8.   Ray: what traps do dads/fathers fall into?



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May 12, 2009


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 3
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of “his” and “hers” and then add “theirs” to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 2 of 3
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Are you stressed out and longing for family harmony? Blended families struggle on a daily basis with many issues. If you are one of them, log on to www.successfulstepfamilies.com for information that could help your family.



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 3 of 3
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

More and more Americans are getting divorced and remarrying - most of the time with kids in the middle of it. If this describes your family, how are your children handling the situation? If you think they are fine, they probably aren’t. Family Life Minister Ron Deal has many great resources at www.successfulstepfamilies.com to help you and your children.



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May 11, 2009


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 3
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of “his” and “hers” and then add “theirs” to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com Tune in to The What's UP Radio Program tomorrow to hear more from Family Life Minister Ron Deal.



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December 31, 2008


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 2 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 3 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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September 23, 2008


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 2 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 3 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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May 29, 2008


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 3 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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May 28, 2008


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 2 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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May 27, 2008


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 3: A Best of Series
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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August 10, 2007


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 2 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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July 25, 2006


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 2 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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February 28, 2006


Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 1 of 2 from June 20, 2005
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: SURVIVING A BLENDED FAMILY Segment 2 of 2 from June 20, 2005
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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June 20, 2005


Title: Surviving in a Blended Family Segment 1 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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Title: Surviving in a Blended Family Segemtn 2 of 2
Topic: Blended Families
Discussed by Ron Deal
with Successful Stepfamilies (www.successfulstepfamilies.com)

Family Life Minister Ron Deal offers hope and guidance in understanding blended families. 30% of marriages today blend a combination of "his" and "hers" and then add "theirs" to the mix. Resources are available at www.successfulstepfamilies.com



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