113: Bonus Dad Pro Tips from Mike
Men want harmony in their homes, but the dynamics of blended family life can threaten peaceful relationships. Mike Haney speaks with Ron Deal on how stepdads can create meaningful connections with...
View Article114: Men in Blended Families: Why You Need a Strong Support System
Former NFL player Jeff Kemp has spent decades connecting with men. He understands the common struggles which include insecurity, comparison, and shame. He shares with Ron Deal how men can best cope by...
View Article115: Stepchildren and Marriage: How to Build Trust
Blended family life doesn't often start with every relationship experiencing harmony. But it's not unusual to develop it along the way. Listen to Ron Deal speak with Gil and Brenda Stuart about how...
View Article116: Divorce Grief– Breaking Soul Ties
Do you have wounds from a previous relationship that you carried into your new family? We call these ghosts of marriage past. Unresolved residue also happens with our kids and affects our ability to...
View Article117: Trusting God in Difficult Times
No one wants to walk through grief and suffering. But God uses hard times to grow our character, develop perseverance, and find hope in Him. Ron Deal talks with Davey and Kristi Blackburn about how to...
View Article118: Blended Family Dynamics – The Enneagram Types Explained
The enneagram gives us insight into our unique gifts and the contributions we can make with those around us. But it shouldn’t be the ultimate source of our identity. Ron Deal talks with Jeff and Beth...
View Article119: Parenting Teens During the Loneliness Epidemic
Children want to be heard and seen. Ron Deal had a conversation with Dr Mark Mayfield about how parents can help teens with loneliness. They offer wisdom and practical help for sensitive, serious...
View Article120: Blended Family Christmas: Tips to reduce holiday stress
The holidays can be a stressful time juggling visitations, planning family activities, and managing all the feelings in the Christmas season. Emotions in blended families are often magnified during...
View Article121: Lessons from Adoptive Parents
Blended families come in all shapes and sizes. Each family is unique with its own complexities. Chris and Yodit Brooks share their stories growing up in a blended family as well as wisdom they've...
View Article122: Blending a Family: Where Do I Start?
When we blend two families, what's the goal and how do we get there? Do we focus more on parenting or our marriage? Do I parent my stepchild or build a relationship first? How do we manage a difficult...
View Article123: How To Overcome Co-parenting Conflict
High-conflict co-parenting is a common struggle in blended families. Ron Deal speaks with Diane Dierks and Rick Voyles on how to improve co-parenting conflict as you prioritize what you're fighting...
View Article124: Helping Your Kids With Their Emotions
Helping your kids with their emotions is a critical life skill, yet we often don’t equip kids with these valuable skills. Ron Deal speaks with Michelle Nietert, LPC, about common feelings kids in...
View Article125: How To Be Thankful in a Blended Family
Have you ever wondered how to be thankful in a hard season in your blended family? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about finding joy, regardless of our circumstances, as we focus on God’s...
View Article126: Strained Relationships with Adult Kids
When relationships with our adult kids and stepkids become strained or estranged, our hearts hurt. How did we get here? How do we fix it? Ron Deal talks with Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith about common...
View Article127: Getting Remarried?
Getting remarried in later life after the death of a spouse or divorce? How do you know if you’re ready? Should you consider the feelings of your adult children? Ron Deal talks with Jim and Shirley...
View Article128: Organize Your Life
Do you have trouble organizing your life? Your family calendar? Well, help is on the way! Ron Deal speaks with James and Ginger Dellaripa about challenges of blended family management including...
View Article129: Stepparent Vs Bio Parent: Seeing Conflicts Differently
Conflicts are inevitable on family journeys. Rodney and Annetta Whitney share their journey, confusing dynamics, and their light bulb moments with Ron Deal. Stepparent, if you feel like an outsider,...
View Article130: Coping With Traumatic Events
Trauma and suffering can impact families in unexpected ways. Joel and Vaneetha Risner share with Ron Deal the positive effects of loss and suffering and how it helped to ground their faith, trust God...
View Article131: God’s Purpose and Intent for Sexuality
Do you wonder about God's purpose and intent for marital sexuality within marriage? What about the symbolism the Bible presents on this topic? Do you need help on how to nurture and protect this aspect...
View Article132: Growing Up Blended: Navigating Loss
Our past affects our present. And when we experience complicated blended family dynamics as a child, we're forever changed. Listen to Scott Kedersha share with Ron Deal how his blended family...
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