From widow and single mother to second wife and stepmom, my soul suffered an identity crisis.

Ten ideas that helped (or would have helped) my family during our first blended year.

Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, but that requires first knowing who we are in Christ.

Strengthen bonds between kids and stepparents by going on a trip that doesn’t fit into the status quo.

When the world is telling you to blame your ex-spouse and embrace bitterness, you can work on turning your thoughts toward a peaceful working relationship.

Three helpful hints I use to navigate the holidays in my blended family.

At Christmas, decisions for an adult child of divorce become especially difficult, with both parents vying for your loyalty and attention.

Your stepfamily may have another river to cross and a few more battles to face, but don’t give up—significant rewards lie ahead.

Even though the legal rights of a stepparent over his or her stepchildren is limited, love is not limited.

God showed His love for us by bringing the outsider in, and that’s how Christians should love the “extended” members of stepfamilies.

Divorced parents should constantly evaluate themselves and ask if their behavior is helping or hurting their children.

Whether you realize it or not, your stepfamily has likely assumed a specific integration style. By that, I mean a set of assumptions about how your stepfamily ‘ought’ to come…

Biological parents who find themselves caught between their spouse and their child should step out of the conflict as often as possible.

Adolescence is a natural time of turmoil in nearly every family.

One of the most menacing dynamics attacking the health of a stepfamily is a destructive parent in the other home.

When you have a new marriage and blended family, it’s important to build a respectful working relationship with your ex.

Be prepared to face loss as you celebrate the holidays.

“Should we have a baby together?” It’s an interesting question from stepfamily couples and I’m always taken aback by it.  Couples on their first marriage never ask me that question!…

Practical suggestions for stepmoms.

David’s new marriage was on the verge of failure. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his wife; they just could not agree on how much responsibility their children should have….

I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Africa a few times in my life. The rules of the road and expectations of other drivers are not like those in the…

It was late in 2007 when I knew that something was not right in my marriage. My wife was very distant and didn’t want to talk about our problems. She…

Growing up, my parents provided for my brothers and me whatever they could, but money wasn’t always available. Yet they gave me something far greater than the expensive trappings of…

God’s principles for living still apply and still hold promise for a healthy home, no matter how that home came together.

Did you ever play the game Lock Out on your school playground? The game begins when kids form a circle by interlocking arms. Then one person on the outside attempts…

Seven practical steps for healthy relationships within your stepfamily.

Your special needs stepfamily can find peace and stability with time and the right tools and perspective.

Corporations have strategy meetings on a regular basis. Department heads, supervisors, and managers get together to discuss current production goals, sales reports, and marketing efforts. The purpose behind such meetings…

Many couples travel to the “foreign country” of stepfamily living with little or no preparation.

We’ve all done it: We’ve all unjustly taken our anger against one person out on another. The question is, what do we do about it?