The Smart Stepfamily - Seven Steps to a Healthy Family

Ron L. Deal (rondeal.org and familylife.com/blended) is one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the country. He is president of Smart Stepfamilies, directs the blended family ministry at FamilyLife, and is the author of more than a dozen books and resources, including the bestselling The Smart Stepfamily and Building Love Together in Blended Families (with Dr. Gary Chapman). Ron is a licensed marriage and family therapist, popular conference speaker, and host of the podcast FamilyLife Blended with Ron Deal. He and his wife, Nan, have been married since 1986 and have three boys.

Discover the Keys to a Healthy StepfamilyLeading stepfamily expert Ron L. Deal reveals the seven fundamental steps to blended family success and provides practical, realistic solutions to the issues you face as a stepfamily. Whether married or soon-to-be-married, you'll discover how to- Solve the everyday puzzles of stepparenting and stepchildren relationships- Communicate effectively with an ex-spouse- Handle stepfamily finances confidently- "Cook" your stepfamily slowly rather than expect an instant blendThis revised and expanded edition has updated research and two new chapters with even more real-world advice on topics such as stepsibling relationships and later-life stepfamilies. "I highly recommended the first edition, and I am even more excited about this new edition."--from the foreword by Gary Chapman, PhD, author of The Five Love Languages"The Smart Stepfamily is the best book available for stepfamilies that I've seen. . . . Buy it, read it, and share it with a friend."--Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife(R), and author of Stepping Up"We've pointed countless couples to this outstanding resource. And this revised and updated edition is better than ever!"--Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, founders of MarriageMentoring.com and authors of Saving Your Second Marriage Before It Starts"Ron Deal has, by far, the best material available on stepfamilies. The insights and suggestions he shares work. Every stepfamily will benefit from reading this book."--H. Norman Wright, licensed marriage, family, and child therapist, founder of Christian Marriage Enrichment, author"I love this book! It adds an important dimension to the understanding of stepfamilies and reads as if sitting down with wise friends. Written on the 'information is power' premise, The Smart Stepfamily weaves together a review of biblical materials, current psychological and sociological research, best practices, practical insights, and anecdotal stories to educate and support stepfamilies and the clergy who serve them."--Dr. Margorie Engel, president and CEO, Stepfamily Association of America"I have long recommended Ron Deal's work as the very best for stepfamilies. If you are looking for a clear, hands-on resource to strengthen your family from a deeply Christian perspective, you've come to the right place." --Scott M. Stanley, research professor, University of Denver, and coauthor of A Lasting Promise