The Smart Stepfamily: An 8-Session Guide to a Healthy Stepfamily

by Ron L. Deal (Performance)

Practical Solutions to the Issues Stepfamilies Face

In the eight-session DVD--ideal for small groups, seminars, or individual couples--the author offers usable solutions for everyday living, practical tips for raising stepkids, and ways to strengthen the couple's marriage.

Genres: Parenting

Hardcover

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Rachel Croce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the anthropological and relational approach in becoming a step-parent. Honouring the child’s thoughts and feelings while allowing time to facilitate a new “step family” dynamic. However, I really wished this author would have used less Bible verses throughout the text and more case studies or research. His research was, at one point, more of an opinion that anything that had been clinically studied, which always worries me for naive readers. More negative of all my reactions was when he body-shamed young females and put the responsibility on them for sexual attraction from a step-sibling or step-father. I find these attitudes hugely harmful, enmeshed, and lacking healthy sexual agency and development for everyone involved.
Overall, I’m glad I read it and am happy for those I know who found it to be helpful in their process of blending their new families.

[Scott Coffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide for a blended family small group. The group we formed at our church to study this had people from every stage: late-in-life blends with adult stepchildren, yours-mine-and-ours situations, newlyweds, soon-to-be-newlyweds, etc. There is something in this book for everyone. It also deals, slightly heavyhandedly, with families that are blended following the death of a spouse, as well as divorce. The video that accompanies it is helpful, although the background music isn't as "background" as it ought to be.

[LeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We re-read often. It is part of the fabric of our home.

[Justin Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a single guy and married my wife who had 2 children from a previous marriage. The Book was very insightful and I see us revisiting it in the future.

[Heather Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a marriage saver! Transformed our life and kids.

[Christie Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has given us so many insights as a newly blended family. Must read!