Did you know nearly half of adults are a part of a stepfamily relationship? We know blending families comes with its own set of unique challenges, so on today’s episode, Rob Philo talks with Ron Deal, a licensed marriage and family therapist and an expert in stepfamily education; he’s also one of the most widely read and viewed experts on this subject. In this conversation, Ron shares practical strategies for coparenting straight from his book, “The Smart Stepfamily.” If you are a co-parent, or you know someone who is, check out this episode packed with helpful advice and encouragement for fostering harmony in your blended family.

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Time Stamps:

(1:35) What inspired Ron Deal to get involved in stepfamily ministry

(4:35) When it comes to coparenting, respect the other parent and his or her household

(13:42) Schedule a regular meeting to discuss coparenting matters

(16:40) When children express confusion or anger towards your ex, don’t use it as an opportunity to berate the other parent

(19:47) Children should have everything they need in each home

(21:35) Make your custody structure work for your children even if you don’t like the details of your arrangement

(29:04) If you plan to hire a babysitter for more than four hours, give the other parent the option to watch the kid

(30:37) Resist the urge to only do special activities with all of the children around and not just some of the children

(33:29) Have financial conversations in private; your kids shouldn’t be your messenger

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Links:

Smart Stepfamilies https://smartstepfamilies.com/

“The Smart Stepfamily” https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Stepfamily-Seven-Healthy-Family-ebook/dp/B00GHXRSOK/

Romans 12:17-18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012%3A17-18&version=ESV

“The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning” https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Stepfamily-Guide-Financial-Planning-ebook/dp/B07PZZ483X/

FamilyLife https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/

Blended Families Moving Ahead WinShape Marriage Retreat https://marriage.winshape.org/retreat/blended-families-moving-ahead-october-2025/

Jeff and Tammy’s Story: Redemption for Their Marriage and Family https://marriage.winshape.org/story/jeff-tammys-story-redemption-for-their-marriage-and-family/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

WinShape Marriage Retreats https://marriage.winshape.org/retreats/

The Journey https://marriage.winshape.org/journey/