In this bonus episode, Jim Jackson and Ron Deal discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of blended families through the lens of the Connected Families Framework. Ron, a bestselling author and host of the Family Life Blended podcast, shares his 30+ years of expertise in step-family dynamics. The conversation explores how step-parents can build emotional safety with children who may be resistant to new relationships. Ron emphasizes that safety must precede love, explaining that children often bristle against a step-parent’s affection due to grief, loyalty conflicts, or simply not being ready for that relationship.

Key insights include:

• 
  
• The importance of “pacing” with children at their readiness level
  
  
• How step-parents can acknowledge their role without trying to replace biological parents
  
  
• Practical approaches to discipline and household rules when facing resistance
  
  
• Building respectful relationships with biological parents in the other household
  

Mentioned in this podcast:

• 
  
• Join the Table community by June 1st for a chance to win a copy of The Mindful Marriage
  
  
• Galatians 6:1
  
  
• Romans 12
  
  
• The Smart Step Family – Ron’s comprehensive book on blended family dynamics
  
  
• Building Love Together in Blended Families – Ron co-authored with Gary Chapman, integrating love languages with step-family principles
  
  
• FamilyLife Blended Podcast
  
  
• The Smart Step Family video curriculum – Email blended@familylife.org for free online access
  
  
• The Mindful Marriage
  
  
• Certificate in Blended Family Ministry – online training through FamilyLife
  

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Share encouragement with other parents–leave a review where you listen most.

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Guest Bio:

Ron is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed marriage and family therapist, podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife®. In addition, Ron is one of the most widely read and referenced authors on blended families. His latest #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mindful Marriage, coauthored with his wife Nan and Terry and Sharon Hargrave brings the proven principles of Restoration Therapy to a mass audience. The Deals live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.

.stk-ca0af7f {--stk-feature-flex-wrap:nowrap !important;background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:none !important;border-style:solid !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:15px !important;}.stk-ca0af7f:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #98c1d9) !important;}.stk-ca0af7f > .stk-separator__top .stk-separator__wrapper{transform:scaleX(2) !important;height:94px !important;}.stk-ca0af7f > .stk-separator__bottom .stk-separator__wrapper{transform:scaleX(1.8) !important;height:57px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-ca0af7f > .stk-separator__top .stk-separator__wrapper{height:60px !important;}}
.stk-195f8c7 {align-self:center !important;}


.stk-50ce2bd {align-self:center !important;}
.stk-d1d5072 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:24px !important;color:var(--theme-palette-color-3, #293241) !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-d1d5072 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:20px !important;}}

Win a copy of Ron & Nan Deal’s new book, The Mindful Marriage!
Join the Table by June 1st for your chance to be one of 10 lucky winners.

.stk-3728d30 .stk-button{background:#c14825 !important;}.stk-3728d30 .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff) !important;}Join the Table