"Backed by neuroscience and biblical principles, this book delivers a therapeutic model for couples who want to stop the painful patterns that harm their marriage so that they can build a stronger connection.
When Ron and Nan Deal suffered the devastating loss of their child, their marriage was nearly shattered by their destructive cycles. At wits' end, they sought the help of pioneering therapists Dr. Terry Hargrave and Sharon Hargrave, LMFT, whose transformational Restoration Therapy has helped millions through the practice of emotional mindfulness.
Now, the Deals and Hargraves introduce readers to this proven method that challenges popular beliefs about how relationships work. They show readers how to better understand themselves in times of emotional distress, so that they can self-regulate. Christian readers will especially appreciate the balance of scientifically proven methods along with Scripturally sound teaching, resulting in more loving, faithful marital relationships."
"From bestselling author, speaker, and therapist Ron Deal, one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the country.
Part of Ron's Smart Stepfamily series of books (over 250,000 copies sold) including The Smart Stepmom, The Smart Stepdad, Dating and the Single Parent, The Smart Stepfamily Marriage, Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily, and The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning.
Single parents who are dating or want to begin a dating relationship wonder, How will dating affect my children and my parenting? They probably have figured out that 'dating in a crowd' is complicated. Now they're looking for help. Ron Deal, who has counseled single parents and remarried couples for many years, helps single parents—as well as those who date them—navigate the potential pitfalls involved. He gives perspective on when a relationship may be harmful to the children as well as how it can be a blessing to all. Always at the forefront is the goal of strengthening families."
"If you are considering remarriage and want to do everything you can to ensure a happy and fulfilling union, turn to Ron Deal and the Smart Stepfamily series.
This is the ideal book for engaged or pre-engaged couples who have at least one child from a previous relationship, offering premarital counsel about how to prepare to blend family relationships, parenting, finances, rituals, and daily routines for your new life together. You will be able to:
● become stepfamily smart
● predict common issues
You and your children will also benefit from exercises designed to accelerate family bonding and help you better understand each other—even plan your wedding with your children in mind—so that you can build a strong future together. If you want to enter a blended family marriage well, Preparing to Blend is just the book for you.
Marriage coaches, mentors, and pastors who feel overwhelmed by the complexity of blended family dynamics can use this as their primary premarital counseling tool. Armed with the sister book Preparing for Marriage (for first marriages) and this resource, you'll be prepared to equip every engaged couple for their life together."
"Create a Loving and Safe Environment for Your Blended Family
Blended families face unique challenges, and sadly, good intentions aren’t always enough. With so many complex relationships involved, all the normal rules for family life change, even how you apply something as simple as the five love languages.
That’s why Gary Chapman, the bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages® andnational expert on stepfamilies, Ron Deal, join together in this book to teach you how the five love languages can help your blended family. They’ll teach you:
- About the unique dynamics of stepfamilies
- How to overcome fear and trust issues in marriage
- How to develop healthy parenting and step-parenting practices
- How the love languages should—and should not—be applied
You’re going to face many challenges, but with the right strategies and smart work, your family can be stronger and healthier together."
"Take Control of Your Blended Family Finances Money issues are a frequent source of conflict in any marriage. But blended families are a monetary minefield. Debts, bills, and child support payments from previous relationships often influence the finances of a blended family. And planning for college expenses, retirement, and inheritance gets even more complicated in stepfamilies. However, proper blended family money management can make money an asset to your relationships rather than a liability. The authors use over fifty years of combined financial planning and blended family educational experience to help you merge your current financial realities and family, and protect your marriage while doing so. Get real-world financial advice specific to unique blended family matters so you can provide for your family both now and in the future."
"Leading stepfamily expert Ron Deal offers a revised and expanded edition of his signature resource, which addresses key concerns and practical issues facing every stepfamily."
