If a parent dies, it is devastating to a child and the other parent has to carry the load of parenting. But what if one parent is there, but absent. Many people think life would be easier if the other parent was "missing in action". It's not. That kind of ambiguity is confusing for everyone. And, how does that impact a blended family, kids, and a parent and stepparent who have to pick up all the pieces? Despite their strong faith and good intentions, Andy and Heather Hetchler were blown away by how hard it was to bring their two families together when one former spouse was an MIA parent. Eventually they made some headway and began sharing what they learned with others. This is their conversation with Ron Deal.

Show Notes and Resources

 	Learn more about Andy and Heather's ministry Learn2Step. https://www.learning2step.com/

 	Read the Where's Mom article. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/multiple-home-realities/wheres-mom/

 	Article Helping Children Cope With Loss: Practical Emotional Coaching.  https://www.smartstepfamilies.com/view/emotional-coaching

 	Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. https://www.blendedandblessed.com

 	Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. https://www.familylife.com/podcast

 	Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. https://www.familylife.com/blended

If a parent dies, it is devastating to a child and the other parent has to carry the load of parenting. But what if one parent is there, but absent. Many people think life would be easier if the other parent was "missing in action". It's not. That kind of ambiguity is confusing for everyone. And, how does that impact a blended family, kids, and a parent and stepparent who have to pick up all the pieces? Despite their strong faith and good intentions, Andy and Heather Hetchler were blown away by how hard it was to bring their two families together when one former spouse was an MIA parent. Eventually they made some headway and began sharing what they learned with others. This is their conversation with Ron Deal.
Show Notes and Resources
 	Learn more about Andy and Heather's ministry Learn2Step. <a href="https://www.learning2step.com/">https://www.learning2step.com/</a> 
 	Read the Where's Mom article. <a href="https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/multiple-home-realities/wheres-mom/">https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/multiple-home-realities/wheres-mom/</a> 
 	Article Helping Children Cope With Loss: Practical Emotional Coaching.  <a href="https://www.smartstepfamilies.com/view/emotional-coaching">https://www.smartstepfamilies.com/view/emotional-coaching</a> 
 	Learn more about the Blended and Blessed® livestream. <a href="https://www.blendedandblessed.com">https://www.blendedandblessed.com</a> 
 	Learn about FamilyLife's other podcasts. <a href="https://www.familylife.com/podcast">https://www.familylife.com/podcast</a> 
 	Visit FamilyLife Blended® online for articles, videos, and resources for blended families. <a href="https://www.familylife.com/blended">https://www.familylife.com/blended</a>

FamilyLife Blended® provides timeless wisdom and practical help and hope for blended families and those who love them. Join Ron L. Deal, LMFT, LPC as he and his guests discuss a wide variety of marriage, family, and relationship topics related to blended families.

Timeless wisdom and practical help and hope for blended families with Ron Deal, LMFT, LPC.

FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

If a parent dies, it is devastating to a child and the other parent has to carry the load of parenting. But what if one parent is there, but absent. Many people think life would be easier if the other parent was "missing in action". It's not. That kind of...