Blended families face unique battles: guilt-paralyzed bio parents, stepparents feeling threatened, ex-spouses overstepping. Ron Deal and Gayla Grace unpack traps that sabotage marriage and parenting—erase/replace mindsets, unilateral fixes, defensiveness—and show how co-parents can lean in, communicate intent, and send “no-threat” messages. When couples unite around kids, check in before ex-decisions, and prioritize long-term child good, hope, stability, and even transformation become possible.

Show Notes and Resources

• Resources for blended families familylife.com/blended
• Save the date! Blended & Blessed® is happening April 18, 2026. Find details at blendedandblessed.com
• Ron Deal & Gayla Grace on common blended family traps
• Get the Smart StepMom book on FamilyLife's shop. 

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
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