The Smart Stepfamily - by Ron L Deal (Paperback)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

Discover the Keys to a Healthy Stepfamily

Leading stepfamily expert Ron L. Deal reveals the seven fundamental steps to blended family success and provides practical, realistic solutions to the issues you face as a stepfamily. Whether married or soon-to-be-married, you'll discover how to

- Solve the everyday puzzles of stepparenting and stepchildren relationships
- Communicate effectively with an ex-spouse
- Handle stepfamily finances confidently
- "Cook" your stepfamily slowly rather than expect an instant blend

This revised and expanded edition has updated research and two new chapters with even more real-world advice on topics such as stepsibling relationships and later-life stepfamilies.

From the Back Cover

Discover the Keys to a Healthy Stepfamily

Leading stepfamily expert Ron L. Deal reveals the seven fundamental steps to blended family success and provides practical, realistic solutions to the issues you face as a stepfamily. Whether married or soon-to-be-married, you'll discover how to

- Solve the everyday puzzles of stepparenting and stepchildren relationships
- Communicate effectively with an ex-spouse
- Handle stepfamily finances confidently
- "Cook" your stepfamily slowly rather than expect an instant blend

This revised and expanded edition has updated research and two new chapters with even more real-world advice on topics such as stepsibling relationships and later-life stepfamilies.

"I highly recommended the first edition, and I am even more excited about this new edition."
--from the foreword by Gary Chapman, PhD, author of The Five Love Languages

"The Smart Stepfamily is the best book available for stepfamilies that I've seen. . . . Buy it, read it, and share it with a friend."
--Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife(R), and author of Stepping Up

"We've pointed countless couples to this outstanding resource. And this revised and updated edition is better than ever!"
--Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, founders of MarriageMentoring.com and authors of Saving Your Second Marriage Before It Starts


"Ron Deal has, by far, the best material available on stepfamilies. The insights and suggestions he shares work. Every stepfamily will benefit from reading this book."--H. Norman Wright, licensed marriage, family, and child therapist, founder of Christian Marriage Enrichment, author

"I love this book! It adds an important dimension to the understanding of stepfamilies and reads as if sitting down with wise friends. Written on the 'information is power' premise, The Smart Stepfamily weaves together a review of biblical materials, current psychological and sociological research, best practices, practical insights, and anecdotal stories to educate and support stepfamilies and the clergy who serve them."
--Dr. Margorie Engel, president and CEO, Stepfamily Association of America

"I have long recommended Ron Deal's work as the very best for stepfamilies. If you are looking for a clear, hands-on resource to strengthen your family from a deeply Christian perspective, you've come to the right place."
--Scott M. Stanley, research professor, University of Denver, and coauthor of A Lasting Promise

About the Author

Ron L. Deal is founder of Smart Stepfamilies(TM), Director of FamilyLife Blended(TM), the author of The Smart Stepdad and Dating and the Single Parent, and coauthor of The Smart Stepmom and The Remarriage Checkup. Ron is a licensed marriage and family therapist who frequently appears in the national media, including FamilyLife Today, Focus on the Family, and The 700 Club. Ron and his wife, Nan, and their sons live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.