Session 5: 5 Keys to Stepfamily Success (Sept 5, 2017)
Click Play on the Podcast Player below to Listen to the Episode!
Show Length - 29:00
Show Length - 29:00
Summary
Brian Mayer takes a look at the 5 keys to stepfamily success. The keys he says can lead to a more fulfilling marriage and family life include patience, proactivity, fun (aka phun), perseverance, and personality. In addition to talking through what makes these so important and the biblical principles that are at their foundation, he also gives practical tips you can implement today. We hope you enjoy today’s message. For more information and additional resources please visit our website at http://www.theremarriedlife.com.
Today's Goodies
Summary
Brian Mayer takes a look at the 5 keys to stepfamily success. The keys he says can lead to a more fulfilling marriage and family life include patience, proactivity, fun (aka phun), perseverance, and personality. In addition to talking through what makes these so important and the biblical principles that are at their foundation, he also gives practical tips you can implement today. We hope you enjoy today’s message. For more information and additional resources please visit our website at http://www.theremarriedlife.com.
Today's Goodies
- Brian discusses how the trip he and wife took to Italy with all of the cultural and language barriers mirror the difficulty blended families have.
- It takes patience to nurture a blended family. Research says it can take 5-7 years for a stepfamily to operate as those from first marriages do. Patience take a mindset shift.
- Proactivity means that we should wait for things to get out of control. We should always be mindful of what is happening in the stepfamily dynamic. Communication with your spouse where you first hear and understand and then leave problem solving and advice as a last resort.
- Fun (or to keep with or theme – “phun”) must be a priority in a stepfamily. This is often lost when original first marriages break up. Family fun night is important and each child should be able to take a turn at coming up with creative ideas for this night. If kids vary too greatly in age, think about alternating the family fun night each week to only include the younger children or the older children.
- Perseverance means keeping at it day by day. It also means taking a longterm view of the health of the blended family. Boundaries and clear rules are important here as well as presenting a united front as a couple to the children. .
- Personality means that every child’s unique character, talents, and abilities should be encouraged and cultivated. Spending one on one time with each child can help foster a child’s creativity and imagination if you give them a fertile environment to explore this.
- Biblical Passages: Genesis 29:20, James 1:22, Ecclesiastes 8:15, Galatians 6:9, and Matthew 25: 14-16
- The Smart Stepfamily by Ron L. Deal
- With so many things that take time in our lives, I more grateful than you know that you took time to listen to this podcast episode.
- If you liked this episode and believe that it would be beneficial to a friend, family member, or colleague, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
- It would be extremely helpful, it you would consider leaving a rating and review on Apple devices at iTunes or on Android devices at Google Play as it will help the podcast reach others who need help in rebuilding life and relationships.
- The Remarried Life Facebook Group is a community of people just like you who get and give support. Please join today!