Cultivating Love in Blended Families

Odds are, you or someone you know has stepchildren. According to a recent statistic, 40 percent of families in the United States are blended.

That is a lot of people who are trying to build something new out of the ashes of their former lives. Divorce. Death. Blended families come together for many reasons, but they each face a number of challenges.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Cultivating Love in Blended Families,” authors Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal are with us to explore the unique hurdles facing blended families and what to do about them.

Very few stepfamilies jell immediately after marriage. It takes time for parents and kids alike to feel comfortable with their new living arrangement.

Yet, many families run short on patience. They try to force family unity. Ron Deal calls that the “blender strategy.” Blenders force ingredients together. It works well with food, but not relationships. Pushing children to connect with you or their new siblings will backfire.

A more effective approach is the “crockpot strategy.” This idea allows family members to slowly find their place with each other by creating both space and opportunity for relationships to develop. How?

Through Dr. Gary Chapman’s concept of the five love languages as God designed them:

Affirmation
Acts of service
Quality time
Receiving gifts
Physical touch

Get insight, wisdom, and practical help for cultivating love in your blended family on our broadcast “Cultivating Love in Blended Families.” Join us on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Dr. Gary Chapman and Ron Deal’s book, Building Love Together in Blended Families: The Five Love Languages and Becoming Stepfamily Smart, is available for a gift of any amount. Visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459). If you can’t afford it, we’ll find a way to get it to you.

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