12 Cozy Date Ideas for Fall

There’s a defining moment dating someone with kids when you realize: This is nothing like dating a single guy. Years before my blended family was “officially” formed, the revelation hit me on our first date. Mr. Right had invited me over for dinner,...

Secrets to Staying Married in a Blended Family

Four years ago on September 23, I married a divorced man with kids. We dated for three years before a proposal, which at the time seemed to take forever. Now I see it was truly perfect timing. We really got to know each other, not just my husband and I, but the kids,...

Preparing Hearts for Remarriage

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Gary Smalley of smalley.cc. If you are preparing for remarriage or helping couples prepare for remarriage, you need to know there are many unique circumstances and situations that make remarried hearts more vulnerable to...

40 Fun Things To Do With The Step Kids Before Summer Runs Out

When step kids are disrespectful or crabby, the last thing you want to do is spend time with them. My own kids usually need one of three things when this behavior flares up: attention, sleep or a healthier diet. Pretty simple, right? No family therapy session...

Transitions, Simplified

Think about the emotions associated with divorce for adults – the anger, frustration, crushed expectations. It’s true – no one gets marriedĀ thinking their love will end in court. Now, imagine dealing with those realities as a kid. One minute...

Nice Things To Say When The Step-kids Are Being Mean

It happens. Those carefully cultivated relationships with your lover’s children seem to disappear in a showdown of wills. You might even forget why you ever liked them in the first place – that lineĀ about sticks and stones, we know, is for people without a...