LDS Blended Families

The unhealthy communication patterns of apathy, dishonesty, and contempt may cause serious damage to trust and intimacy. While they can be difficult to overcome, and professional support may be needed, when both partners are willing to take responsibility and make meaningful changes, healthier communication and renewed connection are possible. Connection can replace apathy, transparency can replace secrecy, and compassion can replace

When asked the reason for marital dissatisfaction, most unhappily married couples report some form of communication concern. This article discusses three common communication patterns that erode connection and what you can do instead to nurture your LDS remarriage.

In a blended family, the biological parent often serves as an important bridge between their spouse and children – especially in the early years of stepfamily integration. But sometimes they unintentionally hinder stepparent-stepchild relationships. Learn how abrupt changes in parenting style and responsibilities, attempting to create artificial relationships, parental overfunctioning, and favoritism can frustrate the stepparent-stepchild relationship, and what parents can do

Learn about common mistakes stepparents make as they attempt to build relationships with their stepchildren and how to make more effective choices that will lead to stronger bonds.

A stepparent cannot manufacture closeness or claim a particular role. The relationship with their stepchild develops through affinity seeking, respect for existing bonds, responsiveness to the child's boundaries, and time.

What is the role of a stepparent in a blended family? There is no single role that fits every family. In most cases, however, stepparents function best in a supportive rather than primary parenting role—especially early in the family's development. That doesn't make their contribution less important. It simply recognizes that stepparent authority develops differently from biological-parent authority and usually grows through relationship, trust, and time.

Healthy stepfamilies don’t create unity by erasing differences. They create unity when they preserve and honor the relationships and individual identities that each person brings into the family.

Build your foundation of emotional safety as you learn to respond to your spouse’s bids for connection, as well as come to understand the power of sacrifice and gratitude in your relationship.

Discover how small daily rituals of connection can strengthen emotional intimacy, deepen commitment, and protect your marriage in an LDS blended family. Learn practical, research-based ways to stay connected through everyday life.

The complexities of living in a blended family can easily and quickly disrupt marital connection. Learn how to recognize threats to connection and protect your marriage.

Learn how to create greater unity in an LDS blended family by applying gospel principles to establish a “home court advantage.”

Transition, or movement between homes and parents, becomes a normal part of life for children after divorce. But this doesn’t mean it is easy for them. Learn how to smooth transitions for children in LDS families after divorce.

The coparenting style you develop with your former partner is critical for the health and well-being of your child. Learn about common parenting styles, as well as how to create a Business Coparenting Relationship with your former spouse.

Whether your previous marriage ended through death or divorce, learn how thoughtful preparation can help create a wedding/sealing day that strengthens not only your marriage, but your entire family.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on the effect of adult perceptions on blended family functioning. Learn how a shift in the way parents and stepparents view their family as multi-household can improve relationships both with those who live in and outside their home.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series on the effect of adult perceptions on blended family functioning. Learn how a shift in the way parents and stepparents view their family can improve relationships both with those who live in and outside their home.

Remarriages are more likely to end in divorce than first marriages, even for LDS couples. Learn about the risk factors and how to strengthen and protect your blended family.

Remarriages are more likely to end in divorce than first marriages, even for LDS couples. Learn about the risk factors and how to strengthen and protect your blended family.

Many LDS remarried couples struggle to balance parenting and marriage. Learn how to prioritize your spouse without sacrificing your children.

Every LDS stepfamily begins with some form of loss. Learn how to rebuild hope after divorce, apply The Family Proclamation to blended families, and strengthen your home and remarriage.