174: More Than Just A Stepparent: Helping a Grieving Child Heal

When a child loses a parent, grief doesn't end for them. And when they join a stepfamily, we need to come alongside them with love and support as parents and stepparents as we honor their pain and memories. Ron Deal talks with Diane Fromme about what helps and what hinders, especially as stepparents with grieving stepchildren.  Fromme explains how a stepparent can never replace a biological parent and functions as an "and," not an "instead." Stepparents will likely face rejection, insecurity, and feelings of being an outsider; however, with humility and ongoing love and support, they can, over time, develop meaningful and significant relationships with stepchildren following loss. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Diane and get a copy of, Stepparenting the Grieving Child You can still register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Find a small group on the searchable map and browse Ron's speaking schedule  Send a gift to help with FamilyLife Blended's work  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy