178: We Struggled to Blend. Now We Help Blended Families Thrive

Their first Christmas nearly broke them. Five kids, two parenting styles, zero prep. But Scott and Deana Thayer didn’t quit—they built a blended family from mismatched traditions, co-parenting chaos, and grace-fueled grit. As a couple now helping blended families thrive, the Thayers share hard-won wisdom, church-sized challenges, and the “95/5” rule that saved their sanity. Blending isn’t easy—but it’s worth every messy, beautiful step. Show Notes and Resources Gift a copy of Gayla's new devotional, Beautifully Blended  Access the free Smart Stepfamily Series Look for a small group online  Blended & Blessed is April 18, 2026  Find a qualified counselor for your marriage and family  Support FamilyLife Blended  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy