FamilyLife Blended® Minute

You raised them right—so why does it feel like you’re losing them? Jim Burns steps into the ache parents don’t say out loud: regret, distance, and the fear you blew it. Drawing from When Your Adult Child Strays, he gets real about what to do when pushing harder only pushes them away—and what actually keeps the door open. Show Notes and Resources Email us [email protected] Learn about Jim on his website Homeword, and get his book, When Your Adult Child Strays  Give a tax-deductible gift  Ron's speaking schedule  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Hey co-parents, for the sake of your kids find a way to do business. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

“Ron, I’m concerned. My children now have a stepparent in the other home and I’m afraid I’m going to lose them. What do I do?” Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Hey, if your kids and I can’t naturally get along then maybe we shouldn’t have gotten together in the first place. It shouldn’t have to be this much work. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Meddling mother-in-law? What if you have a meddling ex-wife-in-law? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Today a word of caution about ambition. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Now here’s one trap you don’t want your family to fall into: playing favorites. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

To better understand someone else, walk a mile in their shoes. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Because we parents love our kids, we are vigilant to protect them from harm. What’s sobering though, is all the things we can’t control. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

You’ve heard of Heinz® “57 Varieties”, right? Well, when it comes to blended families, there are 67 varieties. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

So, how do you cook a stepfamily? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you know what happens when a boomerang child leaves your home? They come back. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The cardinal rule for building a strong relationship with a stepchild is this; let the child set the pace. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Have you ever noticed that fear leads us to try and take control? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

You’ve heard it before. I’ll say it again. Laughter is good medicine! Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

I don’t live in a stepfamily, do I? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Being optimistic about the future of your marriage, improves your marriage. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you want to start a fight in a stepfamily with adult kids? Just start talking about money. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Want your friends to like who you love? Be careful what you say. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Hey parents, you can’t have it both ways. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Hey, have you heard this one: “Two lips walk into a fight…” Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Have you ever watched fireworks on a sunny day? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

“Yeah, Ron, I guess I got whooped by a 9-year-old.” Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Parents need to get off the teeter-totter. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Sometimes, the best way to avoid a conflict is to just drop it. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Circle the wagons. Put up your shield. And don’t let it divide you. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

When our kids take their frustration out on a scapegoat, what do we do? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected]   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Managing our anger starts with not having a scapegoat. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

We’ve all done it. We’ve all taken our anger out on someone who didn’t deserve it. But why? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected]     See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Harmony at home is far more satisfying than a giant feast. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Some people are easy to love; others…not so much. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

When no one is talking about the elephant in the room, what you should do is…talk about the elephant in the room. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

When faced with a difficult person, be like Jesus. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you see that smile on that older person’s face? They must be a grandparent. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

His kids have a TV in the bedroom and hers don’t. Now they’re a family…so now what? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Okay, you’ve already celebrated Mother’s Day and now I’m wondering what do you have planned for Father’s Day? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Want to influence someone for good? Speak with the wisdom of God. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

We expect the world to try to pull our kids away from Christ, but sometimes, it’s their own family. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Today, a word of encouragement to stepparents: just keep on trucking. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

When the cat’s away, the mice will…try to play the other parent, that’s what! Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What right do you Christians have to tell us about marriage you can’t even get it right yourself? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Sometimes, the road to marital happiness is a lot longer than you thought. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Experiencing the love of Christ changes us. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Have you ever had someone get mad at you…because you forgave them? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected]   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Sometimes announcing an engagement is an opportunity to find forgiveness Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Did you see the SNL skit about stepmoms? No, you didn’t. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Never ask your child to become a spy kid. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you know what intestacy is? Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Ron, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Show Notes and Resources Find out more at familylife.com/blended Check out our blended family resources.  Listen to the full-length FamilyLife Blended podcast.  Contact us, email [email protected] See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy