Blended families can feel messy and overwhelming, but with patience and grace, those challenges can transform into a thriving, love-filled home. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns talks with speaker, author, and stepfamily expert Laura Petherbridge about the unique challenges and opportunities of stepfamily life. Drawing from her own experience growing up with stepparents and later becoming a stepmom, Laura shares practical, faith-based wisdom on navigating differences in discipline, faith, and values between two homes. She offers guidance for building respect between stepparents and biological parents, supporting children who feel torn, and living out the gospel—because, as she says, “more is caught than taught.” You’ll be encouraged by her passion for helping the Church embrace blended families as an untapped mission field and her reminder that, with grace and intentional love, stepfamilies can thrive.

Resources:

• Stepfamilies of the Bible: Timeless Wisdom for Blended Families by Laura Petherbridge: https://a.co/d/6ZwitCt 
• The Smart Stepmom: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive by Laura Petherbridge and Ron L. Deal: https://a.co/d/2MGMKiQ 
• The Smart Stepmom—Laura’s website: https://www.thesmartstepmom.com/ 
• HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/
• HomeWord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword
• Jim Burns’ Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/
• HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/
• Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905
• Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! [email protected]
• Embracing Your Season Podcast with Paige Clingenpeel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271776 

Order Jim’s Books:

Doing Life With Your Adult Children

https://homeword.com/product/dlwac-book/ 

Understanding Your Teen: Shaping Their Character, Facing Their Realities

https://homeword.com/product/understanding-your-teen/ 

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body

https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/ 

Keywords/Hashtags

#HomeWord #DrJimBurns #LauraPetherbridge #BlendedFamily #Parenting #ChristianParenting #Marriage #Faith #Christian #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #PFCAudioVideo 

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