Generally speaking, couples who date a year or longer have a stronger relationship when they marry. This is also true for single parents but keep in mind just because the couple is ready doesn’t mean the family is. You can have a high quality couple relationship but not know how you are going to merge your families. Take time to date thoroughly and bring the kids along in the process. This may take months but better to take it slow and progress as a group than move fast and fracture your family.
August 13, 2015
It’s okay to date someone a few times, but once you think the relationship has potential, it’s time to tell your kids. The fit between your kids and your dating partner should be a huge factor in whether you have a future with this person. So, start the “family-dating” process long before you even think about getting engaged. Dating well matters because it makes the transition to a healthy stepfamily after the wedding a lot easier.
August 12, 2015
Some believe you shouldn’t date unless you’re open to marriage; others believe casual dating is okay. I believe either should be purposeful. For instance, don’t date a non-believer. And, protect young children. Kids under five bond fast and then they are hurt when the person is no longer around. Finally, date with purity and balance consistent with how you taught your kids. Even empty nest parents need to model how to handle infatuation and put God at the center of their relationship.
August 11, 2015
Whether it’s your first date or you are engaged, smart single parents stay in tune with their kids by having a series of “What If…?” conversations. “What if I started dating again? How would you feel about that?”, “What if you met his kids?”, “What if I were to get engaged?” Over time the questions give your child a chance to share their thoughts and feelings and give you information that helps you determine the pace and timing of your dating. Yes, single parent dating is a group experience.
August 10, 2015
Re-married couples and stepfamilies comprise one-third of American homes. And in each FamilyLife Blended feature, Ron Deal speaks engagingly and knowledgeably to the specific needs of blended families from his expertise as a licensed family therapist and counselor. The goal is to help prevent re-divorce, to strengthen stepfamilies spiritually and practically in what they uniquely face.
August 7, 2015
Re-married couples and stepfamilies comprise one-third of American homes. And in each FamilyLife Blended feature, Ron Deal speaks engagingly and knowledgeably to the specific needs of blended families from his expertise as a licensed family therapist and counselor. The goal is to help prevent re-divorce, to strengthen stepfamilies spiritually and practically in what they uniquely face.
August 6, 2015
Re-married couples and stepfamilies comprise one-third of American homes. And in each FamilyLife Blended feature, Ron Deal speaks engagingly and knowledgeably to the specific needs of blended families from his expertise as a licensed family therapist and counselor. The goal is to help prevent re-divorce, to strengthen stepfamilies spiritually and practically in what they uniquely face.
August 5, 2015
Re-married couples and stepfamilies comprise one-third of American homes. And in each FamilyLife Blended feature, Ron Deal speaks engagingly and knowledgeably to the specific needs of blended families from his expertise as a licensed family therapist and counselor. The goal is to help prevent re-divorce, to strengthen stepfamilies spiritually and practically in what they uniquely face.
August 4, 2015
Re-married couples and stepfamilies comprise one-third of American homes. And in each FamilyLife Blended feature, Ron Deal speaks engagingly and knowledgeably to the specific needs of blended families from his expertise as a licensed family therapist and counselor. The goal is to help prevent re-divorce, to strengthen stepfamilies spiritually and practically in what they uniquely face.
August 3, 2015
Re-married couples and stepfamilies comprise one-third of American homes. And in each FamilyLife Blended feature, Ron Deal speaks engagingly and knowledgeably to the specific needs of blended families from his expertise as a licensed family therapist and counselor. The goal is to help prevent re-divorce, to strengthen stepfamilies spiritually and practically in what they uniquely face.
July 31, 2015