The Smart Stepfamily: 7 Steps to a Healthy Family

The Smart Stepfamily by leading stepfamily expert Ron L. Deal is a revised and expanded book that offers seven foundational steps for building a healthy blended family, along with updated research, real-life insight, and practical guidance for everyday challenges.

Who is it for?

• Couples in blended families (newly married or long established)
• Those preparing to enter a stepfamily through marriage
• Small groups, pastors, and counselors walking alongside stepfamilies

How does it help a family grow closer to each other or God?

• Helps families recognize and honor the unique role of each family member
• Supports healthier communication, including navigating relationships with ex-spouses
• Provides practical tools for working through stepchild and stepsibling dynamics
• Encourages families to build new traditions while honoring the past
• Invites couples to grow with patience, choosing steady progress over quick fixes

When would a family actually use this?

• During early blended family formation or remarriage preparation
• In seasons of tension, transition, or relationship challenges
• As part of a small group study or counseling context
• Anytime a family wants to slow down, reset, and intentionally build stronger stepfamily rhythms together

Why does FamilyLife recommend this?
FamilyLife recommends this book because it blends biblical wisdom with research-based insight and real-world experience, offering trusted guidance that helps stepfamilies move toward unity, understanding, and long-term health

Ron L. Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended™ and President of SmartStepfamilies.com. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage and stepfamily enrichment. Ron is author of the bestselling book and DVD curriculum The Smart Stepfamily and author/coauthor of The Smart Stepmom, The Smart Stepdad, and The Remarriage Checkup.

He has extensive experience training pastors, ministry leaders, and counselors and has appeared on dozens of national radio and TV broadcasts in the US, Canada, and the UK. Ron is considered a leading voice in stepfamily education and ministry and in the prevention of redivorce. He and his wife, Nan, have been married since 1986 and have three boys. For more information visit RonDeal.org.