Tying the Family Knot: Meeting the Challenges of a Blended Family

Terri has a way of putting the complexity of a blended family and the situations which they face in just the right perspective. It helps to have a christian perspective, and the voice of experience.

Terri Clark has written an insightful and extremely helpful book about stepfamily dynamics. Drawing from her own personal experience, the book is divided up into two parts. In the first, Clark shares the obstacles and challenges that she faced in her own stepfamily. She offers biblically based encouragement to those in similar situations. In the latter part of the book, she brings stepfamily life down to a practical level, sharing tips on shopping, organization, interacting with other households, etc. I strongly recommend this to stepfamilies and even better, individuals who are thinking of marrying and bringing stepchildren into a relationship.

This is an awesome book! It has so much great advice for couples who have a blended family. I am fortunate to have one daughter who has adapted quite well since I have remarried. She was the only child in our blended family until we had our first in August. She even enjoys her new baby sister and is not jealous. We were already doing many of the things that Terri mentions in her book, such as morning devotionals, prayer, church and consistency in all areas. Being consistent is one of the biggest factors in helping a child adjust. The chapter, "Before You Hire An Attorney", is great. I no longer have fears from my ex threatening to take me back to court. It would be a waste of his time. I would greatly recommend reading this book before you bring children into a blended family. Having this wonderful knowledge beforehand would make the transition/adjustment easier for the children. This book has really given me the confidence to know that I'm doing the right things for my children as a mom. I'm glad Terri could use her personal experience to help me and many others.