Article for stepfamilies: "the marriage matters more to the stability of the home than do children"

[Ashley Linne]

http://tinyurl.com/ckmdr5

[Susan J. Hetrick]

It took me a minute to find the article (didn't see the web address at first) but Ron is correct. It goes against all of our instincts, but the marriage HAS to be the priority! I am constantly telling stepcouples to continue to date each other, go on vacations together without the kids, and do stuff as a couple. The kids need to see what a healthy marital relationship looks like, and once the kids grow up and move out (and they will!) you want to have a solid marriage in place! No one wants to wake up one day, look over at their partner and say "who are you?" Your marriage must be your #1 priority - and no, the kids won't suffer for it. If nothing else, it will make their relationship with their parents stronger. They will, however, fight it. Expect that. Anyway, good article and worth a read! ~ Susan

[Larry D Nichols]

This is a great article and so true for step families. I have been with my wife for over ten years and we are raising our family together. The challenges can be great, but so can the reward when you stick with your spouse and place God first. Thanks for the insight.

Larry