Hello, everyone. You're listening to Family Talk, a radio broadcasting ministry of the James Dobson Family Institute.

I'm Dr. James Dobson, and thank you for joining us for this program.

Well, welcome to Family Talk, a production of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

I'm Roger Marsh, and today we're concluding a powerful three-part conversation about navigating the complex dynamics of stepfamily relationships.

Our guest once again is Laura Petherbridge, a true authority on this challenging topic.

Having grown up with two stepmothers

herself, and then having become a stepmom herself, Laura brings both personal experience and

professional expertise to this conversation. She's the author of four insightful books,

including the book called The Smart Stepmom, and that will be the focus of our conversation

today. During the next half hour, Laura and Dr., and that will be the focus of our conversation today.

During the next half hour, Laura and Dr. Dobson will address the delicate relationship between

children and their stepparents. They'll also offer hope and encouragement to single moms

who feel they fail their children by not remarrying. Laura's compassionate perspective might

surprise you as she challenges some common

assumptions about blended families. You know, remarriage has become increasingly common due to high

divorce rates, and many children struggle to adjust to new parental figures in their lives. This

transition can be particularly difficult when loyalties are tested and boundaries are unclear.

Laura Petherbridge offers practical wisdom to help step-parents establish healthy relationships

without trying to replace biological parents.

Laura Petherbridge is an international speaker who frequently contributes to the Christian

Broadcasting Network and Proverbs 31 Ministries.

She's also featured in the Divorce Care DVD series, which is used by 14,000 churches worldwide.

...