Ron Deal

Smart Stepfamilies is an organization dedicated to helping couples and families navigate blended family life. Created by bestselling author, therapist, and blended-family expert Ron Deal, it provides practical resources for people who are dating, engaged, or married with stepchildren, as well as step-parents, step-grandparents, ministry leaders, mentors, coaches, and therapists. Its educational materials address common stepfamily challenges, including co-parenting, relationships with former spouses, stepparenting, family expectations, finances, and loss.

The organization offers a broad library of articles and videos, the FamilyLife Blended podcast, online courses, workshops, conferences, and other events. Its Smart Stepfamily curriculum includes an eight-session series and participant guide for individual study or small groups, with materials suited to dating, engaged, and married couples. The site also features premarital preparation resources, books, and videos by Ron Deal, including the Smart Stepfamily series and The Mindful Marriage. For families seeking personalized help, visitors can find recognized therapy providers, including those who offer virtual support. Smart Stepfamilies also trains ministry leaders and professionals to better serve blended families.