Blended families-those formed as the result of divorce and remarriage, with children to nurture-were once a novelty. Today, this model is widely recognized as "the new American family." More than half of Americans today have been, are now, or will eventually be in one or more step-situations. Studies by The National Institute of Child and Human Development indicate that in the new millennium, more of us will be living in stepfamilies than in nuclear family structures.Yet the blended family is more than just one of the fastest-growing forms of family life; it may also be the most difficult. Research shows that nearly 60 percent of these unions do not survive, and a startling number fail to make it past the first two years. Why?* Find out what causes blended families to fail-or succeed.* Put an end to the "revolving door" of marriage.* Learn to deal with unexpected emotions, such as rejection, blame, rage, and jealousy.* Gain insights on how adults and kids can process difficult transitions.Blended Families is a great resource for anyone involved in a stepfamily situation. Also a perfect book for small group studies or Christian counseling.ChaptersIntroduction1.And There Came a Lion2.From Naivet'e to Reality3.Building a Primary Family Unit4.Let's Look Back5.When Anger Rules6.Who's In Charge?7.Children in the Midst of Change8.The Impact of Money9.The Influence of Guilt and Shame10.Armed With Attitude11.One More Blessing12.Making the Best of ItEpilogue: A Closing Perspective"Nearly 50 percent of Americans have been, are now, or will eventually be in one or more step-situations during their lives."When the wedding bells stop ringing and day-to-day living begins in the "ready-made" family, the impact of two separate family structures begins to occur. As two family units come together, they often find a collision course rather than a rose-strewn path. It is crucial to the survival of these families that they learn how to bring unity out of diversity.Maxine Marsolini's new book, Blended Families, reveals that God does have a plan for healing the brokenness so often present in blended families. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future,'" (Jeremiah 29:11). God's plan is to give blended families a future full of hope.A blended family is a unique type of family with very different