Blended Families: Why Love Is the Starting Point, Not the Strategy

Hi,

In case we've never met, I’m Amy, a Blended Family Parenting Coach. I help couples in the beginning-to-blend stage prepare for and navigate the challenges of

stepfamily parenting.

If you’ve ever thought, “This is harder than I expected,” you’re not alone. Blended families are beautiful, but they also come with unique challenges that can leave couples feeling unprepared.

In fact, nearly 70% of second marriages end in divorce — not because couples don’t care for one another, but because they don’t have the tools and support they need to navigate stepfamily life.

That’s why I believe love is the starting point, not the strategy for success. Love gets you to the altar, but it’s the skills, communication, and shared vision you build together that will carry your family forward.

My Focus: Three Pillars of a Strong Stepfamily

When I coach couples, we focus on three areas that make all the difference:

• Communication – learning to have hard conversations without constant conflict.

• Parenting partnership – building a united approach to raising “his, hers, and ours.”

• Stepfamily dynamics – understanding the loyalty binds, jealousy, and outsider feelings that can easily trip couples up.
  

Why This Matters

Second marriages with children are a whole different world. Not only are you building a marriage, but you’re also creating new relationships between stepparents, stepchildren, and extended family. These dynamics can feel overwhelming, especially since most couples simply try to “wing it.” Unfortunately, resources that address the unique challenges of stepfamily life are hard to find, which leaves many couples without the guidance they need.

That’s why I created my signature program, The Blended Family Blueprint — designed specifically for stepcouples. It gives you the tools, strategies, and support to navigate communication struggles, parenting partnership, and the ups and downs of stepfamily dynamics so your marriage and family can thrive.

A Little About Me

My husband and I have been married for 35 years, have three grown children, and two sweet grandkids. Life has been busy!

I’ve spent over two decades walking alongside parents and couples in the parent education field. Today I specialize in helping engaged and newly married couples (usually in the first 1–5 years) navigate the early stages of stepfamily life. I know how critical this season is, and I love giving couples practical strategies to move forward with confidence.

If you’re preparing to blend a family, or have already begun and are realizing just how complex this journey can be, I’d love to connect. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Together, we can help your family grow strong and connected.