Maxine and her family have lived with the blessings and challenges of blending two families into one for over thirty-seven years. She brings to her writing and speaking solid insights only gained through fiery trials. There’ll be no sugar coating the challenges they faced. Her husband did not readily warm up to her children, family members failed to recognize residual grief from the former families, the children faced favoritism, visitation was awkward, and discipline was not unified. Within two years a baby daughter completed the “ours” of their already fragile family.
Maxine emphasizes the need for sensitivity in co-parenting. Children in blended families live in two different worlds with two different sets of rules. The rules change from house to house, and yet the children are expected to be compliant in both homes. Parents and stepparents who are willing to lay aside personal grievances and work as a team for the good of their combined children will open up a world of blessings, affirmation of values and establishment of camaraderie. She encourages blended families to make the most of their journey, believing with all her heart that the daily ups and downs of family life can be a very positive thing—even the second time around. The Blended Families book and Blended Families Workbook are excellent tools for couples wanting to do blended life with excellence.
