Blended families are more common than ever, but that doesn’t make it any easier to navigate the love and guilt associated with being a stepparent. In today’s episode, Rob Whittaker joins Diana to talk about their experiences, and the lessons they’ve learned as parents. They share their biggest mistakes, greatest lessons, and vital advice for anyone currently navigating their own journey with blended families. Whether you’ve been a stepparent for twenty years, or have just started dating a single parent, you’ll want to hear this episode. 

Episode Highlights

[1:43] Rob tells us about himself and speaks about his experience becoming a stepfather.

[5:20] “I realized what an awful, selfish thought that was.” Coming into a blended family caused Rob to feel a lot of pressure and unexpected feelings that he had to process early on.

[7:10] Rob and Diana discuss the surprising and somewhat extreme statistic that details how blended families experience love. “I went into this with unrealistic expectations.”

[10:38] “I can now see why she hesitated.” We learn about the lessons Rob learned early on as a stepfather and how he navigated the start of his blended family.

[12:15] After 11 years as a stepfather, Rob has learned a lot and shares his biggest lessons for anyone getting into a situation with stepchildren. 

[15:07] “It’s an impossible balancing act.” Rob and Diana share the challenges they faced in their marriages, and the guilt associated with being a blended family.

[21:43] Rob shares a key piece of advice for anyone starting their journey with a blended family, and how you can ensure everyone feels loved well.

[27:00] “That’s something you have to watch out for, because it hurts." We hear what Rob and Diana would tell their younger selves before getting into a blended family.