Stepfamilies

Dealing grief and loss
Building trust
Managing incredible change
Finding a healthy role for the stepparent
Creating and maintaining a successful new marriage
Maintaining a working relationship with former spouses and non-custodial parents
Negotiating the differing developmental needs of each child
Integrating family traditions and establishing new ones
Developing new social ties as a couple and family as well as maintaining old ones
Developing workable rules and roles
Deepening the family's spiritual dimension

Be crystal clear on the fact that your partner is a flawed, broken imperfect person (like you) who is just as committed as you are, who wants to love and be loved and who is doing the very best he or she can to make this marriage work.
Make God a partner in your marriage. Find a church that ministers to stepfamilies. Join a small group or stepfamily couples support group.
Commit together to not allow anything or anyone to come between the two of you.
Make your marriage a safe place. Work to create an open, accepting, non-judgmental marital environment that encourages frank disclosures and provides a safe place to air differences and plan solutions. Focus on the positives. Nurture your friendship, stay connected, practice forgiveness, encourage one another, and trust God in all things. (Matt. 19:26; Phil. 4:13; Rom. 8:28; John 15:7)
Nurture the relationship: focus on one another’s needs—know your partner’s needs and work hard to meet them. The most important factor in the success of a stepfamily family is the emotional and spiritual health of the adults. Pray together. Think romance. Become an expert on the needs of your partner (Romans 12-14; Phil. 2:3-11; I Cor. 13.).
Build solid middle ground in your marriage. Develop a shared vision for your marriage and family. Agree on a definition of a healthy, Godly marriage. Look for new ways to strengthen and enjoy your relationship. Be clear about your goals, values and priorities.

If you want to know more about these important couple tasks, pick up a copy of
The Journey or Looking Before You Leap...Again.