Famous Stepdad Vows to Reduce Divorce Rate

South Lake Tahoe, CA, February 09, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Three years of research on an unpopular subject has given new hope to couples who want to stay together. After struggling in his own marriage, S. James Wheeler wondered what causes such extreme divorce rates in blended families. These couples are more likely to split up than traditional marriages. Wheeler’s research helped him understand the roadblocks in his relationship. He used the information to develop tools and he used the tools to fix his marriage. After more than a decade of marriage, Wheeler realizes their success as a couple is rare. “The divorce rates for blended families are massive,” says Wheeler. “You’re almost destined to fail. I know I had to help other families improve the odds.”

Wheeler’s research became the inspiration for the blended family resource site stepdadding.com and now a book, The Stepdad's Guide: Resolving Family Conflict: A handbook to help blended families succeed. The Stepdad's Guide provides a long-overdue users-guide to blended-family life. It fills a void in the how-to category of step-parenting. “About eight million men a year become stepdads. Very few understand the challenges they’ll face.” says Wheeler. “The Stepdad's Guide gives them the information they need to work through the struggles and stay together.” An expert in family dynamics research, Wheeler believes he can help more blended families succeed. “The divorce rate for this group can be as high as 70%. Half the bets on a roulette wheel give you better odds,” explains Wheeler. “There are five major problem areas that lead to blended family divorce. By understanding these challenges couples can beat the odds and stay together.”

Early into his research Wheeler discovered there were nearly no resources for struggling stepdads that were easy to find. The information that was available was statistical data and hard to understand. So he decided to compile and translate the stat’s to better understand what causes such high blended family divorce rates. He shared what he found in research papers and articles. “My goal was to share what I learned and help more stepdads succeed.” Wheeler says. “Guys like to fix things, but they need the right tools. When you understand the dynamics at work in your relationship you can improve your chances of success.”

Wheeler's ability to simplify this complex subject has drawn broad support among parenting experts. Jim Mckenzie, Publisher of the online parenting resource Birth and Beyond 360 Magazine, is excited by the possibilities. “Wheeler provides the experience, passion and humor which are needed to get the information out there that stepdads—and therefore their families—need.” Relationship experts are also encouraged by Wheeler’s work. “The essence of Wheeler’s findings and conclusions stem from the 'Blended Family Conflict Models'” explains Hogan Hilling, author of several books on family and relationship. “Wheeler’s insightful advice will increase a step dad’s chances to create a functional, happy blended family.”

The Stepdad Disadvantage: A Study in Family Conflict outlines the key problems stepdads face- and some simple solutions. “I want to save guys from un-needed struggles. With some information and effort, a lot more stepdads can succeed.” Wheeler says the information in the book will help men who are stepdads lay the groundwork for a successful marriage. Images of Wheeler, his book, the stepdadding.com logo and other information is available on the site at

http://www.tahoepub.com/stepdadsguidemedia#!stg-media/cqti