Problem:The formation of blended families is mainly preceded by divorce, widowhood or romantic breakups for adults and parental separation or loss for children. As a result, the members are likely to form the new family with unsettled negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, and hopelessness. This, in turn, is likely to affect the family’s normal functioning. Purpose:This study aimed at exploring the family functioning experiences of blended families and constructing a grounded theory that describes and explains those experiences. Method:The study employed constructivist grounded theory both as a method and result of inquiry. Accordingly, the study is informed by the guiding principles, data organization and analytical tools the theory provides. We conducted in-depth interview with twenty-five family members drawn from eight blended families. Result:We developed a model that depicted the major family functioning experiences of blended families in Ethiopia. The study identified functional blended family, deteriorating blended family and dysfunctional blended family as the major categories that describe the blended family context in Ethiopia. Besides, we identified the core characterizing features of each category. Conclusion: The model could be used by educationalists, social workers and psychologists as evidence to design and develop intervention strategies to improve the family functioning of blended family members in Ethiopia.  Besides, blended family researchers could use the model as a spring board to develop instruments that assess the family functioning of blended families in the context of Ethiopia.