Our walk does not always match the talk ... You don't have to be a monster for a bit of hypocricy to show up in your parenting. In fact, the more we reflect the love and character of Jesus, the more likely we'll be to recognize the inconsistencies in the way that we lead. Parenting with integrity may require a bit more from us on a daily basis, but what it does for our families is well worth the effort!
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 73
Have you ever come to the realization that you're carrying wounds from a previous relationship? Have you underestimated the impact that yesterday's wounds are having in this present moment? Welcome to the club! Our relationships, especially our love interests, can result in emotional, mental and spiritual scars. Simply moving on from hurt and suspecting that we're ready for another commitment is insufficient for healing at best, and extremely dangerous in the worst of situations. With time, comm...
Mar 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 72
Realizing that you're a people pleaser is a tough revelation! What may have started as a healthy desire to provide support and satisfaction for others, can become an inability to hold back our precious time, attention and resources. When the gift of kindness has become corrupt, we can become the type of people that consider ourselves valuable based on what someone else has to say. Freedom is on the other side of those that break the cycle of pleasing others to our detriment and that of our famil...
Feb 28, 2024•28 min•Ep. 71
We can be "well meaning" in our efforts and genuine about our intent to love and support everyone that we encounter. Regardless, we will likely find ourselves on the receiving end of disapproval from others at some point. If we're being honest, this typically isn't a comfortable position to be in. In fact, this experience can be crushing. Especially if this sense of rejection is happening in our own homes. Nonetheless, continuing to build a foundation for our family, and establishing a level of ...
Feb 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 70
I felt the need to reshare last years most popular episode! I heard from a number of stepparents how difficult it was for them to practice the NACHO parenting style. These individuals had a difficult time embracing the the idea of "not my kid, not my problem." The issue of adopting this approach to parenting is the reality that you cannot be commited and faithful within your unique role, while also believing that the challenges within your home require you to be less than your best. Whether step...
Jan 24, 2024•37 min•Ep. 69
How do I get my marriage back on track? Is a loving and fruitful relationship even realistic? It seems people are asking these type of questions more than ever! Claire Jorgensen is convinced that "all marriages can be saved," and she follows through with this belief within her practice. As a coach, Claire supports women, men, and couples find hope and restoration in the most important areas of life. Having experienced transformation in her own life and marriage, she serves from a place of compas...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 68
The connection with your spouse is what keeps the relationship alive and fruitful! Our ability to endure the give and take that comes with family also depends on our efforts to remain on the same page. During this episode Margo and I discuss how we practice the life saving tool of checking in with one another. We also got to do some celebrating because what comes natural now, seemed impossible not too long ago! If you want to hear how an imperfect couple has stumbled through this process of main...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 67
In all realtionships, whether they are thriving or on the verge of falling apart, communication is one of the major factors. Both the quantity and the quality of our words will either serve the purpose of strengthening and affirming our relationships, or they will be a source of pain and discouragement. There's hardly a middle ground when it comes to the impact of our speech. So which will you choose?? Magic Mind is offering 56% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code 'BLENDED20'...
Dec 14, 2023•36 min•Ep. 66
It's the perfect time to bring this episode back! Holidays are truly a blessing and serve as a great opportunity for gratitude and connection. While there is no doubt that this can be achieved within the blended family, we can acknowledge that there are some hurdles (or landmines) that seem to interfere with the goal. As we figure out the best way to navigate the holidays with peace in tact, considering the experience of the kid(s) is crucial! Reality is that there may be some things that the ad...
Dec 06, 2023•29 min•Ep. 65
It's likely not possible to be a great step-parent without being a fighter! The ability to pick battles, fight fair, endure, and get back up after getting knocked down, are just a few ways that this quality shows up. A few of our greatest bouts will be against: Ourselves and the lies that we often enertain The threats against the order that we're establishing within our homes A corrupt and perverse culture that stands against our kids and our marriages While the way that we fight most effectivel...
Nov 22, 2023•35 min•Ep. 64
I've gotten so much revelation over the last couple of months. One of my conclusions - I've been playing the fence! My desire to see individuals and families transformed pales in comparison to Gods desire for the family unit. What could be better than knowing that we can go to the source Himself?! Families are in need of truth, and I look forward to helping them find it!
Nov 08, 2023•13 min•Ep. 63
Emotional stability is an underrated commodity. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." We aren't as familiar with the necessity of literal walls today, but they once meant the difference between a safe and functional civilization, and one that is left vulnerable to attack and disorder. The consequence of emotional instability can be compared to a city without walls! Growing in this area with intention should be the objective of...
Oct 25, 2023•33 min•Ep. 62
Being quick to forgive is much more about strength than it is about being passive! This is one of the more impactful qualities that a Step-parent can bring into their family dynamic, and continue to develop. Among the things that forgiveness provides are: Freedom of Expression Relationship Security An Example and Display of Health & Grace Productive Conflict Resolution Attractiveness Influence Who doesn’t want this for their family?! Step-parents are essential for achieving these byproducts....
Oct 11, 2023•34 min•Ep. 61
Are blended families really THAT hard? Most of us understand that any and every family comes with their challenges. However, there is a level of struggle that seems unreasonable. Or maybe 'the trial' has lasted so long that you wonder whether this is to be expected, or is your situation out of the norm. Reality is that there are greater threats to our marriages and families that tend to be overlooked. As a result we place emphasis on symptoms of what's actually happening below the surface. Liste...
Sep 27, 2023•27 min•Ep. 60
As an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Kristi Mears specializes in serving clients that have experienced trauma in relation to betrayal. Kristi has found that this issue in particular is pervasive in nature. This is in part due to the reality that intimacy within our relationships creates vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, our most important relationsips are best served as we give of ourselves fully, opposed to our decisions and actions being shaped by fear. Kristi shares with us her expert...
Sep 13, 2023•54 min•Ep. 59
It has probably never been so difficult for two people to get on the same page! The confusion around relationships and how they should be done seems to be growing by the day. This is no way to build a foundation for the future. In order to avoid the moment where we're trying to define our relationship, we have to put forth a counter-cultural effort of intention and living with clear direction.
Aug 30, 2023•29 min•Ep. 58
Such a powerful conversation! Margo was entirely unprepared for the moment when she realized that she was pregnant. The fact that there was zero stability in her relationship only made things more complicated. Unfortunately, her experience is not as irregular as one would think. Margo was aware of the reality that she'd likely have to raise a child on her own. During the episode she also relays her experience as she briefly wrestled with the idea of abortion; a thought that Margo never imagined ...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 57
A child can hardly help but to be a reflection of their environment. Behavior, attention spans, demeanor, mannerisms and so many other indicators point to whether their needs are being met, or whether they're lacking in some way. Kathy Tempco has been working closely with young learners for almost 20 years. During this episode she speaks on her experiences of serving kids that have an ideal environment, as well as those that suffered from extreme lack. Regardless of where a child lands on that s...
Jul 26, 2023•51 min•Ep. 56
When does the desire to help end, and the attempt to be someones savior begin? This can be such a tough line to identify. Lending a hand or providing support shouldn't result in the sacrifice of our well-being. Nor do we want to rob people of the opportunity to develop and build character during what may be a trying time. Operating with both grace and tact is no easy task!
Jul 12, 2023•38 min•Ep. 55
Getting our kids to college can be difficult. The blended family dynamic tends to present additional challenges. Brad Baldridge has worked with thousands of families as a college funding specialist, so he knows what it takes for our kids to pursue a higher eduation! Whether you need information about saving for college, financial aid, student loans how to make sense out of it all, then Brad is here to help! Check out some of his resources below. Website: Baldridge College Solutions - Strategies ...
Jun 28, 2023•59 min•Ep. 54
Our challenges don't determine whether we become victims; ultimately, we do. That may be hard for many to wrap their heads around considering the frequency of the offense and how deeply they've been impacted. Nonetheless, we have the ability to accept that those moments have had a residual impact and we can choose to let go, forgive, overcome, and be free!
May 25, 2023•27 min•Ep. 53
Thick skin is a virtue for those of us navigating the blend! Without it, handling the challenges that we experience on a regular basis ends up feeling like we've gone into battle without the armor necessary to soften the blows. In other words, we need to develop some callous (the good kind)! Listen in on how you can develop some thicker skin while avoiding the familiar pitfall of becoming hardened.
May 10, 2023•40 min•Ep. 52
Yes, the topic of sex is being addressed more openly these days. However, I question whether the content around this conversation is really serving those that aspire to do relationship the right way. Margo and I have experienced both great success and deep failure in this area. All of which has given us a better understanding and a more fulfilling level of intimacy in our relationship. Take a listen!
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 51
Regardless of what stage we find ourselves, we tend to face some really unique scenarios within the blended famliy. Listen in as I read some of those scenarios and share my two cents (or three), on a few of these blended situations!
Apr 12, 2023•38 min•Ep. 50
Avoiding the perspective and approach of the a NACHO parent is a proactive effort! This effort is reflected in the way that we both prepare and remain at attention during crucial stages of our relationships. Here are four things that we can do to almost guarantee a successful outcome and escaping the ‘NACHO’ mindset: 1. Do Your Homework Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blended-navigating-the-blended-family-experience/id1529370964?i=1000498130377 Spotify - https://spotify.lin...
Mar 28, 2023•39 min•Ep. 49
Is your stepchild two different people? Are they one person in your home and someone entirely different elsewhere? Have you become the home that is resented opposed to being the one that is preferred? All of the above are questions that we may entertain and desperately want to answer. But are the questions fair? Kids that go from one home to another, regarless how frequently that may happen, deal with much. Whether they want to be different people, or feel as if they have to in order to keep it ...
Jan 11, 2023•30 min•Ep. 47
Much has been accomplished this year! None of which would be possible without the collective support of those that have listened and engaged throughout 2022. There's plenty of momentum as we move into the new year and we can't wait to see what's in store!
Dec 21, 2022•10 min
Among the many wonderful outcomes of being a step-parent, one of my favorites is the ability to pick your battles! However, this is a skill-set that we tend to stumble upon with a lot of time and much effort. Brett Kanda is no stranger to this process. In this episode he touches on the strain of being a leader and authority figure in his family, while also having to lay down his pride and a sense of control that tends to come natural to any of us. Check out this powerful conversation!
Dec 07, 2022•51 min•Ep. 46
There is hardly a more defeating or frustrating experience as a step-parent than to lack influence. Expressing an opinion or exercising authority within our families can be suprisingly difficult as everyone is adjusting. However, finding your voice as a step-parent is a must! This process often times feels like a balancing act where we're treading lightly, but not walking on eggshells ~ being flexible, but assertive ~ disagreeing at times, but not being disrespectful. Time, practice and teamwork...
Nov 09, 2022•29 min•Ep. 44
A step-parent is an individual, a partner, a parent and a resource for restoration! Unfortunately, when these traits are lost among those that function within the role, we're left with fewer tools and an optimism that takes more effort to rev up than it used to. If we can define this incredible title of Step-parent, and accept it fully, I believe excitement, connection and hope will stay within arms reach! If you'd like to connect for a free 30minute video call then please check out my availabil...
Oct 26, 2022•32 min•Ep. 43
