Resource Episode 213. Discover How to Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce [with Lauren Reitsema] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see h...
Jul 01, 2025•7 min
What a privilege to have Lauren Reitsema back on the show to dive deeper into how we can authentically bond and connect with kids who are navigating divorce and blended family dynamics. Lauren’s passion for relationship skills began in middle school after her parents' divorce, leading her to pursue Communication Studies at TCU. She’s the author of In Their Shoes , helping parents connect with children of divorce, and Relationship Essentials , which offers tools for healthy communication and boun...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here:...
Jun 17, 2025•6 min
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most emotionally charged challenges for blended families: navigating co-parenting dynamics and negotiating with an ex-spouse. Whether things are civil or you’re experiencing high levels of tension, we share the three strategies that have changed everything for us and for the couples we coach — Clarity, Communication, and Consistency. We'll share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), including stories from our co-parenting journey. You’ll hear how Kim learned...
Jun 10, 2025•30 min
Resources Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love Episode 211. 8 Warning Signs Your Ex is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and Mind Episode 6. Are Your Kids Stuck in a 'Parental Allegiance' and What Can You Do About It? Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra...
Jun 03, 2025•7 min
We know how heartbreaking it can be when your child starts pulling away from you. It can leave you wondering if your ex is negatively influencing them behind the scenes. We’ve lived it. In this deeply personal episode, we open up about the painful season we went through with Kim’s daughter, Annika. We talk through how to recognize the signs of manipulation, avoid common parenting missteps, and respond in ways that protect your child’s emotional well-being. All while preserving your connection. P...
May 27, 2025•43 min
Resources Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love Episode 207. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules and How to Build Consistency Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey ...
May 20, 2025•8 min
This one hits close to home for us. In this episode, we’re opening up about a painful season in our parenting journey when Kim’s daughter began pulling away from our home and requesting to spend more time at her dad’s. We know how confusing, heartbreaking, and disorienting this can be, especially for blended families with limited time together. That’s why we’re sharing 3 essential tips that can help you manage yourself in a tough parenting moment, retain connection with your child, and respond i...
May 13, 2025•48 min
Resources Episode 129. What does it take to build and maintain trust in your relationship? Episode 119. 6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your Marriage Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them Episode 206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Ensure a Successful Partnership Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each...
May 06, 2025•6 min
If you've ever wrestled with second-guessing yourself, feeling stuck in past mistakes, or wondering if you can truly trust yourself again, you're not alone. In this episode, we open up about the very real struggles with self-doubt that we’ve faced personally and that we often see in the blended couples we coach. Together, we're exploring five powerful habits that can help you break free from the cycle of self-doubt and start building real, lasting confidence. We’ll share practical mindset shifts...
Apr 29, 2025•34 min
Additional Resources Episode 178. Suriving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [with Dr. Michael Bradley] Episode 124. How to Effectively Parent Through Each Stage of Development - and Reduce Painful Interactions (Part 1) Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra s...
Apr 22, 2025•9 min
In this episode, we share a practical and powerful strategy to help step-parents confidently navigate solo time with their stepchildren. Whether you're a biological parent or a step-parent, this episode is for you! You'll discover how preparation, communication, and teamwork can transform tension into opportunities for connection. The key? A simple but often overlooked strategy called the Transfer of Power . You don't want to 'wing it' when flying solo with step-kids — instead, be smart and plan...
Apr 15, 2025•33 min
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here:...
Apr 08, 2025•8 min
Parenting in a blended family can be tough — especially when your ex has completely different rules and expectations. Today, we're tackling a common source of frustration: navigating household differences. We'll uncover the four biggest myths that keep blended couples stuck and reveal the counteractive truths that bring clarity, confidence, and collaboration. Plus, we’ll share our Four A’s strategy for communicating with your ex to build more consistency between homes. You'll Discover: The four ...
Apr 01, 2025•49 min
Resources Episode 135. How to Set Appropriate Boundaries and Negotiate Well with your Ex-Spouse Episode 188. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress Episode 153. How to Empower Organization, Improve Communication and Create Peace Between Your Kids Two Homes Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - And Hurt the Kids Episode 113. How to Respond When Being Disregarded, Devalued, or Dismissed by Your Former Spouse Episode 67. The Best Co-Paren...
Mar 25, 2025•6 min
Does it ever feel like you are miles apart as a couple when it comes to leading your blended family? In this episode, we dive into the most common partnership pitfalls that couples face. From feeling unheard and untrusted to navigating misaligned parenting expectations, we unpack the challenges that often create disconnection, stress and conflict. We also share practical tools to shift from frustration to deeper connection, trust, and teamwork. You'll Discover: How assumptions about each other's...
Mar 18, 2025•44 min
Resources Episode 74. How to Develop Appropriate and Effective Consequences that Empower Responsibility Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might ...
Mar 11, 2025•8 min
We know firsthand that parenting in a blended family isn’t the same as parenting in a first family. A biological parent's role is crucial in helping kids adjust to change, supporting step-relationships, and keeping things running smoothly. But here’s the challenge—many bio parents either hold too tightly to their old parenting patterns or step back too quickly and expect their spouse to fill in. Both can create major tension. In this episode, we’re breaking down the four key facets of parenting ...
Mar 04, 2025•40 min
Resources Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension Episode 149. How to "Blend" Holiday Traditions and Create Meaningful Connection This Season Episode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.c...
Feb 25, 2025•7 min
Stepparenting raises many questions: What’s my role? How involved should I be? What if my stepkids don’t accept me? It’s easy to make wrong turns without even realizing it. In this episode, we’re delving into four key facets of parenting: meeting practical needs, providing support, teaching life lessons, and delivering discipline. We'll uncover the unique roles and responsibilities of a stepparent regarding each facet and define what's appropriate and inappropriate. If you’re feeling frustrated,...
Feb 18, 2025•41 min
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here:...
Feb 11, 2025•5 min
In this episode, we’re delving into a common challenge for blended family couples: decision-making and problem-solving. Whether managing kids’ expectations, negotiating with an ex, or facing the pain of being a “trapped teammate” or “stranded stranger,” disagreement and differing perspectives can create tension and keep you stuck. We’ve been there ourselves, and we share relatable stories, including a meltdown at the mall over a swimsuit and how it almost derailed our unity. Plus, we unpack prac...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Resources Episode 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call t...
Jan 28, 2025•7 min
No one enjoys being in conflict with their spouse. But the reality for every couple is that conflict is unavoidable. We all experience disagreement that leads to conflict. But there's a big difference between doing conflict well versus spiraling into unproductive patterns where we say and do things that at best aren't helpful and at worst erode love and trust in our relationship. You can probably relate. Your spouse does something that triggers a painful emotion and you react. You might blame, s...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Resources Episode 139: The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you...
Jan 14, 2025•4 min
How serious are you about creating enjoyment and fun in your relationship (and in your home)? You probably started off your relationship experiencing lots of enjoyment as you were getting to know each other and falling in love. But as the busyness and stress of blended family life set in, maybe your enjoyment started to wane a bit. The truth is, if you want to increase enjoyment and safeguard your relationship, then you've got to take FUN seriously! Our friends Rich and Christa blended their fam...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Resources Episode 151. What has the potential to steal your joy and how can you hold onto it? (Part 1 of 2) Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we mi...
Dec 24, 2024•3 min
Resources Episode 200. A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting Love Episode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life? Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. Y...
Dec 17, 2024•9 min
Can you believe it? We’ve made it to our 200th episode ! 🎉 We’re so thankful for your support and excited to celebrate with a heart-to-heart conversation. Today, we’re diving into the topic of marriage wellness and how generosity can create a foundation for lasting love. Throughout our candid conversation, we openly assess our marriage and identify areas where we can grow and improve. Inspired by The Go-Giver Marriage by John and Ana Mann, we explore what it means to be intentional in your rela...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Resources Article by Big Life Journey: 7 Effective Ways to Help Children Overcome Social Anxiety Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we'r...
Dec 03, 2024•7 min
