For kids who are moving between two homes, the BEST outcomes happen when their parents are able to collaborate well and work together. Kids need reliable support, stability and peace. You've probably heard that before… …but actually living that out can be fraught with challenges — especially if you and your former spouse struggle to communicate or stay on track with everything the kids have going on. It's common for Ex-Spouses to experience miscommunication, ambiguity, or misunderstandings when ...
Jan 03, 2023•1 hr 16 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Dec 27, 2022•6 min
How do you hold onto your joy — even in the midst of disappointment, negativity, and difficult emotions? In our last episode, we discussed some common senerios that have the potential to steal your joy and add tension to your blended family. We wanted to help you build more awareness about these joy-stealers and understand that you're not alone… …we've been robbed of our joy many times too! In this episode, we're sharing the strategies and mindset shifts that we've discovered throughout our own ...
Dec 20, 2022•52 min
You want to experience joy when you gather with your family — not just during the holidays, but in everyday life as well. You might plan, dream, and anticipate how much fun and togetherness you'll experience as a family along the way. You probably look forward to joy-filled moments eating delicious meals, celebrating, and engaging in fun activities together. But in blended family dynamics, it's easy for your joy to unexpectedly be robbed. It doesn't take much for disappointment, confusion, or ev...
Dec 13, 2022•34 min
Resource for this Episode Episode 150: The Highs and Lows of Our Family's Holiday 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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 experien...
Dec 06, 2022•5 min
Isn't it fun to reminisce sometimes? We love spending time remembering the journey with our family. It's great to recall some of those funny moments in our history. And it's meaningful when we recount the tough seasons we've endured together as well. In celebration of our 150th episode, we thought we'd let you listen in to our family reminisce over some of the ups and downs of our Holiday experiences over the past 20+ years. We wonder if it might stir up a bit of hope for your own future as you ...
Nov 29, 2022•1 hr 4 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Nov 22, 2022•6 min
We all want to enjoy the holiday season with our family — without experiencing tension, disappointment or conflict. Managing all the complexities of blended family life can be overwhelming around the holidays. You're merging two family cultures with different ideas about how the holiday season should look… …kids might be looking forward to experiencing past family traditions that are still meaningful to them. On the other hand, adults are focused on creating a whole new experience around holiday...
Nov 15, 2022•49 min
Resources for this Simple Step Episode 41. Are You Unintentionally Putting Your Kids in the Middle? 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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 ex...
Nov 08, 2022•7 min
Isn't there just something fun and exciting about the Holidays? It seems to be a time of excitement and high hopes for family "togetherness". You probably want to plan fun, festive activities so that you're able to enjoy memorable moments with your kids. But to make all that fun happen, you might need to negotiate a few logistics with your former spouse… …which could lead to stress and conflict — YUCK! We hear you and have been there more times than we've wanted to be. Yet, over the years we've ...
Nov 01, 2022•38 min
Resources From This Episode: Episode 36. How to Change Your "Stories" and Grow Connection with Special Guest Mark Warren 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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...
Oct 25, 2022•5 min
Have you ever felt like you got stuck in a difficult conversation before it even got started? You know that feeling — like this is going downhill fast and you just don't know how it got so heated and emotionally-charged so fast. We've experienced this kind of interaction hundreds (maybe thousands) of times over the years! Those are the moments we feel disconnected and divided. And we're left wondering how we'll ever be able to talk about sensitive topics and work through problems. But almost 12 ...
Oct 18, 2022•40 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Oct 11, 2022•4 min
Do you remember that vibrant sense of friendship you had early on in your relationship? It was a strong connection and it created this pull toward each other that was almost irresistible. But somewhere amid the crazy schedules, complex relationships, and differences of perspective, maybe you feel more like business partners or roommates these days. Or worse yet, battling foes rather than friends. If you can relate to any of that (or if you want to avoid getting to that point) — this episode is f...
Oct 04, 2022•55 min
Resources from this episode: Episode 14. 3 Helpful Steps to Overcome Your "Perfectionistic" Ideals and Disappointments 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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 w...
Sep 27, 2022•7 min
Have you ever tried to describe your blended family's unique challenges to a friend — only to be met with a blank stare because they simply didn't understand? Or maybe you felt judged by someone who just didn't get the reality of your family dynamics. Or somewhere along the way you were given advice that just wasn't helpful. Most of us living in blended family dynamics have been there — we often feel alone in our struggles. We might even start to believe that there's something wrong with us beca...
Sep 20, 2022•29 min
Creating a healthy, secure relationship with each of your children and step-children is probably a high priority for you. But the complex journey of parenting is challenging — and adding the realities of blending families can make it even more daunting! Sometimes we just need expert advice. That's what we have for you in this episode where we got to interview Jeffrey and Amy Olrick. Jeffrey Olrick, Ph.D., is a clinical child psychologist who has worked with children and families for over twenty ...
Sep 13, 2022•1 hr 8 min
In this episode, we're excited to continue our conversation about the amazing resource called 'The 6 Needs of Every Child' by Jeffrey and Amy Olrick. We'll share the final 3 needs outlined in the book. You won't want to miss part 2 of this discussion, and we have a little surprise for you at the end. You'll Discover: How to develop security, resilience and confidence in your kids - and deepen your connection with them The relevance of secure attachment and practical ways to meet the most importa...
Sep 06, 2022•49 min
We all want to raise kids that are secure, resilient and confident. We also want to experience genuine connection with our kids and step-kids. But stepfamily dynamics can be confusing, overwhelming and frustrating — especially when it comes to parenting. It might feel like all the complexity tends to rob you of that connection you're looking for. If you've ever wondered how to handle tough situations with your kids or step-kids, we're here to help. And the good news is that you don't have to be ...
Aug 30, 2022•54 min
Want to learn more about promoting peace in co-parenting? Check out these episodes: Co-Parenting Episodes Or read a few of these articles: Co-Parenting Articles 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: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession Sugg...
Aug 23, 2022•6 min
Every parent wants their kids to be safe, healthy, and supported as they grow up. But as they head toward blending a family, many parents worry that stepfamily dynamics might actually cause harm — robbing their kids of a sense of stability and security. The truth is there are some "easy wrong turns" that couples sometimes make that can increase the risks for emotional safety and relational stability for kids. But the good news is that you can avoid the most common "easy wrong turns" with just a ...
Aug 16, 2022•54 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Aug 09, 2022•6 min
It's easy to assume that adult children will be happy to celebrate a parent's remarriage later in life. They're adults, right? They're focused on their own lives and families. Your later life marriage shouldn't really impact them. But for most later life remarriages, that's simply not true. Most couples quickly run up against some unexpected challenges. Our friends Steve and Jan Mathews were surprised by the painful issues they faced with Steve's adult kids shortly after he married Jan. His adul...
Aug 02, 2022•1 hr
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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Jul 26, 2022•4 min
We're betting you want to experience teamwork, connection, and peace in your blended family journey. But if you're anything like us, the complex emotions and unexpected relational tension might be taking you by surprise. You're not alone. We struggled with the pain that comes with all that for years. All too often, Kim felt like the rope in a tug-of-war between her daughter and Mike. She wanted everyone to feel loved and to be happy, but felt like she had to choose between Annika and Mike. She f...
Jul 19, 2022•55 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Jul 12, 2022•7 min
Have you ever thought to yourself, "Our relationship is a mess!"? I know I've thought that in different seasons along the way. What I wanted was a healthy, connected relationship with Kim… …but at times it's felt hopeless — like we would never be okay. And often in those difficult moments, my feelings got deeply centered on my own emotional pain. It wasn't just "we" would never be okay, but that translated to "I" would never be okay. But just a few years into our marriage, I stumbled across a co...
Jul 05, 2022•50 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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Jun 28, 2022•5 min
Engaging the whole family in meaningful conversation is challenging for anyone. And for blended families, positive engagement often feels impossible — especially when there's tension or one child makes it clear that they don't want to engage. But don't lose hope! Even with tension, stress, and yes — busy schedules or lots of distractions — today's guest, Jennifer Zumbiel can help you experience more connection in your blended family. Jennifer is the host of the "Families That Stick Togather™" po...
Jun 21, 2022•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.mikeandkimcoaching.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: https:/...
Jun 14, 2022•9 min
