We've heard it said that behavior is the visible expression of invisible issues — it's the warning light on the dashboard. Often, it's the warning light of our child's misbehavior that catches our attention, but what are the invisible issues going on under the surface? Usually, it's difficult emotions. When kids experience something troubling, negative emotions will naturally arise and often they aren't even aware of what's going on inside. Because kids lack emotional maturity, they tend to misb...
Oct 12, 2023•13 min
We've heard it said that behavior is the visible expression of invisible issues — it's the warning light on the dashboard. Often, it's the warning light of our child's misbehavior that catches our attention, but what are the invisible issues going on under the surface? Usually, it's difficult emotions. When kids experience something troubling, negative emotions will naturally arise and often they aren't even aware of what's going on inside. Because kids lack emotional maturity, they tend to misb...
Oct 11, 2023•16 min
We've heard it said that behavior is the visible expression of invisible issues — it's the warning light on the dashboard. Often, it's the warning light of our child's misbehavior that catches our attention, but what are the invisible issues going on under the surface? Usually, it's difficult emotions. When kids experience something troubling, negative emotions will naturally arise and often they aren't even aware of what's going on inside. Because kids lack emotional maturity, they tend to misb...
Oct 10, 2023•29 min
Resources Episode 59 & 60. Why are you stuck in a parent-child allegiance? Episode 139. The Most Common Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences Episode 98. Is fear of being vulnerable keeping you from loving your spouse wholeheartedly? Episode 99. 3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guild and Regret Episode 4. Can you overcome your parenting style differences? Episode 167. 3 Achievable Strategies to Make Your Marriage the Foundation of Your Blended Family Suggest a Topic o...
Oct 03, 2023•7 min
Many of us tend to believe we need to quickly establish our couple relationship as the foundation of our home, right? And yes, that's the goal… …eventually. In a blended family, it's unrealistic to expect this to happen right away. And if you've been trying to "force it", you've probably run into all kinds of challenges. Successfully blending a family requires a well-thought-out strategy because the structure is simply different than a first family. This can be confusing and frustrating for blen...
Sep 26, 2023•43 min
Ready to join the "Blending Together" community? Just click this link: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether 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 c...
Sep 19, 2023•7 min
Have the challenges of blending a family ever left you feeling alone? Maybe you've felt like you're the only one experiencing the unique realities of blended family life. Maybe you're struggling with parenting complexities and your friends just don't get it. Or communication is tense in your couple relationship and your extended family can't seem to understand why. Maybe the kids are acting out or shutting down and it's hard to explain to everyone around you. Or maybe there's ongoing chaos stirr...
Sep 12, 2023•46 min
If you're like me (Mike), when you encounter a challenging situation, you're determined to successfully conquer it. You'll jump right in by engaging with lots of resources like books or podcasts — and reaching out for professional support if needed. You don't want to stay stuck and you're all about new learning and growth. But if this does NOT describe you, maybe you're more naturally like Kim. She tends to be more comfortable staying stuck in a challenge much longer than I am. She has her own u...
Sep 05, 2023•42 min
It's been an exciting few months of planning and preparing to better serve you. In this short episode, we'll share a bit about what we've each been learning. After you listen in, head on over to the new website: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/ 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 al...
Aug 29, 2023•12 min
Be sure to listen in on this quick episode to catch an important announcement and learn about the brand new Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz! Ready to hop into the Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz ? Just click the link to get started. 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 you...
May 30, 2023•12 min
Resources for this episode: Episode 9: A Surprisingly Simple Strategy for Bonding with Step-Kids Episode 25: How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids Episode 63: 5 Strategies to Help You Get United — Even When You Disagree Episode 85: How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family (with stepfamily expert and author Ron Deal) Episode 103 - 4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parents and their Bio-Kids (Part 1) Episode 104 - 4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time B...
May 23, 2023•8 min
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to blend your family successfully? Whether you've been blending for years or you're just getting started, you're probably aware there are complex and difficult dynamics that come with the territory. Yet, you might not be sure what to do to lead your family forward. That's exactly where our special guests, Sean and Staci were 7 years ago when they fell in love and began moving toward marriage. They were aware that challenges would come with blending, bu...
May 16, 2023•50 min
Resources from this Episode: Episode 29: What is a Loyalty Bind and what can you do about it? Episode 9: A Surprisingly Simple Strategy for Bonding with Step-Kids Episode 34: How to Avoid Mother's Day Disappointment 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 ble...
May 09, 2023•7 min
Parentification is one thing — but Step-Parentification is unique to itself. In this episode, we'll continue our conversation with experts Ron Deal and Lauren Reitsema to discuss the challenges of Step-Parentification. The reality is that kids whose parent has remarried are now navigating a relationship with a step-parent. Step-relationships can be tough for everyone involved. And navigating the expectations that come with new or not-yet-established relationships in the home can make any family ...
May 02, 2023•43 min
Kids and adults experienced losses in their journey from first family to blended family life. Of course, we all want to protect our kids, but the reality is those previous losses can place each of us at risk of developing relational dysfunction. This certainly isn't what any caring parent wants to hear… …but it's critical for all of us to be aware of how we can inadvertently slide into unhealthy roles with our kids. Sometimes well meaning, but misplaced boundaries can set the stage for relationa...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Want to join our virtual workshop called Stepfamilies that Make It! — simply click the link! Or maybe you'd like to schedule a Free Initial Coaching Call — click that link instead. We're looking forward to connecting with you soon! 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 suppo...
Apr 18, 2023•6 min
You've probably heard the advice to lower your expectations when you're blending a family. But what does that really mean? Does it mean you're supposed to keep the bar low and not expect much of anything? Or is there something more to this common advice for blended families? In this episode, we'll explore the difference between lowering your expectations altogether vs. developing achievable expectations for your family. I (Mike) struggled for years holding onto unrealistic expectations that adde...
Apr 11, 2023•40 min
Resources from this Simple Step The Love Language Quiz Building Love Together in Blended Families by Gary Chapman & Ron Deal Episode 85: How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family with Special Guest 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.mikeandkimcoaching.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extr...
Apr 04, 2023•8 min
Stepparents want to feel connected in their blended family. They often invest their energy and efforts into serving with a genuinely hopeful heart. But frequently, we hear from heartbroken stepparents that are exhausted. They feel like they've tried everything to break through the barriers with a resistant stepchild. But nothing seems to be working and they're starting to lose hope. Their stepchild continues to treat them with disrespect, push them away, or even act as if they don't exist. These...
Mar 28, 2023•49 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:/...
Mar 21, 2023•6 min
Stepparents typically have great intentions and high expectations around the role they'll play in their blended family. But it doesn't take long for them to realize how daunting stepparenting can actually be! When a well-meaning stepparent finds themselves frustrated with the pre-established patterns of how their new partner tends to parent, they often make an easy wrong turn… …they attempt to jump into directing and correcting. And when that approach backfires, it often leads to a whole lot of ...
Mar 14, 2023•56 min
If you're a stepparent, consider these important questions : What are the "gaps" that you've identified? Challenge yourself to examine if they happen to be reasonable differences in how you and your partner approach parenting. Are your interactions with your step kids focused more on correction or connection? Do you eagerly jump into fix-it mode? Do you feel yourself becoming someone you never wanted to be in your blended family - maybe you appear to be overbearing or emotionally fragile? How ca...
Mar 07, 2023•6 min
It's been said that being a Stepmom is like setting your hair on fire and trying to put it out with a hammer! The reality for many stepmoms is a regular sense of rejection, pressure, disrespect, or even slander. It can be a struggle to hold onto their own identity — to find their place and their purpose as the family "blends". A stepmom's pain, confusion, and disappointment might feel overwhelming and can keep them stuck in survival mode. But there's always hope! In this episode, our friends Bre...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Thanks for joining me for this Simple Step. Here are the 3 questions I asked you to consider this week: What's something new that you want to experience in your relationship that will positively influence everyone in your home? What kind of marriage do you want to model to your kids and stepkids? What is the legacy that you want to leave for your family? Grab a notepad or journal and capture your genuine answer to these questions. Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss so...
Feb 21, 2023•6 min
They say hindsight is 20/20. Wouldn't it be cool if you could temporarily fast forward your blending journey about 20 years? You could clarify the most important things to focus on that might lead to success. You'd come back from that trip through time better equipped to understand the things that matter — and maybe some of the things that don’t. Unfortunately, we don't have a modified Delorean like Doc Brown to take you to your future. What we do have is our own story of blending over the past ...
Feb 14, 2023•41 min
Resources Episode 155: How to Easily Enjoy Meaningful Conversations and More Connection with Your Spouse (with Special Guest Jennifer Zumbiel) 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 co...
Feb 07, 2023•6 min
When we fall in love and choose to spend our life with someone, we might picture a beautiful vision of what we want our relationship to look like… …relaxed, romantic meals together, the exchange of sweet gestures and affection, supportive encouragement, and genuine heart-to-heart connection. All that sounds amazing, doesn't it? But we also know how easy it is for the busyness and business of life to take over. We might feel overwhelmed and discouraged as our connection with each other seems to f...
Jan 31, 2023•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:/...
Jan 24, 2023•4 min
Everyone knows that change inevitably comes with blending families. You might already get that, but "getting it" and embracing it are two different things. Often, couples start off in their blended family journey understanding that change is inevitable, but not fully grasping what those changes ahead might look like — for them and their kids. Then they get blindsided. Why? Because moving everyone under the same roof feels like it's going to be a fresh start — an exciting new beginning! But the r...
Jan 17, 2023•43 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:/...
Jan 10, 2023•6 min
