Ready to join the Blending Together Community? Just click this link to get started: https://www.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.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 ...
Apr 30, 2024•7 min
Does it ever feel like you have a bit of a double life going? You have those moments when it's just you and your partner and it feels like all is right with the world… …but suddenly, when one or both sets of kids enter the scene — everything seems to fall apart! That's because when it comes to blended families, "coupleness" does NOT necessarily equal "familyness". This is often a tough reality to accept. You're deeply in love and excited about building a life together, but it seems that you've g...
Apr 23, 2024•46 min
Resources: When you and your partner hit a leadership bump in the road and you're struggling to stay connected and communicate effectively, pause and honestly ask yourself these 3 questions: Am I really listening to my partner and affirming their perspective…or am I quick to disagree? Am I curious about what my partner might be experiencing…or have I become critical? What am I experiencing emotionally and how might I openly express and manage my own emotions well? For additional insight and next...
Apr 16, 2024•7 min
I (Mike) take leadership very seriously. One of my desires, even in our current empty nest years is to be the kind of family leader that my children and stepchild want to connect with and listen to. But often I feel overwhelmed or frustrated as I lead my blended family. All the complexities can lead to confusion that robs me of the confidence and connection I'm trying to build. Guys — have you ever felt that way? You certainly aren't alone. And you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. In...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Resource Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids 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, con...
Apr 02, 2024•6 min
Stepdads need courage! Navigating all the complexities, confusion, and common frustrations is not for the faint-hearted. But it's not just courage stepdad's need, they also need community. Sure, lots of guys operate as if they can fix the challenges, untangle the complexities, and "be the hero" on their own — but most experience relief and reassurance when they discover they're not alone! Our special guest, Mike Haney is on a mission to encourage stepdads and share what he's learned through almo...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Resources Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/DSz44d52?typeform-source=www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com Book: Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal Book: Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal and Gary Chapman CLICK HERE to join the waitlist for upcoming membership to our Blending Together community Smart Stepfamily Therapy Providers: https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-providers Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along ...
Mar 19, 2024•7 min
Have you ever felt like you were stuck in an emotional minefield? For many couples, when a sense of guilt creeps in, it can be debilitating. They might want to move toward blending but find themselves trapped in a minefield of guilt and regret. I (Kim) stayed stuck in my own personal minefield of guilt for way too long. It impacted every area of my life — particularly the way I dealt with our blended family challenges. In this episode, I share how I eventually broke FREE from unhealthy guilt and...
Mar 12, 2024•38 min
Fear is often driven by the unknown… …and it's no surprise that many couples struggle with all the unknown factors of blending. Ambiguity is simply part of the blending journey. All the ambiguity can quickly lead to fear: fear of what might happen if blending doesn't go well fear of failing. fear of how the kids might react fear of the impact of an unsupportive Ex Spouse When it comes to blending a family, there's no shortage of realities that can create valid fear and real concerns. But blendin...
Mar 05, 2024•35 min
Resources Episode 178. Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent - with Special Guest, Dr. Michael Bradley Book: Crazy-Stressed by Dr. Michael J. Bradley Episode 70. 5 Simple Ingredients for Healthy Tech Habits with Your Kids — with Special Guest, Rob Hayes-St. Clair Episode 20: 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex has Different Rules Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?...
Feb 27, 2024•7 min
Ever felt like your teen is completely crazy or maybe you feel like the crazy one — you're not alone! Raising teens is not for the faint-hearted parent or stepparent. But what if this "crazy" season doesn't have to be filled with fear or anger? What if you could find practical ways to hold boundaries, stay connected, and experience a little peace even as you support your teen in their journey to adulthood? In this episode, we'll explore why teenagers behave in ways that are crazy and how you can...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Resources Article: How to Cherish Your Spouse - 10 Ways Book by Gary Chapman: The 5 Love Languages 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 ...
Feb 13, 2024•9 min
Do you remember that vibrant sense of friendship you had early on in your relationship — the strong connection that created an irresistible longing just to be with each other? Isn't it crazy how the packed schedules, complex relationships, and differences of perspective, take you from irresistible to irritated in no time flat! It might leave you feeling more like business partners or roommates these days. Or worse yet, battling foes rather than friends. When real life happens, it can rob you of ...
Feb 06, 2024•52 min
Do you ever think about your romantic relationship now compared to what you'd really like to experience as a couple? If you ever wonder (or even feel hopeless) about how to make progress, you're in the right place today. Research reveals five different Relationship Styles based on a combination of things like communication habits, conflict resolution, parenting partnership, and finance management. In addition, aspects of leisure time, sexuality, friends and family, role sharing, and spiritual be...
Jan 30, 2024•40 min
Resources for this Simple Step: Episode 175. 8 Tips to Protect Kids From Stress and Tension When Moving Between Homes Episode 7. Toxic Exes and Hurting Kids - 5 Steps That Help Episode 8. Toxic Exes and Defiant Kids - A Simple Strategy Against Lies and Slander Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids Episode 42. Our Challenging Story of Parental Alienation — and 6 Tips For You Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer you...
Jan 23, 2024•8 min
Children moving between two homes WANT one thing — to be connected to the people they love. And what they NEED most is to experience peace and freedom to simply enjoy time spent with each of their parents. This might seem simple, but many kids don't get what they want or need due to unhealthy co-parenting patterns. Most often, that leads to unnecessary stress and tension for kids. Why do we say it's unnecessary? Because parents and step-parents CAN make a difference and protect the kids. When yo...
Jan 16, 2024•42 min
Resources for this episode Episode 174. How to Raise Confident Kids by Building a Solid Foundation for Success in Life [with Special Guest Nellie Harden] 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 wit...
Jan 09, 2024•6 min
You want to raise kids who are equipped for success in life, right? You want them to have confidence, a sense of esteem, and worth. But this can feel like an unattainable goal in a world constantly sending mixed messages. Maybe you've felt hopeless when you add in the wake of complex family dynamics and trauma that may have occurred in your family along the way. But the truth is, it's not hopeless and your parental voice matters — even in those moments when it doesn't feel that way. Our expert g...
Jan 02, 2024•1 hr 7 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: ...
Dec 26, 2023•8 min
You want to experience a little holiday magic and meaningful connection in your blended family, right? But the challenges and tensions that emerge for blended families during the holiday season often rob us of the bonding experience we're hoping for. High expectations, difficult emotions, and logistical complications seem to bombard everyone — particularly when it comes to managing transitions and blending traditions. In this episode, we're talking with Joneen Mackenzie and Lauren Reitsema about...
Dec 19, 2023•50 min
Episode Resources: Episode 172. 2 Key Elements to Resolve Your Parenting Style Differences - And Get United Parenting Style Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style? Book: P arenting with Love and Logic Book: Parenting Teens with Love and Logic Book: Stepparenting: Keeping it Sane (Love and Logic) 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...
Dec 12, 2023•6 min
Does it feel like your partner's parenting style is impossibly different than yours? You really want to get on the same page, but your different approaches to parenting seem to rob you of the unity you're looking for. Maybe you find yourself in a cycle of conflict about parenting and it seems like you'll never find your way out. We felt the same way for years. Our different styles constantly tripped us up and prevented us from becoming the parenting partners we really wanted to be. But we've dis...
Dec 05, 2023•52 min
Resources from this Episode Article by Nick Wignall: What Causes Perfectionism and How to Get Over It Episode 84. How to Cope with Sadness, Anxiety and Longing While Your Kids are Gone Episode 81. How a Missing Bio-Parent Impacts Kids in the Delicate Blending Process (Part 1 of 2) Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show...
Nov 28, 2023•10 min
Have you ever felt like the holidays in your blended family are fraught with more challenges than there should be? It might seem like when the holidays hit, you get bombarded with chaotic schedules and difficult negotiations with Exes. The kids have high expectations and so do you — which just adds to the pressure. Relational tension and stress seem all too common as blended families struggle to cope with holiday hang-ups and disappointments. But that's not the whole story… …it's also possible t...
Nov 21, 2023•53 min
As I mentioned in this Simple Step, we encourage you to head back to Episode 67 to dive into more ideas on how to live out this simple strategy in your co-parenting dynamic. Here's the link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/podcast/067 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 n...
Nov 14, 2023•6 min
You probably know that kids moving between two homes thrive when all the adults — in both homes — cooperate to create stability and peace. That's absolutely true. It's also true that the adults (both bio and step-parents) thrive when trust and consideration exist between homes and tension is low. But when it comes to the art of healthy co-parenting, talk is cheap. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and communication breakdowns are hard to avoid. And they tend to shatter the peace for kids and adu...
Nov 07, 2023•29 min
Resources for this Episode Episode 169. Real Insight and Advice for Remarried Parents AND Their Concerned Adult Children Episode 147. Do sensitive conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship 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 blend...
Oct 31, 2023•7 min
Stepfamily expert Ron Deal says, "Never mind that your children are adults, this is a hard transition for them because it comes at a great cost". In this episode, we'll uncover the challenging family issues that often come up when a parent with adult children chooses to remarry or become romantically involved. We'll explore these sensitive issues from two unique perspectives. The perspective of the parent who is struggling to understand why their adult child is reacting emotionally to their deci...
Oct 24, 2023•35 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: ...
Oct 17, 2023•5 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 13, 2023•37 min
