melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com It’s good to be back from a small break! New Year updates, announcements, an interview, and a giveaway! Dr. Jody Dean is a clinical psychologist with 28 years of experience specializing in children, adolescents, and athletes. Her medical affiliations include Senior Clinical Account Executive, United Healthcare and Aetna; Director, and Employee Assistance Program at Hughes Electronics and DirecTV. She earned her PHD in clinical psychol...
Jan 08, 2018•18 min•Ep. 156
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com When the end of a year approaches, it’s always a great time to reflect, as well as dream up new possibilities for the year ahead. I invite you to write a new script of your dream life. Let’s make next year the best yet for you and your blended family! Please note, there will not be a show on December 25 or January 1. I will be spending some time enjoying my family, and I hope you do the same! Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year! ...
Dec 18, 2017•17 min•Ep. 155
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Being a stepparent comes with so many challenges, and those challenges can damage blended families. Bio parents aren’t always aware of the difficulties that their partners face. Here’s what to expect in this episode Listener emails Common struggles of stepparents Solutions to some of those struggles Tips for the hurting stepparent My plea to the bio parent Purchase the Mindful Stepmom Meditation Album HERE Join the Private Facebook Gr...
Dec 11, 2017•28 min•Ep. 154
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Charla Miller is a successful author who used traumatic events in her life to propel her forward. She wrote a book called, Wonder and Beauty: My Journey From Heartbreak to Healing Through the Wonder of Horses. She currently resides in Boise Idaho with her partner and is involved in the world of equine therapy. Charla also travels as a destination makeup and hair artist and brings her concept of beauty to all she meets. Her story is pa...
Dec 04, 2017•27 min•Ep. 153
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Many of us walk through life taking things very personally, which can affect our lives greatly. It causes much suffering. The relationships we have with others can also be affected when we take everything to heart. Ten tips to help you learn to not take things personally! Avoid toxic people Have realistic expectations Determine how important the situation is Work on your self confidence Don't give away your power Don't jump to conclus...
Nov 27, 2017•18 min•Ep. 152
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Do you have an over involved ex? Or maybe you’re married to someone whose ex is over involved? There are reasons why exes feel the need to hover and criticize your parenting. They may make excessive phone calls, demonstrate helicopter parenting, or they might not think you are fit to parent your own child. Whatever they are doing, boundaries must be set. Learn all about this and how it affects your current relationship this week on th...
Nov 20, 2017•20 min•Ep. 151
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Blended families are already difficult to navigate. When a couple has parenting styles that differ from one another, it can be quite a challenge. What do you do when you and your partner parent differently? How can you make it work? My husband Shawn joins me to talk about our own challenges in this area. We talk about Our parenting styles when we first met Mistakes that we made in the beginning How to be fair but also treat each child...
Nov 13, 2017•33 min•Ep. 150
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Dr. Jennelle is a PhD Psychologist and Relationship Advisor working with individuals and couples who want to improve communication, collaboration, and harmony in their relationships. Dr. Jennelle focuses on non traditional relationships and family structures (i.e., female same-sex couples, divorced/remarrying couples, and blended families), helping to navigate the challenges in these complex dynamics by developing skills that lead to ...
Nov 06, 2017•39 min•Ep. 149
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Halloween is a perfect time to talk about disguises! People put on masks on a daily basis to cover up who they really are, or what they struggle with emotionally. Living authentically is the only way to overcome this. How can we help others who haven’t figured this out? Purchase the Mindful Stepmom Meditation Album HERE for a $5 discount Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Conne...
Oct 30, 2017•14 min•Ep. 148
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Spirituality is not a topic often discussed here at the blended family podcast, but it is becoming a popular practice. Learn how spirituality can help you and your blended family grow. Also learn how to determine if someone you love is an empath or a highly sensitive person, and what that means. We also talk about vibration, and how to elevate it. Purchase the Mindful Stepmom Meditation Album HERE for a $5 discount Join the Private Fa...
Oct 23, 2017•22 min•Ep. 147
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com We all have exes, and many of us are dealing with exes who are difficult and uncooperative. Since there is not much we can do to change who they are or what they act like, we can only focus on ourselves. There are things we can do to make these interactions more pleasant. Work on better communication Treat your relationship with the ex as a business transaction Seek help from your ex's family members or friends Respond without reactin...
Oct 16, 2017•22 min•Ep. 146
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com There are many emotions that a non custodial parent feels. Many people think it is an easy role, but they forget that it’s not always the wanted role. Many non custodial parents wish things were otherwise. In this show I share what these emotions are., I also I give 5 tips for both custodial parents and the partners of non custodials to help those in the non custodial position. And some special words of encouragement for my fellow non...
Oct 09, 2017•26 min•Ep. 145
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Anna Seewald is the founder of Authentic Parenting®. She is a speaker, author and a parent educator. She also has a popular Podcast on iTunes called Authentic Moments. She is a mom to a vibrant 9 year old who doesn’t approve of her fashion choices. As a child she survived through a severe earthquake. She lost her young mom. She has been through trauma, pain, and a lot suffering. With a strong passion helping children Anna dedicated he...
Oct 02, 2017•35 min•Ep. 144
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Becoming a more authentic person is something mostly everyone struggles with. In this show we cover what you need to know, including What it means to be authentic Why do people struggle with authenticity Children and authenticity What it looks like to be authentic What it looks like to be someone who is not authentic Blended families and authenticity How to become more authentic And more Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate...
Sep 25, 2017•20 min•Ep. 143
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Hurricane Irma came through my state and left her mark. However, Florida will come out stronger after all this. The same can be said with the storms of life. We all go through hard times, but when we can find the gift or lesson in the storm, we can overcome anything. Also, an interview with Anna DeAcosta, the creator of the fabulous album The Mindful Stepmom, Guided Meditations for Peace and Flow in your Blended Family. Connect with A...
Sep 18, 2017•33 min•Ep. 142
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Because of hurricane Irma, there is not a topic this week. My family and I have been preparing for this storm, as it is threatening to hit my state of Florida. In the meantime, listen to my special song by songfinch, that was created for my bonus children! See the lyrics below! Sometimes reminiscing Feels like yesterday to me When you met 10 years ago With your dad at Mikkey D's And since then you've gotten close Happy she could watch...
Sep 11, 2017•10 min•Ep. 141
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Meeting your new partner's extended family can cause a lot of anxiety. You might not be sure of how you will be received. This week, I talk about how to cope with meeting new family members, such as in laws, siblings, cousins, etc. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at ...
Sep 04, 2017•17 min•Ep. 140
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Sibel Guelseren is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Board Certified Masters Addictions Professional, Board Certified Sex Therapist, and Life Coach with over 20 years of Experience. Sibel earned a Master of Education Degree and a Specialist in Education Degree, both specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Florida. She is also a Graduate of CoachU's 3-year prestigious Coaching Program and works with...
Aug 28, 2017•32 min•Ep. 139
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Finding and achieving happiness is something many of us work on every day. Being part of a blended family can make you feel at times like happiness is impossible to find. In this episode I share my top ten happiness boosters. Be happy NOW, because now is all we have! Meditate Forgive others Stop complaining Have gratitude Smile and laugh more Practice self care Do something that fulfills you Do for others Cut out negativity Be kinder ...
Aug 21, 2017•41 min•Ep. 138
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Accepting a step parent into your child's life can be difficult for many reasons. In this episode I explain why, and I will give you some ground rules to follow. No bad mouthing No competing Practice better communication with your ex and their partner Take your own feelings out of the equation Be there for your child without interfering Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connec...
Aug 14, 2017•18 min•Ep. 137
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com This episode I talk about some of my own recent struggles, and what I’ve learned from them. Plus I answer some listener questions. What to do when two parents have completely different parenting styles How to help children who have been taken from their mom What to do when you don’t like the choices the other parent is making for your kids in their home And a giveaway! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes C...
Aug 07, 2017•21 min•Ep. 136
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Katie Brewer started Your Richest Life because she believes that every professional should have access to a financial planner. Katie helps clients alleviate their stress about money by helping them clarify their goals, identify and eliminate obstacles to those goals, and create a financial action plan to achieve them. Katie has accumulated over 10 years of experience working with clients and their money. She is no stranger to hard wor...
Jul 24, 2017•23 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Being a stepparent certainly comes with challenges, but it does have its plus sides too. In this episode I will share what those are so that you can shift your perspective. You get to be the fun one You do not have to be the disciplinarian You are looked at differently than mom or dad You get to develop your own special relationship You can be influential in their life You get to help a family You get to walk away or get a break You b...
Jul 17, 2017•13 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Living in the shadows of an ex or a deceased partner can be really difficult to navigate. Both situations have similarities, but both need to be handled in different ways. We will talk about photos, memories, family and friends, and children in this episode. Plus I’ll share three emails from listeners about this topic. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitt...
Jul 10, 2017•24 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Raising teenagers can be extremely challenging and frustrating. As parents, we can get caught up in the negativity of it all, and we can forget to enjoy the journey. Hopefully this show can help to shift your perspective a bit, so that you can see the joys in between the madness! Listen to my interview on the Couple Money Podcast here Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect ...
Jul 03, 2017•18 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Anxiety is something that many people suffer from nowadays, especially in a blended family. Even children are more prone to anxiety now than ever before. My guest, Stephanie’s Dalfonzo’s first career was as Stevie Knox,” one of South Florida’s most popular radio DJs during the 80s and early 90s. Shifting careers as she raised her children, she delved into the Healing Arts. Over 20 years later, Stephanie is now a Speaker, Spiritual Hea...
Jun 26, 2017•44 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Happy Father's Day! My own husband and favorite dad, Shawn, joins me this week to talk about his own parenting journey this year, which has been especially challenging. We talk about What life was like before he had custody of his son Emotions he experienced when he gained custody Some of the challenges he faced this year Guilt he has experienced Some positives that happened this year His advice on why it's important to be open with t...
Jun 19, 2017•37 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Stepparents who have no bio children of their own are commonly called childless stepparents. They deal with issues and emotions that are unique from bio parents and stepparents who are bio parents as well. In this episode, I will discuss those issues, which are Feeling unimportant Feeling like you take a backseat Feeling unqualified or being told that you are Feeling like you're missing out on time and experiences Feeling worried abou...
Jun 12, 2017•29 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Deciding whether to live together or apart is a big decision for a blended family. Some blended families need to try it both ways to decide which works best for them. In this episode I outline ten things to consider when making this important decision. Plus I’ll list some pros and cons of both. The length of your relationship The quality of your relationship The ages of your kids The relationship between the stepkids How well do you a...
Jun 05, 2017•23 min
melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Amy Baker has a PhD from teachers college of Columbia University. She has 25 years conducting research on parent-child relationships and child maltreatment. She is an author or co-author of 8 books and over 100 articles. She is a nationally recognized expert in parental alienation. She has trained legal and mental health professionals around the country and served as an expert in courtrooms in the US and Canada. She also provides tele...
May 22, 2017•33 min
