Blended Family Breakthrough

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...

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 blend...

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 yo...

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 al...

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...

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...

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.blendedfamilybreakt...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for every parent— social wellness for kids and step-kids. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to guide your children through the ups and downs of friendships, bullying, or personal boundaries, you’re not alone. We’ve been there, too, and we’re sharing some of our own experiences—both the wins and the missteps—as we supported our k...

Resources: Episode 198.  How do sleep habits impact the health and wellness of your kids? [with Jessica Bryant] Reach out to Jessica for a Free 15-minute sleep Audit if you have questions about sleep The Better Sleep Counsel Episode 178. Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [With Dr. Michael Bradley] Book by Dr. Michael Bradley:  Crazy Stressed...

Are your kids ever irritable, anxious, or just "off"? Maybe they aren't getting enough sleep. You might be surprised how inadequate or inconsistent sleep habits can negatively impact your kid's ability to focus, tolerate stress, and manage relationships.  Lack of sleep increases fatigue, affects mood, and decreases overall wellness.    In fact, our guest Jessica Bryant says the...

Resources Episode 20. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules Episode  197. Conquer Digital Overload: Parenting Tips for Raising Tech-Savvy Kids [with Steve Arterburn] 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.blendedfamilybreakthro...

In today's screen-saturated world, parents are facing a unique challenge that previous generations never had to navigate… …how to raise tech-savvy kids! Screens are everywhere.  Your children may wake up to the morning news on TV. They might work on a laptop or even a government-issued tablet while at school. Throughout the day and into the evening, they may play a game on their tablet, text...

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...

The holidays can 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 as a family. But nothing can rob you of all that fun like struggling to negotiate some details about scheduling or other logistics with your Ex. We've been there more times than we've wanted to...

Resources Episode 195. Connecting with Kim's HARD Child - Facing the Challenges of Parental Alienation   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 al...

Do you ever stop to think about what it will be like 15 years from now?  What will your relationship with each of your children be like? Maybe you've got a HARD kid (Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant) who's putting up walls and seems to have turned against you - and it feels like this painful season will never end.  The tension in your relationship with your child has robbed you of the con...

Resources: Episode 194. Powerful Tips for Effectively Connecting with Your Angry or Distant Child [with Dr. Amy J.L. Baker] Book by Amy J.L. Baker: and Paul R. Fine   Parenting Under Fire Article by Amy J.L. Baker:  Five Things to Never Say to an Alienated Child 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...

Children of divorce who are hurt, angry, rejecting, and distant (HARD) are challenging to parent.  They can be rude, uncooperative, and disagreeable.  It's difficult to relate to or connect with them, and they can appear hardened against the love and guidance you want to provide. When conflict between two homes intensifies, children often become entangled in loyalty conflicts or sometimes vic...

Resources: Episode 193. The Advantage of Learning The Basics BEFORE You  Blend CLICK HERE to receive a curated podcast list to help you learn the Basics of Blending  Episode 109. Preparing to Blend:  The Couples Guide to Becoming a Smart Stepfamily [with Ron Deal] Book by Ron Deal:  Preparing to Blend:  The Couple's Guide to Becoming a Smart Stepfamily Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question   Woul...

Most of us start off on the blending journey with some ambiguity about how to deal with the complex dynamics that will come as families merge. It usually doesn't take long before you're blindsided by the reality that there's SO MUCH MORE to blending than first anticipated.  Feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and disappointment might hit and you realize you're not as prepared a...

Resources: Episode 172.  2 Key Elements to Resolve Your Parenting Style Differences - And Get United  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...

What's one of THE most challenging "feats" for blended couples to successfully master? Building a healthy, collaborative parenting partnership! What makes this so difficult? The sensitive topic of parenting can naturally kick off an emotionally-charged conversation, ending in disagreement, conflict, and disconnection. If you're anything like us, you've probably experienced...

Resources  Episode 191.    Achieve Financial Harmony:  Expert Guidance for Blending Your Finances [with special guests Ron Deal & Greg Pettys] Book by Ron Deal, Greg Pettys & David Edwards:  The Smart Stepfamily's Guide to Financial Planning:  Money Management Before and After You Blend a Family Click here to connect with Greg Pettys for a FREE consult regarding basic estate planning...

Money is emotional. That's why it can be a touchy subject for couples — whether they're preparing to blend or if they've been blending for a while.  Discussing finances can lead to very real challenges. The process of "merging money"  can easily become complicated and overwhelming for blended family couples.  The complexities tap into deeper emotions tied to things like fe...

Resources: Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (Stranded Stranger / Trapped Teammate Dynamic)  Episode 5. How to Get Over the Hurts and Triggers From Your Past Dr. Patricia L. Papernow - Stepfamily Relationships 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&...