Blended Family Breakthrough

I (Mike) have had so many moments of just feeling stuck.  I wondered how we would ever move forward and I figured out pretty early on that I wouldn't be able to sort out all the complex chaos without some support. The problem was, I had no idea what kind of support we needed. And when we were stuck in unhealthy patterns that kept leading to disconnection and pain, it was challenging to sort o...

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...

It's hard to accept that grief is simply a part of every blended family's journey.  But that's your reality because everyone in your family has experienced some kind of loss along the way. If you aren't able to acknowledge grief and create a safe space to process through it, you'll miss out on valuable opportunities that lead to healing. In this episode, you'll discov...

Resources: Episode 20. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules Episode 187. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1) Episode 188. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 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...

Discomfort and distress are common experiences for those of us navigating blended dynamics.   One key to learning to manage discomfort and distress well is practicing some simple strategies that acknowledge what you're actually experiencing and then choosing clear, healthy responses. Now, we know what you're probably thinking… …"I've done everything possible to cope with my dis...

What if every moment of blended family life felt fun, connected, and peaceful? It's pretty hard to imagine.  We all know the struggles and challenges that barrage us each day.  It might seem like there's way more discomfort and distress than there is fun and connection. We've navigated countless seasons of discomfort over the past couple of decades and struggled through intense mome...

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...

Hey Stepdads — ever wonder if you're "winning or losing" in your role at home? Most stepdads I meet genuinely want to build trust with their stepkids and influence them toward success in life.  But sometimes it feels like there's a bit too much chaos in the home — or you're not quite on the same page with your wife. The typical challenges of blending families often feel li...

Join our Blending Together Community 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 blendi...

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...

Resources Check out our Blending Together Community Episode 157. 3 Seasoned Stepmoms Share How They've Survived & Thrived in Their Blended Family Journey 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...

Hey Moms and Stepmoms!  As this episode drops, I'm betting that Mother's Day is on your radar.   If you're anything like me (Kim), you're looking forward to being celebrated.  But as wonderful as it is to be appreciated on Mother's Day, it might just feel like a drop in the bucket… …because being celebrated and appreciated on this one day of the year, might not help you ge...

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?...

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". Thi...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Step...

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...

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 come...

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 T...

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 te...

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...

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 roommat...