Blended Family Breakthrough

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 naviga...

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...

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...

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. develo...

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. ...

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. ...

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 m...

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 at...

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 be...

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...

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 captur...

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 mod...

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...

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 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.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 m...

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 mov...

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 m...

For kids who are moving between two homes, the BEST outcomes happen when their parents are able to collaborate well and work together.  Kids need reliable support, stability and peace. You've probably heard that before… …but actually living that out can be fraught with challenges — especially if you and your former spouse struggle to communicate or stay on track with everything the kids have...

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 m...

How do you hold onto your joy — even in the midst of disappointment, negativity, and difficult emotions?   In our last episode, we discussed some common senerios that have the potential to steal your joy and add tension to your blended family. We wanted to help you build more awareness about these joy-stealers and understand that you're not alone… …we've been robbed of our joy many times...