Blended Family Breakthrough

Engaging the whole family in meaningful conversation is challenging for anyone.   And for blended families, positive engagement often feels impossible — especially when there's tension or one child makes it clear that they don't want to engage. But don't lose hope! Even with tension, stress, and yes — busy schedules or lots of distractions — today's guest, Jennifer Zumbiel can...

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...

You might have headed into stepfamily life hoping that close bonds would develop and everyone would enjoy spending time together.   But, if you're like most of us, that may not have happened as easily or as quickly as you hoped. Instead, most blending couples are blindsided by the amount of chaos, tension and resistance that pops up around every corner.  You've probably felt frustrated,...

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...

Cooperative co-parenting with an Ex is the goal when you've got kids moving between two homes.  You likely want your kids to experience peaceful transitions — you want to avoid tension and conflict as you negotiate with your Ex-Spouse. But sometimes this seems like an impossible goal.   That's because setting healthy, appropriate boundaries in co-parenting without triggering conflict fee...

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...

Isn't it a great feeling when you're united as a couple around important decisions?  It really doesn't matter if the decision is big or small — we feel connected when we're on the same page. But, if you're anything like us, you've probably run into those moments when decision-making seems to create disconnection. And let's be honest.  Disconnection stinks. Over t...

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...

Special family occasions should be filled with joy, laughter, and gratefulness — especially Mother's Day. But in your blended family dynamics, that might not be what you actually experience.  The relational tension and disconnection that can sometimes be present doesn't just melt away because it happens to be a day designated to honor Mom or celebrate other occasions as a family. Yet, mo...

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...

 You probably hope for tight bonds in your blended family.  But the reality is that that blended families are born out of loss — and the grief from that loss can make it difficult to bond. Whether it was divorce, death, or separation — there was an 'earthquake' of loss that preceded your current blended family structure. And every member of your family will experience some kind of grief...

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...

Building trust can be difficult in any relationship… …and when it comes to your former spouse, it might feel impossible. Building trust in your parenting coalition seems out of reach when you keep your focus on the way your Ex behaves. But there's more to it than that. We've had multiple seasons of over-focusing on the untrustworthy actions of Kim's former spouse.  But over time, we...

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...

Bonding in a blended family can be challenging.  Maybe you're already pretty close with your bio-kids, but trying to connect with step-kids just isn't working.  Or maybe you've noticed your bio-kids pulling away just a little lately and you're not sure why. We've been through all kinds of ups and downs in our journey of blending and raising kids and discovered there's...

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...

In June of 1967, just after the release of their album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Beatles began preparing for one of the world's first live global broadcast using a newly constructed technology — the satellite.  What song did they release that day?  "All You Need Is Love"  It was a historic event. It's been 55 years since that song was released, but for mi...

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 can you get really practical about your sex life in marriage? Many of us can slip into the thought that if we were really in love — or if we were really compatible, then our sexual rhythm and connection should be really easy. When our experience doesn't match that expectation, then we're disappointed.  We might feel like something is wrong with our relationship. And too much of the t...

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...

The sexual connection we really want for our marriage can often get hijacked by our histories, hurts, and misunderstandings. For blended family couples, trying to navigate these challenges is often complex and disheartening — even if some of our hang-ups seem typical for any marriage. Our sexual connection has endured a variety of barriers over the past couple of decades.  There have been seasons...

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...

What does a healthy, vibrant sex life look like in your marriage? You and your spouse probably both want to be fulfilled when it comes to your physical connection.  But for most couples, there are a whole variety of obstacles that chip away at their passion. For blended family couples, the passion can sometimes wane rapidly when they run into unique obstacles.  From simple things like having the s...

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...

In this second half of our discussion, we'll focus on the best mindset for adapting your parenting approach through the adolescent and teen years. Discover how you can focus on moving your adolescent and teen kids toward the future you hope for — starting today! Resources from this Episode: Journey of Transition Online Workshop: https://www.parentingteensintransition.com/parenting-4cs Book: ...