Episode Summary: Blending families after divorce can be one of the most rewarding—and most challenging—experiences for parents and children. In this episode, Sarah Green and Brett Nelson share practical guidance on timing, communication, and emotional awareness when introducing new partners and step-parenting. They break down the risks of moving too fast, how to support children through transitions, and what couples must discuss before combining households. With real-life insights and mindful advice, this conversation offers a roadmap for making blended families work.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- Why waiting at least six months before introducing a new partner to children is important
- How to prepare kids emotionally for changes in family structure
- Key conversations couples should have before merging households
- The four stages of step-parenting and how to navigate them
- Why discipline, authority, and parenting roles must be clearly defined
- How cultural stereotypes affect stepmothers and why community support is vital
- The importance of prioritizing children’s well-being over adult desires
Key Timestamps:
00:02 – How soon is too soon to introduce a new partner to children? 00:05 – Preparing kids for change and why their stability comes first 00:07 – Should you tell your children when you start dating again? 00:09 – Key discussions couples need before blending families 00:11 – Why “mom” and “dad” titles should be earned, not forced 00:13 – Sarah’s four stages of step-parenting 00:15 – Discipline, authority, and defining parenting roles 00:17 – Treating stepchildren like your best friend’s kids 00:18 – Sarah’s mindful moment: finding resources and community for blended families
About the Show:
Counsel and Community blends legal insights with practical advice for personal growth, healthy relationships, and financial well-being. Hosted by the Nelson Law Group team, the show offers actionable tips to help couples navigate life’s challenges, strengthen marriages, and make intentional decisions that align with their values.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.