Blended Family Breakthrough

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 the kids are acting out or s...

Resources

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

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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

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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 get through all the other difficult day...

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?

We all need some extra su...

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".

This is often a tough reality to accept.  ...

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:

1.  Am I really listening to my partner and affirming their perspective…or am I quick to disagree?
2.  Am I curious about what my partner might be experiencing…or have I become critical?
3.  What am I experiencing emotionally and how migh...

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 you ever felt that way?

You certainly ...

Resource
Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids

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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 ...

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're not alone!  

Our special gues...

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 Stepfamily Therapy Provi...

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 blended family challenges.

In this epi...

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 comes to blending a family, there&apo...

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

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Would ...

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 teen in their journey to adulthood?

In ...

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 blending journey — we&apos...

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 roommates these days.  Or worse yet, battli...

Do you ever think about your romantic relationship now compared to what you'd really like to experience as a couple?

If you ever wonder (or even feel hopeless) about how to make progress, you're in the right place today.

Research reveals five different Relationship Styles based on a combination of things like communication habits, conflict resolution, parenting partnership, and finance management.  In addition, aspects of l...

Resources for this Simple Step:

Episode 175. 8 Tips to Protect Kids From Stress and Tension When Moving Between Homes
Episode 7. Toxic Exes and Hurting Kids - 5 Steps That Help
Episode 8. Toxic Exes and Defiant Kids - A Simple Strategy Against Lies and Slander
Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids
Episode 42. Our Challenging Story of Parental Alienation — and 6 Tips For You
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Children moving between two homes WANT one thing — to be connected to the people they love.  And what they NEED most is to experience peace and freedom to simply enjoy time spent with each of their parents.

This might seem simple, but many kids don't get what they want or need due to unhealthy co-parenting patterns.  Most often, that leads to unnecessary stress and tension for kids.

Why do we say it's unnecessary?  

Because ...