Blended Family Breakthrough
We're Mike and Kim Anderson and we believe in a world where blended families experience a future full of hope, connection, and peace. That's why we focus on helping couples in stepfamilies move from a place of confusion and conflict to a life of confidence and connection. Thanks for joining us to discover how you can live the blended family life you really want! If you've been following us for a while — yes, we recently changed the podcast name from "The Blended Family Coaching Show" to "Blended Family Breakthrough". Thanks for noticing!
Episodes
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".
Th...
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 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
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question
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
<...
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 ...
Resources for this episode
Episode 174. How to Raise Confident Kids by Building a Solid Foundation for Success in Life [with Special Guest Nellie Harden]
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?
You want to raise kids who are equipped for success in life, right? You want them to have confidence, a sense of esteem, and worth. But this can feel like an unattainable goal in a world constantly sending mixed messages. Maybe you've felt hopeless when you add in the wake of complex family dynamics and trauma that may have occurred in your family along the way.
But the truth is, it's not hopeless and your parental voic...
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 how we might help you experience more cl...
You want to experience a little holiday magic and meaningful connection in your blended family, right?
But the challenges and tensions that emerge for blended families during the holiday season often rob us of the bonding experience we're hoping for.
High expectations, difficult emotions, and logistical complications seem to bombard everyone — particularly when it comes to managing transitions and blending traditions.
In this epi...
Episode Resources:
- Episode 172. 2 Key Elements to Resolve Your Parenting Style Differences - And Get United
- Parenting Style Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?
- Book: Parenting with Love and Logic
- Book: Parenting Teens with Love and Logic
- Book: Stepparenting: Keeping it Sane (Love and Logic)
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...
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