Blended Family Breakthrough

173. Expert Guidance for Holiday Success


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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 episode, we're talking with Joneen Mackenzie and Lauren Reitsema about their personal stories of managing the holidays.  They're a mother-daughter duo who've navigated divorce and blending.  Now they offer their expert guidance to help others blend well, build genuine connections, and learn how to best support all the kids through change, loss, and grief.  

Lauren is the author of In Their Shoes, where she shares her experiences of living through her parent's divorce and later their remarriages. Together,  Lauren and Joneen have co-authored a book called Relationship Essentials.  Joneen founded The Center for Relationship Education where Lauren is currently serving as well.   They both use their experience and expert knowledge to help others cultivate healthy dynamics and deeper connections in all their relationships. 

We're confident you'll find valuable insight from Joneen and Lauren's holiday hindsight and use it as foresight as you navigate your blended family holidays.

Who knows?  Maybe you'll get to experience a little more fun as you manage transitions and merge traditions in your blended family — and enjoy a little more magic this year!

You'll Discover:

  • Firsthand experiences of divorce, remarriage, and the challenges of blending from the unique perspectives of both mother and daughter 
  • Valuable insights into the emotional struggle that kids experience around holiday transitions and traditions - and how you can help
  • Practical advice to help minimize stress and increase the magic around your holiday celebration

Resources from this Episode:

  • Lauren Reitsema's book:  In Their Shoes - Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce
  • Lauren and Joneen's latest book:  Relationship Essentials 
  • Episode 40:  Uncover the unspoken feelings of kids in blended families [Special Resource:  In Their Shoes]

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 clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

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We would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast.  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” —we really appreciate your feedback!

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Blended Family BreakthroughBy Mike & Kim Anderson

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