Blended Family Breakthrough

Can you believe it? We’ve made it to our 200th episode! 🎉 We’re so thankful for your support and excited to celebrate with a heart-to-heart conversation. 

Today, we’re diving into the topic of marriage wellness and how generosity can create a foundation for lasting love.  Throughout our candid conversation, we openly assess our marriage and identify areas where we can grow and improve.

Inspired by The Go-Giver Marriage by John and Ana Mann, we explore what it means to be intentional in your relationship. We'll uncover the secrets to lasting love and share personal stories, lessons from our own journey, and practical insights into how generosity plays a vital role in marriage. 

Whether you’re thriving or facing struggles, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable steps to strengthen your bond. 

What You’ll Learn:

• The importance of spoken appreciation in creating connection.
• How attending to your partner’s needs can strengthen intimacy.
• Why allowing your partner to “be” is essential for trust and safety.
• How belief in your partner can fuel their growth—and yours.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Go-Giver Marriage book by John and Ana Mann
• Click here to schedule your Free Blended Family Coaching Session with Mike & Kim

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Start a daily appreciation practice: Share one specific and spoken compliment or thank-you with your partner each day.
2. Notice and act on your partner’s needs: Pay attention to what they need emotionally or physically, and take small steps to support them.
3. Assess your relationship energy: Reflect on the energy you bring to your interactions. Are you supportive, kind, and patient?
4. Communicate belief: Verbalize your faith in your partner’s abilities and character regularly.
5. Focus on personal growth: Choose one area where you can grow, and take intentional steps to improve.

Don’t Miss Out:

Be sure to follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you don’t miss next week’s bonus episode, where we reveal the fifth secret to lasting love!

Thanks for celebrating this milestone episode with us!

Resources

Article by Big Life Journey:  7 Effective Ways to Help Children Overcome Social Anxiety

Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension

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 clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show 

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for every parent—social wellness for kids and step-kids. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to guide your children through the ups and downs of friendships, bullying, or personal boundaries, you’re not alone. We’ve been there, too, and we’re sharing some of our own experiences—both the wins and the missteps—as we supported our kids’ social growth. 

This is the third episode in our wellness series, and today we’re focusing on the social skills that help kids thrive, not just in childhood but for the rest of their lives. We’ll talk about what social wellness really means, why it’s so important, and how blended family dynamics can add an extra layer of complexity. Plus, we’ll share six practical strategies that have made a difference in our home.

You’ll hear stories about how we coached our kids through rejection, mean-girl drama, and personal boundaries—all while learning some lessons ourselves along the way. We know firsthand how tricky it can be to help kids build confidence and navigate social challenges, but we’re here to offer encouragement and ideas you can use right now. Let’s tackle this together!

What You'll Learn:

• Why social wellness is vital for kids' emotional health and overall happiness.
• Common parenting challenges in supporting kids' social development.
• Six actionable tips to help your children build social skills.

Resources Mentioned:

• TED Talk: The Good Life is Built with Good Relationships by Dr. Robert Waldinger.
• Episode 168. Actionable Steps for Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve (the skill of Emotion Coaching)
• Article by Isa Marrs:  7 Signs Your Child is Being Bullied
• Article by Jason Marrs:  What to do, and not do, if your child is being bullied
• Book: Crazy Stressed by Dr. Michael Bradley
• Episode 19. How to Help Step-Siblings to Get Along Better
• Advice for parents teaching social skills:  Where I Can Be Me
• Tips for Teens around social issues:  Where I Can Be Me

Actionable Takeaways:

• Choose one or two of the six social skills strategies to focus on with your child this week.
• Share this episode with a friend or co-parent who might find these tips helpful.

Ready for some extra support? 

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

#BlendedFamily #SocialWellness #ParentingTips

We would be so grateful if you left us a review on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast.  Just click here to Review.   Thank you!

Resources:

• Episode 198.  How do sleep habits impact the health and wellness of your kids? [with Jessica Bryant]
• Reach out to Jessica for a Free 15-minute sleep Audit if you have questions about sleep
• The Better Sleep Counsel
• Episode 178. Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [With Dr. Michael Bradley]
• Book by Dr. Michael Bradley:  Crazy Stressed - Saving Today's Overwhelmed Teens with Love, Laughter, and the Science of Resilience
• Episode 197. Conquer Digital Overload: Parenting Tips for Raising Tech-Savvy Kids [with Steve Arterburn]

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 clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show 

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Are your kids ever irritable, anxious, or just "off"?

Maybe they aren't getting enough sleep.

You might be surprised how inadequate or inconsistent sleep habits can negatively impact your kid's ability to focus, tolerate stress, and manage relationships.  Lack of sleep increases fatigue, affects mood, and decreases overall wellness.   

In fact, our guest Jessica Bryant says there really isn't any health concern we might have for our kids that isn't impacted by sleep — particularly their mental health.

Jessica has helped over 2000 families across 5 different countries to create healthy sleep habits.  She's done that using her unique combination of professional experience as an early childhood intervention specialist and her personal focus on creating healthy sleep routines with her own children. 

In this episode, Jessica shares some simple steps that can make a massive difference and increase wellness in your family by promoting healthy sleep habits.

You'll Discover:

• The real risks and health concerns for kids struggling with sleep deprivation 
• Practical tips around healthy sleep habits for kids of all ages
• How to implement new habits as a family to promote wellness through sleep
• Encouragement and positive ways to approach sleep issues in your home — even when your kids' other home operates differently.

Resources from this Episode:

• Connect with Jessica at Sleep Happy Consulting
• Reach out to Jessica for a Free 15 15-minute sleep Audit to help answer your questions about sleep
• The Better Sleep Counsel
• Episode 172. 2 Key Elements to Resolve Your Parenting Style Differences - And Get United

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 

Subscribe or Follow the Show 

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Resources

Episode 20. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules

Episode  197. Conquer Digital Overload: Parenting Tips for Raising Tech-Savvy Kids [with Steve Arterburn]

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 clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show 

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

In today's screen-saturated world, parents are facing a unique challenge that previous generations never had to navigate…

…how to raise tech-savvy kids!

Screens are everywhere.  Your children may wake up to the morning news on TV. They might work on a laptop or even a government-issued tablet while at school. Throughout the day and into the evening, they may play a game on their tablet, text friends on a smartphone, or watch a movie with the family—maybe even all three at once! 

Your children’s 24/7 access to screens will expose them to a universe of connection and content: some good, and some damaging.  The influence of screens impacts the overall health of your kids.  The reality is that digital overload often leads to decreased health and wellness. 

The lure and influence of screens can leave parents feeling powerless.  How are you supposed to raise a physically and emotionally healthy, socially competent, well-balanced child in a screen-saturated world?

This is a question that every parent wrestles with… 

…and our guest, Stephen Arterburn, is here to help!  Stephen has a personal parenting story of screen-related trauma in his family which lead him down a path to discover answers to the most common challenges that parents face in our tech-saturated world. 

Listen in and discover how you can make a positive and powerful impact by raising tech-savvy kids who are aware, safe, and responsible in how they engage with screens.  

You'll Discover:

• The importance of flexibility
• Practical tips for healthy screen habits in your home
• Why the worst outcomes occur when screens are "outlawed" for kids
• A helpful mindset around the dangers and the benefits of the internet
• How to teach kids awareness, safety, and responsibility
• How to help your kids move toward healthy choices and increased wellness

Resources from this Episode:

• Book by Steve Arterburn and Alice Benton :  Understanding and Loving Your Child in a Screen Saturated World  
• Episode 70. 5 Simple Ingredients for Healthy Tech Habits with Your Kids [with Rob Hayes-St.Clair]
• Book by Andy Crouch:  The Tech-Wise Family - Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place
• Episode 178.Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years:  Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent  [With Dr. Michael Bradley]
• Episode 73. 4 Simple Principles for Setting Healthy Boundaries with Kids
• Newlife Ministries -  Help and Hope in Life's Hardest Places

Ready for some extra support?
You can connect with us for a free coaching call - schedule your FREE call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

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 clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show 

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

The holidays can be a time of excitement and high hopes for family "togetherness".  You probably want to plan fun, festive activities so that you're able to enjoy memorable moments as a family.

But nothing can rob you of all that fun like struggling to negotiate some details about scheduling or other logistics with your Ex.

We've been there more times than we've wanted to be.  

Over the years, we've discovered 5 simple things that can reduce the headaches and avoid the heartaches that often come when negotiations break down.

If you're anticipating having to negotiate changes to the visitation schedule this holiday season, don't procrastinate!  We'll help you navigate the negotiations so they don't rob your joy.  

Hop into this episode to discover how you can approach negotiations well and enjoy more peace this Holiday Season! 

You'll Discover:

• 5 tips for negotiating schedule changes with your former spouse that can increase cooperation and ease tension 
• How to stay focused on what's best for the kids and set them up for a peaceful Holiday Season 
• Practical strategies for responding to your child's disappointment when they miss out on an activity
• Simple thoughts for managing your own emotions when things don't go as planned 

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 67. The Best Co-Parenting Strategy That You Already Know
• Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - And Hurt the Kids
• Episode 113. How to Respond When Being Disregarded, Devalued or Dismissed by Your Former Spouse
• Episode 135. How to Set Appropriate Boundaries and Negotiate Well with Your Ex-Spouse 
• Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids
• Episode 31. 3 Unexpected Ways to Improve How You Cope with Your Ex
• Episode 71. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 7. Toxic Exes and Hurting Kids - 5  Steps That Help

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

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Resources

Episode 195. Connecting with Kim's HARD Child - Facing the Challenges of Parental Alienation 

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 clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show 

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!