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 leisure time, sexuality, friends and family, role sharing, and spiritual beliefs all play a part. 

The truth is that your romantic relationship has a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses across all of these aspects.

Understanding your particular combination helps you discover where you are now and how to grow your relationship toward what you really want.

As we look back over our journey, we've realized that different seasons of life have had a big impact on our marital experience and shifted our relationship style.

In this episode, we'll unpack 5 Relationship Styles.  We'll also share a few surprising and hopeful pieces of our story that might help you navigate the season you're in right now to reach your ideal relationship style!

You'll Discover:

• Unique characteristics that reveal 5 different relationship styles
• Strengths and weaknesses in your relationship and how to reach your ideal relationship style.
• Hopeful (maybe surprising) insights about our relationship as we've navigated 23 years of blending. 

Resources from this Episode:

• Book:  The Smart Stepfamily Marriage by Ron Deal
• Browse other episodes on the topic of marriage/partnership

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.  

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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!

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

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!

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 parents and step-parents CAN make a difference and protect the kids.  When you do your part to follow the 8 tips we share in this episode, you'll be setting your kids up for the best possible outcomes as they move between their two homes. 

You'll Discover:

• 8 Practical tips to safeguard your kids from stress and tension as they move between homes
• How to manage the challenging dynamics of co-parenting and set your kids up for the best possible outcomes

 Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 41. Are you unintentionally putting your kids in the middle?
• Episode 6.  Are Your Kids Stuck in a 'Parental Allegiance' - and What Can You Do About It?
• Episode  161. How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification?
• Episode 153.   How to Empower Organization, Improve Communication and Create Peace Between Your Kid's Two Homes
• Episode 113.  How to Respond When Being Disregarded, Devalued or Dismissed by Your Former Spouse (Part 2 of 2)
• Episode 7.  Toxic Ex's and Hurting Kids - 5 Steps that Help
• All Episodes that focus on healthy Co-Parenting 

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 to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

Click here to subscribe to 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 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?

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!

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 voice matters — even in those moments when it doesn't feel that way.  

Our expert guest in this episode, Nellie Harden, offers every parent real hope!  

She'll share some of her personal journey growing up in a blended family as well as parenting four girls, who are all currently teenagers.  Her quest for healing and a desire to set her children up for success has brought her to where she is today — helping parents love and lead their teen/tween children in a way that teaches them to love and lead themselves while building a strong foundation of worth, esteem, and confidence.  All before they launch into adulthood!

If your goal is to equip your kids and stepkids with the foundation they'll need for success in life, then don't miss Nellie's insight, wisdom, and encouragement in this episode.      

You'll Discover:

• How to love and lead kids in a way that teaches them to love and lead themselves 
• Practical steps for building a strong foundation of worth, esteem, and confidence in our kids that sets them up for success in life
• Insight and strategies for facing trauma and moving forward 

Resources from this Episode:

• Connect with Nellie Harden  - explore her resources and programs

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!

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!

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

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

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!

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!

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!

Does it feel like your partner's parenting style is impossibly different than yours?

You really want to get on the same page, but your different approaches to parenting seem to rob you of the unity you're looking for.  Maybe you find yourself in a cycle of conflict about parenting and it seems like you'll never find your way out.

We felt the same way for years.  Our different styles constantly tripped us up and prevented us from becoming the parenting partners we really wanted to be.

But we've discovered 2 key elements that ended that cycle and united us around parenting.  In this episode, we'll tell you exactly what those two elements are.

Resources from this Episode:

• Parenting Style Quiz:  What's Your Parenting Style?
• Love and Logic Parenting Method
• Episode 158. An Effective Stepparenting Approached Focused on
  What Works - And What Doesn't
• Episode 160. A 4-Part Framework for Achievable Expectations and How to Live Them Out
• Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (the Trapped-Teammate & Stranded Stranger dynamic)
• Episode 63. 5 Strategies to Help You Get United - Even When You Disagree
• Episode 99. 3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret
• Episode 73. 4 Simple Principles for Setting Healthy Boundaries with Kids
• Episode 17. 6 Simple Steps That Will Help You Respond to Disrespect
• Episode 74. How to Develop Appropriate and Effective Consequences That Empower Responsibility
• Episode 59. Why are you stuck in a parent-child allegiance? (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 124. How to Effectively Parent Through Each Stage of Development - And Reduce Painful Interactions (Part 1 of 2)

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 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 from this Episode

Article by Nick Wignall:  What Causes Perfectionism and How to Get Over It
Episode 84. How to Cope with Sadness, Anxiety and Longing While Your Kids are Gone
Episode 81. How a Missing Bio-Parent Impacts Kids in the Delicate Blending Process (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve  

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!