Blended Family Breakthrough

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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

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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!

Have you ever felt like the holidays in your blended family are fraught with more challenges than there should be?

It might seem like when the holidays hit, you get bombarded with chaotic schedules and difficult negotiations with Exes.  The kids have high expectations and so do you — which just adds to the pressure. 

Relational tension and stress seem all too common as blended families struggle to cope with holiday hang-ups and disappointments.

But that's not the whole story…

…it's also possible to experience fun, connection, and joy through the holidays.

In this episode, you'll hear from our friends Rich and Stacy who have been blending their holiday experiences for 12 years.  They'll share a few of their highs and lows and how they've learned to navigate the challenging dynamics of blended family holidays.

Rich and Stacy offer some real-life strategies and mindset shifts that will help you to intentionally prepare for the holiday season with greater understanding, realistic expectations, flexibility, and the right perspective — without sweating the small stuff or getting hung up on having to get everything perfect!

You'll Discover:

• What it takes to navigate the holidays well and experience more fun, connection, and joy.
• Proactive strategies and mindsets that foster success leading up to - and during - the holiday season.

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 151. What Has The Potential to Steal Your Joy - And How Can You Hold Onto It (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 150. The Highs and Lows of Our Family's Holiday Experiences - with Special Guests: Our Kids
• Episode 149. How to "Blend" Holiday Traditions and Create Meaningful Connections This Season
• Episode 148. 5 Tips to Negotiate Holiday Plans and Avoid Scheduling Conflicts with the Ex
• Episode 118.  Meaningful Insight and Practical Strategies to Help Your Blended Family Navigate Holiday Challenges
• Episode 71. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 12. 4 Meaningful Insights for Budgeting Your Happy Holidays
• Episode 10.  8 Practical Tips for a Successful Holiday Season

 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

As I mentioned in this Simple Step, we encourage you to head back to Episode 67 to dive into more ideas on how to live out this simple strategy in your co-parenting dynamic.  Here's the link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/podcast/067

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 probably know that kids moving between two homes thrive when all the adults — in both homes — cooperate to create stability and peace.  

That's absolutely true.  

It's also true that the adults (both bio and step-parents) thrive when trust and consideration exist between homes and tension is low.

But when it comes to the art of healthy co-parenting, talk is cheap.  

Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and communication breakdowns are hard to avoid.  And they tend to shatter the peace for kids and adults in the delicate dynamics of co-parenting.

We all need more than just talk — or information about co-parenting.  What we really need is transformation.  

And the great news is that transformation is possible!  

A few simple strategies and a little mindfulness go a long, long way in reducing drama and cultivating peaceful cooperation. You can proactively avoid and recover from the most common co-parenting pitfalls.  

In this episode, we share some helpful tips for both bio and step-parents to improve co-parenting relationships so that everyone can enjoy more cooperation and peace!

You'll Discover:

• Practical strategies for both Step and Bio Parents to help avoid the pitfalls of milestone mishaps and cultivate more cooperation, trust, and peace between homes.

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - and Hurt the Kids
• Episode 113. How to Respond When You're Being  Disregarded, Devalued and Dismissed by Your Former Spouse
• Episode 131. Why is Trust Important in Your Co-parenting Relationship

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 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 169. Real Insight and Advice for Remarried Parents AND Their Concerned Adult Children

Episode 147. Do sensitive conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship

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!

Stepfamily expert Ron Deal says, "Never mind that your children are adults, this is a hard transition for them because it comes at a great cost".

In this episode, we'll uncover the challenging family issues that often come up when a parent with adult children chooses to remarry or become romantically involved.  

We'll explore these sensitive issues from two unique perspectives.  The perspective of the parent who is struggling to understand why their adult child is reacting emotionally to their decision to remarry…

…AND…

…from the perspective of the adult child who could be experiencing painful emotions as they struggle to accept their parent's remarriage.

This episode is an opportunity for parent and adult child to help ease tensions, preserve your relationship, and take a step forward as a family.

You'll Discover:

• Valuable insight and understanding around the perspective of everyone in your family
• Practical tips for communicating,  maintaining connection, and moving beyond the tension

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
• Episode 72.  The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships 
• Episode 140. Blending with Adult Children - One Couple's Story of Heartache and Triumph
• Episode 118. Meaningful Insight & Practical Strategies to Help Your Blended Family Navigate Holiday Challenges
• Book by Lauren Reitsema:  In Their Shoes - Helping Parents better understand and connect with children of divorce

 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 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!