Blended Family Breakthrough

It's been an exciting few months of planning and preparing to better serve you.  In this short episode, we'll share a bit about what we've each been learning.

After you listen in, head on over to the new website:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/

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.mikeandkimcoaching.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://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!

Be sure to listen in on this quick episode to catch an important announcement and learn about the brand new Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz!

Ready to hop into the Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz?  Just click the link to get started.

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 9:  A Surprisingly Simple Strategy for Bonding with Step-Kids
• Episode 25:  How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids
• Episode 63:  5 Strategies to Help You Get United — Even When You Disagree
• Episode 85:  How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family (with stepfamily expert and author Ron Deal)
• Episode 103 - 4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parents and their Bio-Kids (Part 1)
• Episode 104 - 4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parents and their Bio-Kids (Part 2)
• Episode 88:  An Effective Strategy to Prepare Your Kids for the Challenges of Blending

To learn more about our Becoming Blended Program for nearly or newly blended couples OR our RelateStrong Program, click the link to schedule your FREE coaching call

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.mikeandkimcoaching.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://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!

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to blend your family successfully?

Whether you've been blending for years or you're just getting started, you're probably aware there are complex and difficult dynamics that come with the territory.  Yet, you might not be sure what to do to lead your family forward.

That's exactly where our special guests, Sean and Staci were 7 years ago when they fell in love and began moving toward marriage.  They were aware that challenges would come with blending, but they weren't quite sure how they could navigate through them successfully.

Listen in as Sean and Staci share the intentional steps they took to prepare and equip themselves to move their two families under one roof…

…and how they continue to successfully face every challenge that comes their way — even now that they're more than 6 years into their blend.

Discover how this couple intentionally 'beat the blending odds', by working together to build healthy bonds, safeguard their marriage and create a peaceful home for their blended family of six. 

You'll Discover:

• One couple's inspiring story of beating the odds and blending with success
• Intentional strategies, insights, and mindset shifts to ease tensions and promote family integration
• How to proactively avoid being blindsided and making the most  common 'easy wrong turns' while blending  

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 from this Episode:

Episode 29:  What is a Loyalty Bind and what can you do about it?
Episode 9:  A Surprisingly Simple Strategy for Bonding with Step-Kids
Episode 34:  How to Avoid Mother's Day Disappointment

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.mikeandkimcoaching.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://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!

Parentification is one thing — but Step-Parentification is unique to itself.

In this episode, we'll continue our conversation with experts Ron Deal and Lauren Reitsema to discuss the challenges of Step-Parentification.
   

The reality is that kids whose parent has remarried are now navigating a relationship with a step-parent.  Step-relationships can be tough for everyone involved.

And navigating the expectations that come with new or not-yet-established relationships in the home can make any family susceptible to inadvertently slide into unhealthy roles or misplaced boundaries.

No loving parent wants that for their kids — and neither does their caring step-parent.

That's why it's important for all the adults to be aware of how blended family dynamics can often set the stage for Step-Parentification to emerge.

Last week we talked with Ron and Lauren about Parentification, but step-parentification is an additional element we all need to understand so that we can avoid it.

We're picking the conversation up right where we left off to help you identify and define healthy step-parent/step-child roles and establish appropriate boundaries in your home.

You'll Discover:

• What "Step-Parentification" is and what it's not
• The negative impact of Step-Parentification for kids now and into their future
• Practical ways to safeguard your kids and step-kids from the burdens of Step-Parentification
• What to do if Step-Parentification is going on in your kids' other home
• What healthy roles and appropriate boundaries look like for a blended family

Resources from this Episode:

• Article:  Your Child Is Not Your Confidant from The Washington Post
• Book:  In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema
• Book:  Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary Chapman 

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!

Kids and adults experienced losses in their journey from first family to blended family life.  

Of course, we all want to protect our kids, but the reality is those previous losses can place each of us at risk of developing relational dysfunction.

This certainly isn't what any caring parent wants to hear…

…but it's critical for all of us to be aware of how we can inadvertently slide into unhealthy roles with our kids.  Sometimes well meaning, but misplaced boundaries can set the stage for relational dysfunction.

One type of dysfunctional result has a name:  Parentification.

Whether you've heard about Parentification before or you have no idea what we're talking about, you'll want to pay attention to today's essential discussion with our expert guests.

Ron Deal and Lauren Reitsema are joining us in this episode to talk about what Parentification actually is, the ramifications of this dysfunction, and how to protect your kids by preserving their childhood.

This is an informative conversation with deep insight that will help you identify and define healthy parent/child roles and establish appropriate boundaries in your home.

You'll Discover:

• What "Parentification" is and what it's not
• The negative impact of Parentification for kids now and into their future
• Practical ways to safeguard your kids from the burdens of Parentification
• What to do if Parentification is going on in your kids' other home
• What healthy roles and appropriate boundaries look like for a blended family

Resources from this Episode:

• Book:  In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema
• Book:  Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary Chapman
• Article from Navesink Wellness Center:  When Your Child Becomes Your Confidant:  The Trap of Emotional Safety
• Episode 99:  3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret

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 — 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!

Want to join our virtual workshop called Stepfamilies that Make It! — simply click the link!

Or maybe you'd like to schedule a Free Initial Coaching Call — click that link instead.

We're looking forward to connecting with you soon!

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.mikeandkimcoaching.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://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!

You've probably heard the advice to lower your expectations when you're blending a family.  But what does that really mean?

Does it mean you're supposed to keep the bar low and not expect much of anything?  Or is there something more to this common advice for blended families?

In this episode, we'll explore the difference between lowering your expectations altogether vs. developing achievable expectations for your family.

I (Mike) struggled for years holding onto unrealistic expectations that added a whole lot of pressure and stress to our situation.  Eventually, I realized that holding onto my own "dreams" and expecting everyone else to comply was taking us in the opposite direction of what I wanted.

My high expectations were sabotaging our progress.  

But realizing this didn't mean I needed to give up on my hopes for our family — I really wanted good things for all of us.

Listen in as Kim and I discuss how we eventually learned to get united, to set realistic expectations for our home, and make real progress toward those things we each wanted to experience in our blended family. 

You'll Discover:

• What it really means to "lower" your expectations — in a healthy way
• How to embrace realistic expectations without lowering the bar
• The difference between relational expectations and behavioral expectations
• Practical ways to reduce disappointment, hold onto hope, and live out  achievable expectations in your home 

Resources from this Episode:

• What is the Stranded Stranger / Trapped Teammate Dynamic?  Check out this episode to find out:  139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Bended Couples Experiences
• Here's another helpful episode on this topic:  53. Overcoming Discouragement (part 3 of 3)

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 from this Simple Step

• The Love Language Quiz
• Building Love Together in Blended Families by Gary Chapman & Ron Deal
• Episode 85:  How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family with Special Guest Ron Deal

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.mikeandkimcoaching.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://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!