Blended Family Breakthrough

Stepparents want to feel connected in their blended family.  They often invest their energy and efforts into serving with a genuinely hopeful heart.

But frequently, we hear from heartbroken stepparents that are exhausted.  They feel like they've tried everything to break through the barriers with a resistant stepchild.  

But nothing seems to be working and they're starting to lose hope.  Their stepchild continues to treat them with disrespect, push them away, or even act as if they don't exist.  

These stepparents feel frustrated, confused, hurt, annoyed, angry and hopeless…

…it's a painful place to be.

But the truth is — there is hope!

In this episode, we'll explore real-life strategies for a real-life struggle that multitudes of stepparents experience across the world.  The struggle?  

Rejection.

If you’re a stepparent who feels rejected by a stepchild you simply want to love, this episode is for you.  

Hop into the discussion to discover what you can do to hold onto hope and create an environment where connection and healthy bonds can emerge in your home — even with a resistant stepchild. 

You'll Discover:

• How to stay empowered in your own sense of worth and maintain your personal resolve to keep trying 
• Practical strategies to create an environment where more connection and healthy bonds can emerge — even in the face of rejection

Resources from this Episode:

• In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema
• Building Love Together in Blended Families by Gary Chapman & Ron Deal
• The Smart Step Mom by Ron Deal and Laura Petherbridge
• Stepparenting: Keeping it Sane by Charles Fay, Ph.D.
• Episode 157:  3 Seasoned Stepmoms Share How They've Survived and Thrived in Their Blended Family Journey
• Episode 47:  How to Like Your Step-Child…When You're Feeling Frustrated and Annoyed
• Episode 30:  Should Stepparents WANT Authority with their Step-Kids?
• Episode 37:  Why do Kids Struggle to Accept their Stepparent?
• Episode 39:  How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Step-Kids
• Episode 26:  Are You Stuck in a "Competition" with Your Step-Kids? 
• Episode 25:  How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids

Quick reference to all episodes on 'Kid's Perspectives'

Ready for some extra support?
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.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

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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!

Stepparents typically have great intentions and high expectations around the role they'll play in their blended family.  

But it doesn't take long for them to realize how daunting stepparenting can actually be!

When a well-meaning stepparent finds themselves frustrated with the pre-established patterns of how their new partner tends to parent, they often make an easy wrong turn…

…they attempt to jump into directing and correcting.  And when that approach backfires, it often leads to a whole lot of pushback and tension in the home — within the step relationships AND between the adults.

Whether you've inadvertently made this easy wrong turn or if you're simply hoping to avoid it, we've to some good news!  There are practical ways to more effectively embrace your role as a stepparent — even when you're feeling frustrated.

In this episode, we'll be sharing some helpful strategies from an excellent resource specifically for stepparents.  (And the great thing is, many of the concepts also apply to bio-parents.)  

Discover how you can avoid power struggles, reduce conflict, gain confidence, and work together to become effective parenting partners.  

You'll Discover:

• The common "melodrama" of blended family dynamics that sets up dysfunction
• How to take care of yourself as a stepparent by setting enforceable limits
• The benefits of using a parenting method as you strengthen your partnership and calm the chaos in your home

Resources from this Episode:

• Stepparenting: Keeping it Sane by Charles Fay, Ph.D.
• Quick reference to all episodes on Parenting and Discipline

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!

If you're a stepparent, consider these important questions: 

• What are the "gaps" that you've identified?  Challenge yourself to examine if they happen to be reasonable differences in how you and your partner approach parenting.  
• Are your interactions with your step kids focused more on correction or connection?  
• Do you eagerly jump into fix-it mode?  
• Do you feel yourself becoming someone you never wanted to be in your blended family - maybe you appear to be overbearing or emotionally fragile?
• How can you take a step back from correction and find practical ways to create more trust and connection with your step kids?

Resources from the Simple Step

Episode 157.  3 Seasoned Stepmoms Share How They've Survived and Thrived in Their Blended Family Journey

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!

It's been said that being a Stepmom is like setting your hair on fire and trying to put it out with a hammer!  

The reality for many stepmoms is a regular sense of rejection, pressure, disrespect, or even slander.  It can be a struggle to hold onto their own identity — to find their place and their purpose as the family "blends".

A stepmom's pain, confusion, and disappointment might feel overwhelming and can keep them stuck in survival mode.  

But there's always hope!

In this episode, our friends Brenda, Tiffany, and Stacy candidly share all the ups and downs they've experienced as seasoned stepmoms.

Brenda is a Stepmom, Life Coach, Author, and International Speaker who is passionate about helping marriages and families flourish, especially in the context of blended families.  She and her husband founded the ministry "Restored and Remarried" where they provide encouragement and hope to couples in stepfamilies.  

Tiffany and Bryan married and began their blending journey almost 10 years ago.  Bryan entered the marriage with 2 kids, (currently ages 17 and 19).  Tiffany has 1 biological child that she placed for adoption at birth who is now reconnected and very much a part of the family.  Tiffany leads a small group for stepmoms, and together with Bryan supplements pre-marriage mentoring for couples preparing to blend.

Stacy has been married to Rich for almost 9 years and is a stepmom to 4 amazing young women.  She does not want others to feel alone on their blending journey and is passionate about loving and encouraging other stepmoms and blended family couples.

Each of these courageous stepmoms has struggled through difficult seasons but has stayed the course.  They've decided not to settle for just surviving, but chosen to learn how they can truly thrive in their blended families!  

You won't want to miss the valuable lessons these three triumphant stepmoms have learned along the way.

You'll Discover:

• The biggest challenges, sweetest moments, practical insights, encouragements, and ah-ha revelations from 3 stepmoms who've gone the distance and learned how to not just survive blended family life, but to truly thrive

Resources from this Episode:

• Want to connect with Brenda and her husband Gil? Just click this link:  https://gilandbrenda.com/
• Episode 47:  How to Like Your Step-Child…When You're Feeling Frustrated and Annoyed
• Episode 72:  The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships (The Crockpot Strategy)
• Episode 39:  How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids
• Episode 37:  Why do Kids Struggle to Accept their Stepparent?
• Episode 156: The 3 Super Strengths of a Blended Family Marriage

Ready for some extra support?

We all need 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

Thanks for joining me for this Simple Step.  Here are the 3 questions I asked you to consider this week:

1.  What's something new that you want to experience in your relationship that will positively influence everyone in your home?
2. What kind of marriage do you want to model to your kids and stepkids?
3. What is the legacy that you want to leave for your family?

Grab a notepad or journal and capture your genuine answer to these questions.

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!

They say hindsight is 20/20.  Wouldn't it be cool if you could temporarily fast forward your blending journey about 20 years?  You could clarify the most important things to focus on that might lead to success.

You'd come back from that trip through time better equipped to understand the things that matter — and maybe some of the things that don’t.

Unfortunately, we don't have a modified Delorean like Doc Brown to take you to your future.  What we do have is our own story of blending over the past 22 years.  

So, we can't offer your own personal hindsight…

…but we can share some insight based on our experiences that could be helpful and hopeful in your journey.

In this episode, we're sharing 3 specific insights we've had over the past couple of decades.  We call them "Super Strengths".  They are 3 of the most critical character traits we've each had to adopt and develop in our journey as a step-couple.

We're confident that if you engage these Super Strengths in your marriage they will lead you to the blending experience you're hoping for.

You'll Discover:

• Why you need to focus on more than just the "problems" of blending
• How focusing on your own growth can keep you moving forward
• The 3 Super Strengths every couple will develop — when they're willing to invest in their blended family

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 11:  3 Hidden Strengths for Imperfect Blended Families
• Episode 80:  From "Mostly Miserable" to "More In Love" - One Couple's Inspiring Transformation (with Special Guests Wes and Jennie) 
• Episode 105:  What Powerful Traits Do You Need to Successfully Blend and Stay United?
• Episode 98:  Is Fear of Being Vulnerable Keeping You From Loving Your Spouse Wholeheartedly?  
• To learn more about Becoming Blended - our coaching program for nearly or newly blended couples, click here to schedule your FREE Coaching Session

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
Episode 155:  How to Easily Enjoy Meaningful Conversations and More Connection with Your Spouse (with Special Guest Jennifer Zumbiel)

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!

When we fall in love and choose to spend our life with someone, we might picture a beautiful vision of what we want our relationship to look like…

…relaxed, romantic meals together, the exchange of sweet gestures and affection, supportive encouragement, and genuine heart-to-heart connection.  

All that sounds amazing, doesn't it?

But we also know how easy it is for the busyness and business of life to take over.  We might feel overwhelmed and discouraged as our connection with each other seems to fade.

For a long time, Mike and I thought we were prioritizing each other.  But all the stressful realities of blended family life quickly wedged their way between us.  As a result, we endured a painful season of feeling disconnected and alone.

The good news is we didn't stay stuck there — and you don't have to either.  

In this episode, our special guest Jennifer Zumbiel will share an easy way to safeguard your relationship and create genuine engagement and meaningful connection.  

Jennifer's resource is not only practical but it's fun too! She developed it because she and her hubby needed something to help them stay connected!  

As Valentine's Day approaches,  how can you make your relationship a priority by going above and beyond the usual?  

Discover something new and creative to intentionally make a heart-to-heart connection with your sweetheart on February 14th AND beyond! 

Resources from this Episode:

• Families that Stick Togather Podcast Episode 140 (Jennifer & Matt's Unedited Marriage Conversation)
• Episode 137:  Practical Tools to Boost Family Engagement and Grow Meaningful Connection (with Jennifer Zumbiel) 
• Grab your copy of Togather for Date Night (and some of Jennifer's family products as well).  You'll receive a 20% Discount when you use this code: MIKEANDKIM and order before February 28th, 2023

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!

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!