Blended Family Breakthrough

Engaging the whole family in meaningful conversation is challenging for anyone.  

And for blended families, positive engagement often feels impossible — especially when there's tension or one child makes it clear that they don't want to engage.

But don't lose hope!

Even with tension, stress, and yes — busy schedules or lots of distractions — today's guest, Jennifer Zumbiel can help you experience more connection in your blended family.  

Jennifer is the host of the "Families That Stick Togather™" podcast and creator of the Togather™ conversation sticker games and tools.  As a mother of four and a wife of 18 years, she understands how everyday distractions can impact face-to-face communication and threaten the strength of our relationships.

In this episode, Jennifer is sharing about the ways she has found to help us all "to gather" with easy, meaningful, and fun communication in real-life using the small moments we already have.

As you listen in, you'll pick up some simple, practical tools that will help you overcome distractions and reduce tension so that your family can connect in new ways.  And we even chat about some parenting tips to encourage and grow strong bonds in your blended family.

You'll Discover:

• Fun and practical tools and tips to help your family engage in meaningful conversation — especially around the dinner table
• How to connect with kids that are withdrawing or isolating from the family
• Why meaningful, positive connection is important to your family's bonding process

Resources from this Episode:

• Connect with Jennifer at https://www.togathermoments.com/

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!

You might have headed into stepfamily life hoping that close bonds would develop and everyone would enjoy spending time together.  

But, if you're like most of us, that may not have happened as easily or as quickly as you hoped.

Instead, most blending couples are blindsided by the amount of chaos, tension and resistance that pops up around every corner.  You've probably felt frustrated, confused or even hopeless somewhere along the way.

Maybe you've even been at a loss about how to approach bonding when relational tensions are high and the kids are either acting out, or shutting down.

Here's the good news — you're normal!  Most blended families face these challenges — and the really good news is that with the right mindset and strategy you can encourage and enjoy family time, while patiently waiting for bonds to grow.

In this episode, we'll share a strategy for family time that will help as you head into summer and throughout the year!  When you're intentional about how you plan and manage time as a family, you'll be amazed at the difference it can make.

You'll Discover:

• The best approach to bonding and building family connections
• How a strategic approach can lead to positive experiences and family time success — especially when tensions are high
• Some of our blended family's favorite activities

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 94 - 70 Summer Activities to Create Family Time and Encourage Bonding
• Episode 103 - 4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parents and their Bio-Kids (Part 1)
• Episode 72 - The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships
• Episode 71 - How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment 
• Episode 92 - At a Loss and Feel Defeated Because the Kids Stubbornly Refuse to Blend?
• Episode 39 -  How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Step-Kids
• Book by Gary Chapman and Ron Deal:  Building Love Together in Blended Families 

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!

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!

Cooperative co-parenting with an Ex is the goal when you've got kids moving between two homes.  You likely want your kids to experience peaceful transitions — you want to avoid tension and conflict as you negotiate with your Ex-Spouse.

But sometimes this seems like an impossible goal.  

That's because setting healthy, appropriate boundaries in co-parenting without triggering conflict feels just out of reach.

In this episode, Kim is sharing how she took an 'easy wrong turn' when she felt provoked and pressured by her Ex-Spouse.  Plus, we'll talk about how the consequences of her snap decision devastated her and rocked our family.

You'll discover some lessons we've learned over the years and how you can improve your negotiations with your former spouse — even when things get heated and emotionally charged.

The 3 practical strategies we land on will help you develop appropriate boundaries with an Ex and give you a simple framework for setting and maintaining those boundaries.   

You'll Discover:

• How to make wise decisions rather than snap decisions
• A simple framework for setting and holding healthy boundaries with a resistant Ex-spouse
• The importance of protecting kids from being in the middle of parental decisions
• How to manage painful emotions when negotiating with an Ex 

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 134:  How to Make Good Decisions in Tough Situations - and Stay Connected as a Couple
• Episode 91:  Is Your Husband's Hostile Ex-Wife Invading Your Life, Stealing Your Joy and Confidence?
• Episode 31:  3 Unexpected Ways to Improve How You Cope with Your Ex
• 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 41:  Are you Unintentionally Putting Your Kids in the Middle?

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!

Isn't it a great feeling when you're united as a couple around important decisions?  It really doesn't matter if the decision is big or small — we feel connected when we're on the same page.

But, if you're anything like us, you've probably run into those moments when decision-making seems to create disconnection.

And let's be honest.  Disconnection stinks.

Over the past 21 years of our marriage, making decisions together has proven to be a lot tougher than we thought it might be.  Even the small things can become big things in the midst of our blended family dynamics.

Countless times, we've felt stuck…

…but we've also discovered some simple ways to get UN-stuck.

In this episode, we're exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly about decision-making in a blended family.  We'll share some do's and don'ts along with some stories about our own journey and some of the couples we've supported.

Every blended couple needs a strategy for decision-making that creates connection so they can avoid confusion, pain and division.

So, go ahead and hop into the conversation and we'll meet you there!

You'll Discover:

• The underlying tension that creates discomfort and disconnection when decisions need to be made
• Practical tips for making united decisions - and minimizing the Trapped Teammate and Stranded Stranger dynamic

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 21:  What is the Stranded Stranger & Trapped Teammate Experience
• Episode 22:  One Simple - and Romantic - Way to Combat Being Stranded or Trapped 
• Episode 23:  How to Move From Feeling Stranded to Being Connected
• Episode 24:  What if You Could Relieve the Trapped Teammate Pressure?
• Episode 95:  Do You Dread Negotiating Schedule Changes with your Ex - Try These 5 Practical Tips
• Episode 13:  How to Parent as a Team in Your Blended Family
• Episode 83:  4 Everyday Favoritism Traps that Dishearten Kids in a Blended Family

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

We would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts.  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review”.   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!

Special family occasions should be filled with joy, laughter, and gratefulness — especially Mother's Day.

But in your blended family dynamics, that might not be what you actually experience.  The relational tension and disconnection that can sometimes be present doesn't just melt away because it happens to be a day designated to honor Mom or celebrate other occasions as a family.

Yet, moms and step-moms in blended families still have the opportunity to hold onto their joy.  It is possible to accept the positives that do exist and experience genuine contentment in your blended dynamics.

In this episode, Kim is going to share some recent disappointment she faced as a mom and how she experienced joy anyway — without just "stuffing" her feelings.

Kim's story will give you the encouragement and strategies you'll need to face any disappointments that might emerge on your upcoming Mother's Day — or any special occasion. 

You'll Discover:

• How to manage disappointment and mixed emotions when things don't go as expected
• Practical ways to experience joy and contentment in the midst of an imperfection family occasion such as Mother's Day

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 34:  How to Avoid Mother's Day Disappointment
• Blog Article:  How to Avoid Mother's Day Disappointments for Stepmoms
• Episode 36:  How to Change Your "Stories" and Grow Connection
• Episode 37:  Why Do Kids Struggle to Accept their Stepparent?
• Episode 39:  How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Step Kids
• Episode 14:  3 Helpful Steps to Overcome Your "Perfectionistic" Ideals and Disappointments

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!