Blended Family Breakthrough

 You probably hope for tight bonds in your blended family.  But the reality is that that blended families are born out of loss — and the grief from that loss can make it difficult to bond.

Whether it was divorce, death, or separation — there was an 'earthquake' of loss that preceded your current blended family structure.

And every member of your family will experience some kind of grief along way as ongoing sadness and painful emotions emerge.  Those are the unavoidable 'aftershocks' of loss.  

Most of us tend to avoid the lingering sorrow of loss that exists.  It's easy for us to miss the grief our kids and step-kids might be experiencing.  Not intentionally, of course.  We simply want to move forward.  We don't want to stay stuck.

But the truth is that ignoring or underestimating the impact of loss can easily become a barrier to bonding and create frustration, resentment, and anger.

In this episode, we'll explore the tough realities that impact every blended family around acknowledging and navigating loss — for adults and kids.

Plus, we'll share 10 tips for overcoming this challenge and finding the courage to create a shared grief journey for your family which ultimately leads to deeper connection and healthy integration. 

You'll Discover:

• Possible losses children experience when blending — and how family integration might be negatively impacted
• The benefits of surfacing loss and working through ongoing grief

Resources from this Episode:

• Book by Ron Deal:  The Smart Stepfamily
• Book by Ron Deal:  Preparing to Blend
• Book by John Gottman:  Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
• Episode 81:  How a Missing Bio-Parent Impacts Kids in the Delicate Blending Process
• Episode 21:  What is the Stranded Stranger & Trapped Teammate Experience? 
• Episode 37:  Why do Kids Struggle to Accept Their Stepparent? 
• Episode 40:  Uncover the Unspoken Feelings of Kids in Blended Families
• Episode 85:  How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family with Ron Deal
• Episode 39:  How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Step-Kids
• Episode 71:  How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Disappointment
• Episode 72:  The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships

 Ready for some extra support?

We're here to help!  Schedule your free coaching 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

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!

Building trust can be difficult in any relationship…

…and when it comes to your former spouse, it might feel impossible.

Building trust in your parenting coalition seems out of reach when you keep your focus on the way your Ex behaves. But there's more to it than that.

We've had multiple seasons of over-focusing on the untrustworthy actions of Kim's former spouse.  But over time, we discovered that we had more control over building trust in our parenting coalition than we thought.

In this episode, we're examining how the 3 major elements of trust — predictability, openness, and justice — can be your focal point of creating more trust with a difficult Ex.

Ultimately, you have the power to create more trust.  In turn, that will create a more stable and secure experience for your kids.  Putting the effort in is not only about a healthy relationship with your Ex — it's about a healthy environment for your kids.

So, let's get the conversation started and explore why it's so important to build trust in your co-parenting relationship…

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 129:  What Does It Take to Build and Maintain Trust in Your Relationship?
• Episode  130:  How to Build Trust that  Nurtures Bonds with your Kids and Step-Kids
• Episode 112: 3  Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - And Hurt the Kids
• Episode 64:  How to Set Yourself Free by Choosing to Forgive
• Episode 99:  3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret
• Episode 42:  Our Challenging Story of Parental Alienation - and 6 Tips for You
• Episode 33:  How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your 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!

Bonding in a blended family can be challenging.  Maybe you're already pretty close with your bio-kids, but trying to connect with step-kids just isn't working.  Or maybe you've noticed your bio-kids pulling away just a little lately and you're not sure why.

We've been through all kinds of ups and downs in our journey of blending and raising kids and discovered there's one foundational thing that leads to bonded relationships with each one of them…

…Trust.

In this episode, we're continuing our conversation about trust, but through the lens of parenting.  We'll look at all 3 essential elements of trust and how they apply to parenting.

You'll Discover:

• Why trust and mutual respect is so important with our kids and step-kids
• Practical ways to build trusting relationships in your home that'll foster close bonds
• How to safeguard your future relationship with the kids as they move toward adulthood

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 129:  What Does It Take to Build and Maintain Trust in Your Relationship?
• Episode 76:  How To Restore Your Relationship With a Child After You've Messed Up
• Episode 124: How to Effectively Parent Through Each Stage of Development - And Reduce Painful Interactions (Part 1)
• Episode 4:  Can You Overcome Your Parenting Style-Differences

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!

In June of 1967, just after the release of their album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Beatles began preparing for one of the world's first live global broadcast using a newly constructed technology — the satellite.  What song did they release that day? 

"All You Need Is Love"  It was a historic event.

It's been 55 years since that song was released, but for millennia people have focused on LOVE when it comes to relationships.  The message is reinforced in movies, music, stage productions, TV series, and social media — all you need is love.

Well, sadly, the Beatles actually got it wrong.  Love is a wonderful thing and absolutely necessary in our relationships.  However, we need more than love to have a healthy, thriving marriage.

We also need TRUST.

Trust is what dictates how safe we feel within our relationship.  As it turns out, there are 3 elements that create a sense of trust in our relationships.  And the great news is that all 3 elements are things you can grow.

Join us in this episode to consider the 3 critical elements that build trust and explore practical ways to deepen your connection by maintaining safety and trust in your relationship.  

You'll Discover:

• How lack of trust and safety eventually erodes love in relationships
• The 3 critical elements that every couple needs to build and maintain trust
• Why little things often create trust issues - it's not just big violations 

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 21: What is the Stranded Stranger & Trapped Teammate Experience? 
• Episode 127:  Is Sex THAT Important for a Healthy Marriage?
• Episode 98:  Is Fear of Being Vulnerable Keeping You From Loving Your Spouse Whole Heartedly?
• Episode 50:  How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want
• Episode 108:  3 Unity Breakers That Are Detrimental to Your Connection - And How to Avoid Them
• Episode 5:  How to Get Over the Hurts and Triggers From Your Past
• Episode 64:  How to Set Yourself Free by Choosing to Forgive 

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”.  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!

How can you get really practical about your sex life in marriage?

Many of us can slip into the thought that if we were really in love — or if we were really compatible, then our sexual rhythm and connection should be really easy.

When our experience doesn't match that expectation, then we're disappointed.  We might feel like something is wrong with our relationship.

And too much of the time, we're seeking that romantic spontaneity that seemed to exist in the beginning of our marriage rather than having the courage to simply get practical.

The word "practical" may not seem sexy or exciting, but the reality is we all need a little practicality in our sex life if we want to experience mutual sexual fulfillment over the long term.

In this episode, we're sharing practical tips for increasing sexual passion and experiencing the connection with each other that you're really looking for. 

You'll Discover:

• Valuable insights and practical tips to help you move beyond your challenges  - and create deeper connection and more passion

Resources from this Episode:

• Book:  The Smart Stepdad by Ron Deal
• Book:  The Love List by Les & Leslie Parrott

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!