We all want to enjoy the holiday season with our family — without experiencing tension, disappointment or conflict.

Managing all the complexities of blended families can be overwhelming around the holidays.  You're merging two family cultures with different ideas about how the holiday season should look…

…kids might be looking forward to experiencing past family traditions that are still meaningful to them.  On the other hand, adults are focused on creating a whole new experience around holiday festivities.

This can lead to unmet expectations, hurt feelings and disconnection — which is  the opposite of what you really want FOR your family.

In this episode, you'll discover how to honor the history of your kids, while creating new traditions and a shared history that's practical and meaningful to everyone — without getting overwhelmed!

You'll Discover:

• A healthy mindset to reduce anxiety and pressure
• A practical framework to use while making decisions around holiday traditions and activities
• Why it's important to honor the history and preferences of each family member
• How to let go of unrealistic expectations
• Creative ways to start some meaningful, new family traditions

Resources from this Episode:

• For Fun, Festive Activities, Ideas and Traditions:  imom website
• Episode 10:  8 Practical Tips for a Successful Holiday Season
• Blog Article:  Are you Already Dreading Holiday Scheduling with your Ex?
• Blog Article:  Blended Family Holiday Blues:  3 Tips for When You're Missing Your Kids
• Blog Article:  How to Protect Your Stepfamily from Favoritism
• Episode 12:  4 Meaningful Mindsets for Budgeting Your Happy Holiday
• Nick Wignall's Article:  5 Mental Habits Sabotaging Your Happiness

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Consider joining our community for as little as $4 per month and as a "thank you" — you'll

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

For most blended families, tensions are highest when everyone is together.

Why is that important to know right now?

Because so many are currently working from home, our kids are schooling from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and everyone is together almost all of the time!

Our normal activities and routines have been disrupted and we're spending more time all together than ever before…

…which most often creates higher levels of tension and increased conflict for those of us living in blended families.

One of our listeners recently reached out and said, "Please talk about navigating the impact of COVID-19 on the show…"  She was looking for sound advice on how to cope with all the blended family challenges during this difficult season. 

So, we're diving into it in this episode!  We've put together a practical framework with tips and strategies that every blended family can use to THRIVE as they face the realities of COVID-19!

Plus, over on the website, we've curated a virtual library of resources to help you take some next steps in the area your family might be personally struggling with most right now...

Just click this link to head over and check it out:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/podcast/068

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Now 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 “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Want to Support the Show?

You can join our mission of safe-guarding marriages and supporting step-couples by connecting with our Patreon community.  By everyone doing just a little, we can create big opportunities.

Consider joining our community for as little as $4 per month and as a "thank you" — you'll have even more access directly to us!  Click here to join our community today

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Every parent wants to create a heathy environment for their kids as they move between homes, but conflict between parents does just the opposite — and the results can be detrimental.

Even if your Ex treats you with contempt and seems to oppose everything you say or do…

…you don't have to lose hope or give up on trying to improve co-parenting interactions. 

In this episode we'll share a simple strategy and practical tools to help you show up in a way that can make a real difference in your co-parenting relationship.  

You can experience better communication and even more peace — even if your Ex doesn't change a thing.  And you already know that ultimately it's your kids who will benefit most!

You'll Discover:

• Why cooperative co-parenting is important for your kids well-being
• How you can promote effective communication and break unproductive cycles in your co-parenting relationships
• How to refrain from retaliation by using the 3 C's
• A simple tool to remove the barriers of poor communication, misunderstandings and misguided assumptions
• How to opt out of opposition and positively influence every co-parenting interaction
• A practical strategy that will lead to more peace — for you and your kids

Resources from this Episode:

• Schedule a FREE Coaching Call with Mike and Kim
• Episode 20 - 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex has Different Rules
• Episode 27  - How to Set Clear Boundaries and Safeguard Relationships
• Episode 31 - 3 Unexpected Ways to Improve How You Cope with Your Ex
• Episode 32 - How to Safeguard Your Kids from Negative Influences
• Episode 33 - How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect your Kids
• Episode 48 - Introspective Questions that Help You Put Your Kids First - with special guest:  Liza Gold
• Episode 64 - How to Set Yourself Free by Choosing to Forgive

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Now 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 “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Want to Support the Show?

You can join our mission of safe-guarding marriages and supporting step-couples by connecting with our Patreon community.  By everyone doing just a little, we can create big opportunities.

Consider joining our community for as little as $4 per month and as a "thank you" — you'll hav

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you frustrated with your spouse's lack of motivation to get help with you?

You might be surprised to learn that motivation is not a character trait, it's really a state of mind.

And here's the good news — by understanding what actually motivates your spouse, you can discover the best way to approach them and positively encourage forward movement. 

In this episode we're interviewing motivation experts, Matt and Maria Granados.  Matt and Maria began their journey of helping others build an intentional life during their own dating adventures together — and now six years later, their organization, Life Pulse Inc. has grown to help thousands of individuals and dozens of organizations strategize their daily path to fulfillment.

This dynamic couple shares valuable insights around what they call "The 4 Motivation Catalysts".  These catalysts are powerful and can be utilized to empower your spouse (and your kids as well).  

Listen in on this fascinating conversation about what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to motivating others toward change.   And learn how you can apply Motivation Catalysts as you support your partner in doing something new — without manipulating or nagging.    

You'll Discover:

• 4 Catalysts that spark motivation 
• A powerful tool to make getting help worth your partner's time, even if they've been resistant 
• How to connect with your partner's personal values - to give them purpose in moving toward your mutual goals
• How to drive your spouse toward positive change, without manipulating
• The Do's and Don'ts of using motivation catalysts in your relationship
• The difference between 'Being' and 'Telling' — and why it's so important
• How to empower your partner (and your kids) by understanding their motivation catalysts

Resources from this Episode:

• Matt Granados's book:  Motivate the Unmotivated - A Proven System for Sustainable Motivation
• Want to connect with Matt & Maria:  Life Pulse Inc.
• Check out Matt & Mari's podcast:  The REALationship Podcast
• Take the Motivation Catalyst Assessment

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe 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 “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Want to Support the Show?

You can join our mission of safe-guarding marriages and supporting step-couples by connecting with our Patreon community.  By everyone doing just a little, we can create big opportunities.   Consider joining our community for as little as

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

If you're ready to get some help navigating blended family life and explore  new ways to improve things in your relationship — but your partner isn't interested…

…this episode is for YOU! 

10 years into our marriage, we were not on the same page about getting help.  We were facing an unknown future and Mike wanted us to get professional help — but I (Kim) wasn't willing to do anything new.  

This was an extremely difficult season for us and we almost didn't make it to the other side.

 In this episode, we'll share our story and encourage you to hold onto hope!  

We've got 6 practical steps to help you open up communication, create more connection and invite your spouse into a conversation about how you might move forward — TOGETHER! 

We'll help you to building a bridge of common goals with your spouse and share what worked for us — and what didn't work! 

If you're feeling hopeless about how to approach your spouse about getting practical support — join us to discover how you can move forward! 

You'll Discover:

• How to initiate a conversation with your spouse that'll help them open up and identify what they really want for your relationship and family
• Ways to focus on common ground and goals to begin the process of working together in reaching your goals
• How to ask good questions while building a bridge toward those things you both want more of in your relationship (and less of)
• How to invite your spouse to explore possibilities for growth - together 

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Now 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 “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Want to Support the Show?

You can join our mission of safe-guarding marriages and supporting step-couples by connecting with our Patreon community.  By everyone doing just a little, we can create big opportunities.

Consider joining our community for as little as $4 per month and as a "thank you" — you'll have even more access directly to us!  Click here to join our community today

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Blended family dynamics will inevitably create a mine-field of challenging situations and if there's one thing you can expect, it's this…

…you're going to get your feelings hurt and sustain some emotional wounds!  

That's why it's so important to understand the art and science of forgiveness.  

Whether it's a rude step-child or a toxic Ex — or even your current spouse, choosing to forgive someone doesn't mean you're just letting the other person off the hook.  

Forgiveness is about releasing yourself from pain — and not allowing anger and resentment to remain rooted in that relationship.

However, the process of forgiveness isn't easy.  It takes intentional effort to move beyond anger, manage your memories and get to a realistic place of acceptance.  

We know just how challenging this process can be, because we've had to work through it ourselves. 

We eventually discovered healthy ways to let go of old (and newer) grudges so they didn't negatively impact how we showed up for our family.

Listen in on this episode to hear our real-life examples and why forgiveness is absolutely crucial if you want to move forward and truly thrive in your blended family.

You'll Discover:

• How to free yourself from the heavy burden of a grudge — and experience more peace
• Practical and healthy ways to handle anger and painful memories
• The surprising truth about acceptance
• What forgiveness is…and what it isn't
• How to hold others accountable for wrongdoing and set healthy boundaries

Resources from this Episode:

• Nick Wignall's Article:  The Psychology of Forgiveness:  7 Lessons on How to Finally Let Go and Forgive Someone
• Episode 27:  How to Set Clear Boundaries and Safeguard Relationships
• Laura Petherbridge's Article:  Forgiveness  What it is…What it isn't
• Episode 40:  Uncover the unspoken feeling of kids in blended families
• Episode 45:  How to Cooperate More with Your Spouse's Uncooperative Ex
• Episode 44:  Why does my Husband's Ex Think I'm the Enemy?

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe 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 “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Want to Support the Show?

You can join our mission of safe-guarding marriages and supporting step-couples by connecting with our Patreon community - for as little as $4 per month.  By everyone doing just a little, we can create big opportunities.

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

What's the key to overcoming parent-child allegiances? 

In a word — it's UNITY! 

Over the previous several episodes we've talked about some of the emotional barriers that bio-parents often experience.  We also covered those "easy wrong turns" that stepparents tend to make while navigating a parent-child allegiance.

As you're working through your own emotions and mindsets, you'll also need to intentionally build unity so that you can become effective parenting partners and work as a team.

In this episode, we share five powerful strategies that will help you to get on the same page as you lead your family forward — together!  These strategies will reduce parent-child allegiances and keep the two of you connected, even when you don't agree. 

You'll Discover:

• 5 Effective Strategies to become more united as a couple and reduce parent-child allegiances
• Why a long list of "House Rules" often leads to disagreement and disconnection
• How to prioritize what's most important and lead your family in the right direction — together
• Why "connecting in conflict" is so important and how to do that well
• Discover a significant first step toward providing a foundation of growth in your home — including how you manage parenting

Resources from this Episode:

• Blog:  How to Start Transforming Your Blended Family's Future (Part 1)
• Blog:  How to Implement a Simple 'Code of Conduct in Your Home (Part 2)
• Online Workshop:  Stepfamilies that Make It!
• Episode 9:  A Surprisingly Simple Strategy for Bonding with Step-Kids
• Episode 50:   How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want
• Learn more about our Relate Strong Coaching Program by scheduling a FREE consultation with us
• Episode 51:  Overcoming Discouragement (Part 1)
• Book:  The Smart Stepfamily Marriage
• Want to check out Ron Deal's article?  Click here:  Placing Your Spouse in the Front Seat of Your Heart

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Now 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

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

This episode is the second half of our conversation focused on the "easy wrong turns" many stepparents make when they're frustrated with feeling stuck on the outside of a parent-child allegiance (between their spouse and his or her kids).

If you missed the last episode, you may want to go back and listen to Episode 61 first — then come back here to catch the second half of the conversation where we'll dive into a few more of the "easy wrong turns" and why they won't help you build the unity you're looking for.

Then, next week, we'll be wrapping up this series with some practical tips that can help both of you work together and overcome a parent-child allegiance and experience more unity and teamwork as a couple.

You'll Discover:

• How empathy and understanding can go a long way when your partner is feeling stuck between "choosing" you or "choosing" their kids
• Why a butter dish caused Mike to get so angry
• How acknowledging the little wins along the way can make a big difference for everyone 

Resources from this Episode:

• Episodes 61
• Episode 14:  3 Helpful Steps to Overcome Your "Perfectionistic" Ideals and Disappointments
• Episode 46:  How to Focus When Your Step-Kids Are Ruining Your Marriage
• Episode 47:  How to Like Your Step-Child…When You're Feeling Frustrated and Annoyed

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Now 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 “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Want to Support the Show?

You can join our mission of safe-guarding marriages and supporting step-couples by connecting with our Patreon community.  By everyone doing just a little, we can create big opportunities.

Consider joining our community for as little as $4 per month and as a "thank you" — you'll have even more access directly to us!  Click here to join our community today

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Stepparents, you want to be a part of the team — in your marriage and in your family.

But it can often feel like you're stuck on the outside of the "allegiance" that's formed between your spouse and his or her kids.

That's when the frustration, hurt or anger sets in and you end up in the danger zone of allowing "easy wrong turns" to dictate your attitude.  It's these easy wrong turns that actually rob you of the teamwork and unity you're actually looking for.

And there are some simple things you can do to positively influence that parent-child allegiance happening between your spouse and their kids.  And each one starts with making sure your mindset is in the right place.

I (Mike) know how hard this can be, and over time, I discovered that my mindset and attitude was keeping me stuck.  And when I tweaked my perspectives just a little bit, I started showing up better and Kim actually started to respond to me differently.

If you can relate to any of this, I can't wait for you to join us for the next couple of episodes!  Why?  Because we're going to share the most critical shifts I had to make in my mindset over the years — and we've seen these same mindset shifts help the stepparents we've coached to experience the teamwork they've been looking for all along.

Don't wait — let's dive into the episode…

You'll Discover:

• How unrealistic expectations can force your partner into feeling like they have to choose between you and their kids
• The difference between labeling behavior and labeling character — and why getting it wrong leaves you feeling hopeless
• How easy it is for stepparents to jump into an authoritarian parenting-style and why it doesn’t work

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 26:  Are You Stuck in a "Competition" with Your Step Kids?
• Episode 21:  What is the Stranded Stranger & Trapped Teammate Experience?
• Blog:  What's the Best Way to Blend and Build Family Bonds
• Episode 40:  Uncover the Unspoken Feelings of Kids in Blended Families
• Episode 37:  Why do Kids Struggle to Accept their Stepparent?
• Episode 4:  Can You Overcome Your Parenting Style Differences?
• Blog:  How to Parent as a Team and Steer Clear of Power Struggles

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Now 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! :-)

Want to Support the Show?

You can join our mission of safe-guarding marriages and supporting step-couples by connecting with our Patreon communi

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

This episode is the second half of our conversation focused on the challenging emotional barriers many bio-parents face in blended families.  Often these barriers lead to a dynamic called a parent-child allegiance.

If you missed the last episode, you may want to go back and listen to Episode 59 first — then come back here to catch the second half of the conversation where we'll talk about moving beyond those barriers and breaking free of parent-child allegiances.

And in the coming weeks, keep an eye out for our upcoming discussion around the 'easy wrong turns' that step-parents can make in this challenging dynamic  — plus some practical steps that can help both of you work together and overcome a parent-child allegiance.

In This Episode You'll Discover:

• Two motivating factors that helped Kim move beyond guilt and fear
• How authoritative skill building can boost confidence to help overcome parental insecurities — and reclaim parental authority
• The importance of courageously taking short-term risks that'll result in long-term benefits 
• The problem with comparing and ranking "Love" - and how to handle it well
• Practical steps to identify and capture emotional barriers and move forward   

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 49:  Should Your Highest Priority be Your Marriage…or Your Kids?
• Episode 21:  What is the Stranded Stranger & Trapped Teammate Experience?
• BOOK:  The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal
• Blog: How to Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret
• Blog: Two Simple Steps to Move Past Paralyzed Parenting
• BOOK:  Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline & Jim Fay
• Online Resources, Classes & Webinars:  Parenting with Love & Logic 
• Episode 4:  Can you overcome your parenting-style differences? 
• Blog:  How to Parent as a Team and Steer Clear of Power Struggles 

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to our podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Now 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 u

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community?  Click this link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether