Blended Family Breakthrough

Blended family life seems to always come with busy-ness and curve balls.

You've got multiple kids moving between multiple homes who all have school, sports, music, social events — shall we even go on?  

And it sometimes seems like no matter how many electronic calendars you manage or reminders you magnetize to the fridge — something gets missed and that creates more chaos.

Sound familiar?

Those are the same challenges our special guests, Todd & Shannon faced in their blending journey too.  But they discovered a simple, fun, and effective way to stay ahead of the curve.  And build unity in their marriage along the way!

Don't let the busy-ness of blended family life create a wedge in your marriage.  Instead, try out Todd & Shannon's strategy so you can ease the stress and enjoy more romance!  

You'll Discover:

• An effective strategy for handling the "business" of family life while creating more unity and stability in your home
• How to reduce everyday stress and increase your romantic connection 

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!

What do you want for your blended family this year?

More connection?

Less tension?

Genuine fun and laughter?

Whatever it is, there's one thing for sure — it's not going to happen by accident.

We've been blending for more than 20 years.  In that time, we've seen that the best and biggest wins happened when we were intentional.  We had to decide what we wanted to change and then do something about it.

That might sound too simple.  Maybe what you really want feels impossible.  You might be in a painful season and your hopes feel out of reach.  Or maybe you're in a great place right now and aren't sure what you want next.  

Wherever you are in the blending process, there's always opportunity to deepen your bonds, safeguard your marriage, or get on the same page around parenting, and more!

In this episode, we'll show you how to do that with intentionality and a simple plan.  You'll identify exactly what you want for your family this year and put together a realistic plan to get there.

You'll Discover:

• A step-by-step process to engage in new growth opportunities and positive change for your marriage and blended family

Resources from this Episode:

• CLICK HERE to download your free 2022 Blended Family Progress Planner
• Episode 120:  3 Valuable Lessons That Saved our Marriage and Blended Family
• Episode  50:  How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want
• Episode 35:  Are You Controlling Conflict or is it Controlling You?
• Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Episode 107:  3 Disheartening Realities That No Couple Want to Go Through - But We All Have To  
• Episode 65:  6 Simples Steps for Inviting Your Spouse to Get Help With You
• Episode 66:  Discover the Best Way to Motivate Your Spouse

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 

We encourage you to subscribe 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!

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!

What lessons have you learned this year…

…or maybe through your whole blending experience?

You know that old saying "hindsight is 20/20".  Most of us have experienced the painful reality of that statement more than once in our lifetime.

But something we've discovered is that we don't always have to wait around for hindsight.  If we're wise, we'll listen to others share about their life lessons.  We'll watch what they do and try to avoid the same pitfalls.

In this episode, we're sharing 3 valuable insights that emerged out of our hindsight.  They are hard-earned lessons that we hope you'll be able to learn a little sooner in your blending journey.

These insights have been critical to saving our marriage (which we almost lost a decade ago), and helped us experience more connection — as a couple and for our whole family.

You might avoid the pitfalls we've fallen into if you take these 3 insights to heart.

You'll Discover:

• 3 valuable insights we've discovered throughout 20 years of blending
• Mindset shifts to help you avoid common pitfalls and experience more connection
• Practical tips to get unstuck and keep moving forward — even through your frustration, hurt feelings and negative thoughts

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 36:  How to Change Your "Stories" and Grow Connection
• Article by Nick Wignall:  Self-Care:  What It Really Is and How to Do It Well
• Book:  Leading From Your Gut by Dr. John Townsend
• Episode 105:  What Powerful Traits Do You Need to Successfully Blend and Stay United?

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!

There are two things most of us want in our marriage:  to be heard and to be understood.

Even when we're struggling with disagreement or in a season of tension, if we know we're being heard and understood, we can move beyond just about anything.

In a word, we all need empathy from our partner.

But you can't force your spouse to have empathy for you.  You only have the capacity to have empathy for them (which can positively impact just about everything).  And there are most likely a few barriers that will stand in your way.

In this episode, we're revealing 3 barriers that rob you of being more empathetic and 6 powerful tips to growing your empathy.

Once you learn how to practice more empathy for your partner, you'll discover a new level of intimacy and unity that you may have never experienced before.

You'll Discover:

• The benefits of true empathy — especially for blended family couples
• 3 common barriers to responding with empathy in marriage
• 6 practical and powerful tips to growing your empathy
• How to avoid leaving your spouse feeling unheard, misunderstood or alone

Resources from this Episode:

• The Power of Empathy video from Brene Brown
• Episode 98:  Is Fear of Being Vulnerable Keeping You From Loving Your Spouse Wholeheartedly?
•  Episode 36:  How To Change Your "Stories" and Grow Connection
•  Episode  5:  How to Get Over the Hurts and Triggers from Your Past
• Episode 108:  3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection - and How You Can Avoid Them
• Schedule your FREE coaching call today.  Just CLICK HERE

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 want a happy, peaceful, fun holiday this year, right?

But maybe the misunderstandings, complex calendar, or someone's attitude threatens to get in the way.

Blending holiday traditions is just one of many challenges we experience in stepfamily life.

In this episode, we're talking with Joneen Mackenzie and Lauren Reitsema about their personal story with blending holiday traditions.  They're a mother-daughter duo who teach the essential skills of building healthy relationships.

Lauren is the author of In Their Shoes — a book where she shares her experiences of living through her parent's divorce and later their remarriages.  Lauren and Joneen share meaningful insight and practical strategies to creating more connection through the holidays - and MUCH more!

You'll Discover:

• Firsthand experiences of divorce, remarriage and the challenges of blending from mother and daughter 
• Valuable insights into the emotional struggle that kids experience around holiday traditions
• How to navigate transitions in a way that honors your kids — and eases tension
• Why empathy is critical to a healthy blend — especially around the holidays
• Practical advice to minimize stress and increase the magic around your holiday celebration

Resources from this Episode:

• Lauren Reitsema's book:  In Their Shoes - Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce
• Lauren and Joneen's latest book:  Relationship Essentials - Skills to Feel Heard, Fight Fair and Set Boundaries in All Areas of Life
• Episode 40:  Uncover the unspoken feelings of kids in blended families [Special Resource:  In Their Shoes]

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!