Blended Family Breakthrough

Yes, it's Sunday.  Are we throwing your week off?  Sorry about that, we just wanted to get this episode out to you and leave plenty of time before Valentine's Day.

You see, we've noticed that sooner or later, every blended family couple experiences feeling like a Trapped Teammate and Stranded Stranger.  (If you're not sure what that is, click the link)

And there's 1 Simple way to minimize the frustration and stress that comes with those feelings — building your Romance!  That's kind of a V-Day thing :-)

We know…we know…you've heard it all before, right?  We felt that way too when trusted people in our lives would bring this whole subject up.

But the reality is, if you want to show up better in the moments when one or both of you is feeling Trapped or Stranded — then you've got to start from a place of already being connected, rather than trying to "connect" in the moment of stress.

Make sure you don't miss this episode…and if your relationship is in a tough spot right now and don't really want to think about building your romantic partnership, we get it.  We've been there and this episode is for you too.

Ready for some step-by-step guidance to thriving in your blended family?  Now's the perfect time to check out our Ultimate Valentines Bundle…

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/022

Step-Parents, have you ever felt left out?  Has it ever felt like there's a big relational chasm that you just can't seem to cross — like you're Stranded?

Bio-Parents, have you ever felt stuck between your spouse and your kids?  Do you feel pulled back and forth trying to please both, but not seeming to please anyone — like you're Trapped?

Sooner or later, every step-couple experiences these feelings of being Trapped or Stranded.  For some, the feelings are paralyzing and for others, they're just annoying.

What most couples don't realize is that these feelings are normal.  If you're feeling one or both of these things…you're not alone!

Join us in this episode where you'll get the first installment of a series that's going to help you thrive even when those Trapped or Stranded feelings pop up along the way!

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/021

I don't know about you, but when I'm stuck in believing a myth I have an uneasy feeling that things just aren't right.  But when the myth-busting truth comes along it's like a fog lifts and I can suddenly see the reality that I always suspected was there.  I love it when that happens!

And that's what we want to give you today…the gift of busted myths.

We've seen over and over how impactful it is for couples when we bust myths around blended family life.  And some of the most powerful "bustings" are centered around parenting.

Parenting in a blended family is hard enough, but when you're being duped by a myth it's nearly impossible.  That's why we're busting the most common myths that will derail you when your Ex's rules and lifestyle are very different from yours.

It's easy to get caught thinking you have to conform, lower your standards or even avoid the boundaries you know are right simply because of these invasive myths.

So, be a myth buster and listen to this episode to discover the truth about these 4 Big Myths!

Want to partner with us?

You can help support more and more blended family couples by partnering with us!  Together, we'll keep this podcast ad-free and continually improving the value we bring.  

We've launched a page on Patreon where you can join the mission of reaching more blended families and receive your own valuable benefits too!  We explain it all at the beginning of this episode and here's the link we mentioned:  www.patreon.com/mikeandkim

Thanks in advance for considering how you can partner with us.  We can't wait to connect with you inside our Patreon community!

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/020

Have you experienced a bit of "step-sibling rivalry" in your home?

If you just stood up and screamed, "YES!" — this episode is for you.

Helping step-siblings find ways to connect and bond is both an art and a science.  It requires you to make some challenging assessments about your blended family's unique dynamics.  Plus, you'll need to paint a clear picture for all the kids about your family's values and behavioral expectations.

The truth is, you can't require kids to love (or even like) each other.  But you can influence the environment in your home in a way that creates opportunity for ALL the kids to connect.

In this episode, we'll help you discover some new ways to create that environment of connection you really want.  And we'll help you avoid some of the pitfalls that can sabotage bonding between step-siblings.

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/019

Would you like to partner with us to keep bringing ad-free, quality content for your blended family and others just like you?  Check out how you can join us at:  https://www.patreon.com/mikeandkim

Every step-couple wants their kids to have a stable, fun childhood.  But blended families have to navigate a multitude of transitions and changes that feel unstable…and often aren't much fun.

You know why changes need to happen, but they can often leave the kids feeling powerless and helpless.  We've seen the tears and heard the complaints of our own kids when transition and change catches them off guard.

In this episode, we're sharing a few steps that we've discovered help kids feel a greater sense of stability even in the middle of lots of change.

We'll also point you to a couple of great resources and provide links to those in the full show notes on our website (click the link below)

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/018

As a stepparent, I want to feel respected — especially in my own home.  But too many times I have felt the cold shoulder or the silent treatment.  Sometimes I've been on the receiving end of blatant disrespect too.

And it's not just the stepparent in blended families that ends up on the receiving end of these painful situations.  Bio-parents struggle just as much to deal with a child who just can't seem to show a little respect to the adults in the home.

If you can relate to any of this…you're not alone!  We've coached countless couples that struggle with the kid's bad attitudes and hurtful comments.  We've learned a few things over the years about how to respond when disrespect is running wild in a blended family home.

That's what this episode is all about.  You'll discover 6 steps that will help you respond (rather than react) when you're faced with those disrespectful interactions.

In the episode, we suggest different "scripts" you can use to talk with your child or step-child.  To make those easy to learn, we've created a cheat sheet for you!  So, don't worry about taking notes, just click this link to download your free copy:  Cheat Sheet:  6 Steps to Responding to Disrespect

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/017

What do you want to be different in your family by this time next year?

Is it closer bonds?  Or better parenting teamwork with your spouse?  Is it a greater connection in your marriage?  Or even more civil interactions with your Ex?

Regardless of what kind of change you want to see, we know one thing that's guaranteed — you won't get to enjoy the changes you want unless you take intentional action.

But most couples living in a blended family feel overwhelmed by their circumstances and are uncertain how to move forward.  Most of us just don't know where to start.

We're about to fix that for you.  

Check out this episode to discover the 5 Fundamentals of making change in your family and you're sure to discover the perfect starting point for you to make significant and lasting change this year!

Inside the episode, we also mentioned an opportunity to join us for our brand new intensive coaching series.  Click here to discover it's a fit for you!

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/016

Sometimes life can blindside us!  If you're like most blended family couples you can relate.

There are all kinds of unexpected realities that blindside us — sometimes shortly after the wedding!  These realities feel defeating…maybe even hopeless, but the truth is you can always take a next step.  In this episode, we're exploring 7 of the most common realities step-couples face and some simple next steps to move forward.

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/015

We're betting you remember those hopes and dreams you had for your blended family adventure when you first set out!  But somewhere along the way you realized, "…this isn't going quite the way I thought it would."

Those "perfect ideals" you had that you would be one big happy family seem out of reach — and you're left with disappointment that you never saw coming.

This episode is all about what to do with those ideals and disappointments.  Some of the steps we're sharing aren't that easy.  But if you want to move forward with more hope, these are some of the first steps that will get you there!

Full episode show notes available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/014

Parenting as a united team can feel like something that's unattainable for many blended family couples.  Many of us feel overwhelmed and disconnected — rather than united and supported.

That's why we're diving into the mindsets you need to focus on to gain the unity you really want.  We'll cover the added challenges that come for complex stepfamilies (when both partners have brought kids to the relationship).  And we'll discuss the importance of clarifying your shared goals together!

If you've ever felt disconnected when it comes to parenting, you don't want to miss this episode.

And don't forget, the full episode show notes are available here:  https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/013