Resources:

When you and your partner hit a leadership bump in the road and you're struggling to stay connected and communicate effectively, pause and honestly ask yourself these 3 questions:

1.  Am I really listening to my partner and affirming their perspective…or am I quick to disagree?
2.  Am I curious about what my partner might be experiencing…or have I become critical?
3.  What am I experiencing emotionally and how might I openly express and manage my own emotions well?

 For additional insight and next steps on this topic, check out these episodes:

Episode 147. Do Sensitive Conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship?Episode 134. How to Make Good Decisions in Tough Situations and Stay Connect as a Couple
Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them
Episode 105. What powerful traits do you need to successfully blend and stay united?Episode 79. 4 Conflict Communication Patterns That are Hurtful and Toxic to Your Relationship
Episode 63. 5 Strategies to Help You Get United - Even When You Disagree
Episode 50. How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want
Episode 35. Are you controlling conflict or is it controlling you?

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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.blendedfamilybreakthrough.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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

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I (Mike) take leadership very seriously.  

One of my desires, even in our current empty nest years is to be the kind of family leader that my children and stepchild want to connect with and listen to.

But often I feel overwhelmed or frustrated as I lead my blended family.  All the complexities can lead to confusion that robs me of the confidence and connection I'm trying to build.

Guys — have you ever felt that way?

You certainly aren't alone.  And you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.  

In this episode, we're reconnecting with Mike Haney who will offer his insightful perspectives on how to intentionally lead your blended family.  

Mike has been courageously leading his blended family for over 20 years and this discussion will help you to gain hope through a deeper understanding of your role so that you can experience fulfillment in your marriage and in blended family life.

Don't let the complexities of blending keep you from courageously leading your family.  You can be intentional and effective with the right attitude and understanding.  Then you can experience the confidence, connection (and peace) you're looking for!

You'll Discover:

• Why it's critical to gain information and understanding of the complexities of leading a blended family 
• How to manage your anger and frustration when faced with challenges
• The 5 Stages of relationships and positive ways to cherish and connect with your wife as you move through them
• How to break free from unproductive patterns  

Resources from this Episode:

•  To connect with Mike Haney go to:  Courageous Coaching for Men

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 to 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! 

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

Resource
Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids

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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.blendedfamilybreakthrough.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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show 

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to 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 to 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!

Stepdads need courage!  

Navigating all the complexities, confusion, and common frustrations is not for the faint-hearted.

But it's not just courage stepdad's need, they also need community.  Sure, lots of guys operate as if they can fix the challenges, untangle the complexities, and "be the hero" on their own — but most experience relief and reassurance when they discover they're not alone!  

Our special guest, Mike Haney is on a mission to encourage stepdads and share what he's learned through almost 23 years of blending!

In this episode, I (Kim) will be interviewing two stepdads — my Mike and Mike Haney.  Both of these men are experienced stepdads who've acquired loads of wisdom over more than two decades.  They've learned from their mistakes and discovered some key elements every man needs to become the stepdad they really want to be!

If you're a stepdad (or you're married to one), you don't want to miss this insightful (and humorous) conversation.

You'll Discover:

• Solid tips and valuable insight for Stepdads (and moms too) 
• The unique role Stepdads play and the best approach to parenting  
• The importance of building a partnership with your wife
• Helpful attitudes around how to relate with your wife's Ex-husband

Resources from this Episode:

•  To connect with Mike Haney go to:  Courageous Coaching for Men

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 to 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! 

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

Resources 

Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz:                                                 https://form.typeform.com/to/DSz44d52?typeform-source=www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com

Book:  Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal

Book:  Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal and Gary Chapman

CLICK HERE to join the waitlist for upcoming membership to our Blending Together community

Smart Stepfamily Therapy Providers:                                          https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-providers 

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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

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.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share

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 to 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!

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in an emotional minefield?  

For many couples, when a sense of guilt creeps in, it can be debilitating.  They might want to move toward blending but find themselves trapped in a minefield of guilt and regret.

I (Kim) stayed stuck in my own personal minefield of guilt for way too long.  It impacted every area of my life — particularly the way I dealt with our blended family challenges.

In this episode, I share how I eventually broke FREE from unhealthy guilt and learned to manage my difficult emotions from a healthy, secure place of growth and empowerment!

Don't stay stuck or burdened by ongoing guilt.  Hop into this episode and discover some practical ways you can move forward.  

You'll Discover:

• The difference between healthy guilt and unhealthy, false guilt 
• How to authentically grow security and confidence as you move toward blending
• Healthy perspectives and practical steps to break free from debilitating guilt and painful regret 

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 99. 3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret
• Article by Paul Coughlin:  Origins of False Guilt 
• Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
• Episode 98. Is Fear of Being Vulnerable Keeping You From Loving Your Spouse Whole Heartedly? 
•  Episode 119. 6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your Marriage
•  Episode 147.  Do Sensitive Conversations End up Creating Conflict in Your Relationship?

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 to 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!

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

Fear is often driven by the unknown…

…and it's no surprise that many couples struggle with all the unknown factors of blending.  Ambiguity is simply part of the blending journey.

All the ambiguity can quickly lead to fear:

• fear of what might happen if blending doesn't go well
• fear of failing.  
• fear of how the kids might react 
• fear of the impact of an unsupportive Ex Spouse

When it comes to blending a family, there's no shortage of realities that can create valid fear and real concerns.

But blending can sometimes trigger fear that's somewhat irrational or anticipatory too.

All of this can leave couples feeling overwhelmed, confused and stuck!  

They want to move forward and build a life together, but they promptly pump the breaks on blending when ambiguity triggers debilitating fear.

In this episode, we'll explore effective ways to work through ambiguity and fear, so that you can conquer it and embrace your blend with the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

You'll Discover:

• The importance of exploring your valid fears and concerns before you blend
• Some "yellow" and "red" flags to consider
• How to separate valid fear from irrational, anticipatory fear
• How to manage ambiguity for yourself and your kids

Resources from this Episode:

• Book by Ron Deal:  Preparing to Blend:  The Couple's Guide to Becoming a Smart Stepfamily 
• Episode 5. How to Get Over the Hurts and Triggers From Your Past
• Episode 109. Preparing to Blend (with Special Guest Ron Deal)
• Episode 105. What Powerful Traits Do You Need to Successfully Blend and Stay United? 
• Episode 92.  At a Loss and Feel Defeated Because the Kids Stubbornly Refuse to Blend?
• Episode 93.   How to Overcome Power Struggles When  Kids Oppose Your Decision to Remarry
• Episode 141. Can My Kids Be Emotionally Harmed by Blended Family Dynamics? 

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.  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!

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

Resources

Episode 178. Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent - with Special Guest, Dr. Michael Bradley

Book:  Crazy-Stressed by Dr. Michael J. Bradley

Episode 70. 5 Simple Ingredients for Healthy Tech Habits with Your Kids — with Special Guest, Rob Hayes-St. Clair

Episode 20:  4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex has Different Rules

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.blendedfamilybreakthrough.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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

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!

Ever felt like your teen is completely crazy or maybe you feel like the crazy one — you're not alone!  

Raising teens is not for the faint-hearted parent or stepparent.  But what if this "crazy" season doesn't have to be filled with fear or anger?  What if you could find practical ways to hold boundaries, stay connected, and experience a little peace even as you support your teen in their journey to adulthood?

In this episode, we'll explore why teenagers behave in ways that are crazy and how you can equip yourself to better understand, support, and connect with them. 

To help us not just survive the teen years, but discover ways to thrive, we've invited an expert to share his vast wisdom and personal parenting struggles with us!

Dr. Michael Bradley is a clinical psychologist, a leading expert of adolescent behavior, and is the author of several bestselling books that focus on saving today's overwhelmed teens with love, laughter, and the science of resilience.  Dr. Mike has been working with teens and their parents for over 30 years as a clinical therapist. 

If you've got an adolescent about to hit their teen years or you're already frustrated with a teen and wondering how you'll survive getting them to adulthood with everyone intact, this is episode is for you! 

You'll Discover:

• Why teenagers behave in ways that are crazy
• How to love and support your teen, while holding appropriate boundaries
• Strategies to manage your fear, stress, frustration, and anger in tough parenting moments

Resources from this Episode:

• Book:  Crazy-Stressed by Dr. Michael J. Bradley

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 to 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!

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

Resources

Article:  How to Cherish Your Spouse - 10 Ways
Book by Gary Chapman:  The 5 Love Languages  

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.blendedfamilybreakthrough.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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

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 to 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!