Resources:

Episode 172.  2 Key Elements to Resolve Your Parenting Style Differences - And Get United 

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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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What's one of THE most challenging "feats" for blended couples to successfully master?

Building a healthy, collaborative parenting partnership!

What makes this so difficult?

The sensitive topic of parenting can naturally kick off an emotionally-charged conversation, ending in disagreement, conflict, and disconnection.

If you're anything like us, you've probably experienced painful, unproductive interactions around parenting that left you at risk…

…at risk of shutting down or shutting each other out

…at risk of reacting poorly in those moments that matter most

…at risk of ongoing distrust

…at risk of experiencing double standards, hurt feelings, ongoing tension, resentment, and relational strain in your home.

Here's the good news:  you CAN minimize these risks by practicing new ways to communicate that build your parenting partnership!

In this episode, we'll share how we've learned to master the "feat" of building a parenting partnership by engaging in sensitive parenting conversations that built trust and healthy collaboration in our relationship.  Ultimately, all of this will lead to better outcomes for kids — and for you!

You'll Discover:

• A simple 4-part process to initiating sensitive conversations and address concerns about your partner's child 
• How to reduce conflict and break free from unproductive, ineffective communication patterns around parenting  
• Practical steps for building a healthy, collaborative parenting partnership 

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 187. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress 
• Book:  Crucial Conversations - Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

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.  

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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!

Resources 

• Episode 191.   Achieve Financial Harmony:  Expert Guidance for Blending Your Finances [with special guests Ron Deal & Greg Pettys]
• Book by Ron Deal, Greg Pettys & David Edwards:  The Smart Stepfamily's Guide to Financial Planning:  Money Management Before and After You Blend a Family
• Click here to connect with Greg Pettys for a FREE consult regarding basic estate planning (wills, trusts, power of attorney, and guardianship) 

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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.  

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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!

Money is emotional.

That's why it can be a touchy subject for couples — whether they're preparing to blend or if they've been blending for a while.  Discussing finances can lead to very real challenges.

The process of "merging money"  can easily become complicated and overwhelming for blended family couples.  The complexities tap into deeper emotions tied to things like fear, trust, loyalty, security, and stability. 

But "complex" and "impossible" are two different things.  The emotional nature of money doesn't have to keep couples stuck.  It is possible to create transparency, understanding, and alignment around your finances — for today and for the future. 

And the great part is, alignment around finances often creates greater levels of trust and intimacy in your relationship.

So if your goal is to love, care, and provide for everyone in your family, but you just aren't sure how to effectively merge your finances — this episode is for you!

We're so grateful to have Ron Deal and Greg Pettys on the show to share expert advice and practical steps for discussing and managing your financial expectations and future plans…  

…this episode is a MUST for every blended couple.

You'll Discover:

• How to move beyond fear and ambiguity to create transparency, understanding, and alignment around money
• The difference between a Prenuptial Agreement (which is a contingency plan that assumes failure) and a Togetherness Agreement (which is a proactive plan that assumes success)
• How to build emotional and financial security and safety while making decisions around money — even when there's doubt and distrust
• How to honor and provide for your children's future, while offering care and concern for your spouse and stepchildren's financial future as well

Resources from this Episode:

• Book by Ron Deal, Greg Pettys & David Edwards:  The Smart Stepfamily's Guide to Financial Planning:  Money Management Before and After You Blend a Family
• Click here to connect with Greg Pettys for a FREE consult regarding basic estate planning (wills, trusts, power of attorney, and guardianship) 
• Click here for a list of Smart Stepfamily Providers for help with 'under the surface' issues. 

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

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Resources:

Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (Stranded Stranger / Trapped Teammate Dynamic) 

Episode 5. How to Get Over the Hurts and Triggers From Your Past

Dr. Patricia L. Papernow - Stepfamily Relationships

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 to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  

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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!

I (Mike) have had so many moments of just feeling stuck.  I wondered how we would ever move forward and I figured out pretty early on that I wouldn't be able to sort out all the complex chaos without some support.

The problem was, I had no idea what kind of support we needed.

And when we were stuck in unhealthy patterns that kept leading to disconnection and pain, it was challenging to sort out how to move forward.

That's a frustrating place to be.  It can sometimes feel confusing or even hopeless.

In this episode, we'll share some painful moments where we felt stuck and how we discovered the difference between engaging in counseling and coaching and the benefits of each at different seasons of our journey.

The great news is there wasn't anything "wrong" with us that we couldn't work through with a little help!

If you're feeling stuck in the complex realities of blending, you aren't alone and you don't have to stay stuck either.  Listen in to discover the best approach for getting the help you need today!

You'll Discover:

• Distinct benefits and differences between counseling and coaching 
• How Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) from the past might be impacting your present reality
• How to get unstuck and move toward positive growth
• Personal questions to help determine the best support for you

Resources from this Episode:

• Article from Cleveland Clinic:  Adverse Child Experiences (ACEs)
• Counselors & Coaches with Stepfamily Training 
• Episode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life?

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 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!

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 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!

It's hard to accept that grief is simply a part of every blended family's journey.  But that's your reality because everyone in your family has experienced some kind of loss along the way.

If you aren't able to acknowledge grief and create a safe space to process through it, you'll miss out on valuable opportunities that lead to healing.

In this episode, you'll discover a few truths about grief that you probably haven't considered before — plus the positive impact of allowing yourself and your kids to embrace your unique grief journey. 

Our special guest, Krista St-Germain, shares her personal experience of unexpected loss and critical realities that she's discovered about grief.  

Krista's traumatic circumstances eventually led her on a journey of hope and healing.   As a life coach, she now devotes herself to equipping others with powerful tools to manage grief and love life again — and to help their kids do the same. 

Understanding the impact of loss and grief and creating opportunities to heal together is essential for blended families.  That's why we're excited to welcome Krista to the show!

You'll Discover:

• How to normalize what's normal about loss and grief 
• The reality of grief being a natural human response to a perceived loss
• How to help your kids acknowledge and process grief
• What is trauma and post-traumatic growth

Resources from this Episode:

• Click this link to Connect with Krista St-Germain
• Episode 168. Actionable Steps for Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
•  Episode  132.  How Does Loss and Grief Impact Blended Family Integration?

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 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!

Resources:

Episode 20. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules
Episode 187. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1)
Episode 188. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 2)

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 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!

Discomfort and distress are common experiences for those of us navigating blended dynamics.  

One key to learning to manage discomfort and distress well is practicing some simple strategies that acknowledge what you're actually experiencing and then choosing clear, healthy responses.

Now, we know what you're probably thinking…

…"I've done everything possible to cope with my discomfort and distress, but when it comes to this specific person or certain challenging circumstance, I just get so frustrated, hurt, or angry!"

We've both felt that way along our journey as well.

That's why we're continuing our discussion in this 2 part series.  In this episode, we're offering practical ways to withstand 'Opposing Obstacles' — those people or circumstances that leave you feeling powerless, overwhelmed, hopeless, or defeated.

We'll share some challenges we experienced with our biggest Opposing Obstacle and effective ways to approach difficult interactions and painful situations — which can ultimately help you tolerate and manage your discomfort and distress too!

You'll Discover:

• The value of 'Radical Self-Care' (it's not what you might think)
• How to guard yourself from other people's bad moods - and not allow their problems to become yours
• Practical ways to withstand 'Opposing Obstacles' and respond well to  criticism, rejection, and hostility
• How to hold onto your power in challenging situations - and experience more joy 

Resources from this Episode:

• Click here for episodes that focus on impactful strategies and best practices with Co-Parenting
• To learn more about our RelateStrong Program, click and schedule your FREE coaching call

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!