Resources from this Episode

Article by Nick Wignall:  What Causes Perfectionism and How to Get Over It
Episode 84. How to Cope with Sadness, Anxiety and Longing While Your Kids are Gone
Episode 81. How a Missing Bio-Parent Impacts Kids in the Delicate Blending Process (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve  

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

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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!

Have you ever felt like the holidays in your blended family are fraught with more challenges than there should be?

It might seem like when the holidays hit, you get bombarded with chaotic schedules and difficult negotiations with Exes.  The kids have high expectations and so do you — which just adds to the pressure. 

Relational tension and stress seem all too common as blended families struggle to cope with holiday hang-ups and disappointments.

But that's not the whole story…

…it's also possible to experience fun, connection, and joy through the holidays.

In this episode, you'll hear from our friends Rich and Stacy who have been blending their holiday experiences for 12 years.  They'll share a few of their highs and lows and how they've learned to navigate the challenging dynamics of blended family holidays.

Rich and Stacy offer some real-life strategies and mindset shifts that will help you to intentionally prepare for the holiday season with greater understanding, realistic expectations, flexibility, and the right perspective — without sweating the small stuff or getting hung up on having to get everything perfect!

You'll Discover:

• What it takes to navigate the holidays well and experience more fun, connection, and joy.
• Proactive strategies and mindsets that foster success leading up to - and during - the holiday season.

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 151. What Has The Potential to Steal Your Joy - And How Can You Hold Onto It (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 150. The Highs and Lows of Our Family's Holiday Experiences - with Special Guests: Our Kids
• Episode 149. How to "Blend" Holiday Traditions and Create Meaningful Connections This Season
• Episode 148. 5 Tips to Negotiate Holiday Plans and Avoid Scheduling Conflicts with the Ex
• Episode 118.  Meaningful Insight and Practical Strategies to Help Your Blended Family Navigate Holiday Challenges
• Episode 71. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 12. 4 Meaningful Insights for Budgeting Your Happy Holidays
• Episode 10.  8 Practical Tips for a Successful Holiday Season

 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

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

As I mentioned in this Simple Step, we encourage you to head back to Episode 67 to dive into more ideas on how to live out this simple strategy in your co-parenting dynamic.  Here's the link:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/podcast/067

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!

You probably know that kids moving between two homes thrive when all the adults — in both homes — cooperate to create stability and peace.  

That's absolutely true.  

It's also true that the adults (both bio and step-parents) thrive when trust and consideration exist between homes and tension is low.

But when it comes to the art of healthy co-parenting, talk is cheap.  

Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and communication breakdowns are hard to avoid.  And they tend to shatter the peace for kids and adults in the delicate dynamics of co-parenting.

We all need more than just talk — or information about co-parenting.  What we really need is transformation.  

And the great news is that transformation is possible!  

A few simple strategies and a little mindfulness go a long, long way in reducing drama and cultivating peaceful cooperation. You can proactively avoid and recover from the most common co-parenting pitfalls.  

In this episode, we share some helpful tips for both bio and step-parents to improve co-parenting relationships so that everyone can enjoy more cooperation and peace!

You'll Discover:

• Practical strategies for both Step and Bio Parents to help avoid the pitfalls of milestone mishaps and cultivate more cooperation, trust, and peace between homes.

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - and Hurt the Kids
• Episode 113. How to Respond When You're Being  Disregarded, Devalued and Dismissed by Your Former Spouse
• Episode 131. Why is Trust Important in Your Co-parenting 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 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 for this Episode

Episode 169. Real Insight and Advice for Remarried Parents AND Their Concerned Adult Children

Episode 147. Do sensitive conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship

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!

Stepfamily expert Ron Deal says, "Never mind that your children are adults, this is a hard transition for them because it comes at a great cost".

In this episode, we'll uncover the challenging family issues that often come up when a parent with adult children chooses to remarry or become romantically involved.  

We'll explore these sensitive issues from two unique perspectives.  The perspective of the parent who is struggling to understand why their adult child is reacting emotionally to their decision to remarry…

…AND…

…from the perspective of the adult child who could be experiencing painful emotions as they struggle to accept their parent's remarriage.

This episode is an opportunity for parent and adult child to help ease tensions, preserve your relationship, and take a step forward as a family.

You'll Discover:

• Valuable insight and understanding around the perspective of everyone in your family
• Practical tips for communicating,  maintaining connection, and moving beyond the tension

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
• Episode 72.  The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships 
• Episode 140. Blending with Adult Children - One Couple's Story of Heartache and Triumph
• Episode 118. Meaningful Insight & Practical Strategies to Help Your Blended Family Navigate Holiday Challenges
• Book by Lauren Reitsema:  In Their Shoes - Helping Parents better understand and connect with children of divorce

 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!

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

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!

We've heard it said that behavior is the visible expression of invisible issues — it's the warning light on the dashboard. 

Often, it's the warning light of our child's misbehavior that catches our attention, but what are the invisible issues going on under the surface?

Usually, it's difficult emotions. 

When kids experience something troubling, negative emotions will naturally arise and often they aren't even aware of what's going on inside.  Because kids lack emotional maturity, they tend to misbehave simply because they haven't yet learned how to manage the difficult emotions they're experiencing.

That means your kids and step-kids need your help!

If the kids living in your home tend to emotionally express themselves by getting angry, disrespectful, anxious, acting out, or withdrawing from the family (just to name a few), this episode is for you.

Learning to become 'Emotion Coaching Parents' has been a game changer for us and it's one of the best things we've done to equip our kids for adulthood.  Discover the difference you can make in your kids' lives by following along this week with our 4 part mini-series on raising an emotionally intelligent child.   

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 132. How does loss and grief impact blended family integration?
• Episode 71. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 28. What if what you think is defiance is actually something else? (Counter will)
• Episode 74. How to develop appropriate and effective consequences that empower responsibility
• Parenting Style Quiz (from John Gottman)
• Book by John Gottman:  Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child 
• Emotions Chart  (for young kids)
• Feel Wheel (for young kids)
• Feel Wheel Sticker (for teens/adults)

Ready for some extra support?

We're here to help.  Sched

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

We've heard it said that behavior is the visible expression of invisible issues — it's the warning light on the dashboard. 

Often, it's the warning light of our child's misbehavior that catches our attention, but what are the invisible issues going on under the surface?

Usually, it's difficult emotions. 

When kids experience something troubling, negative emotions will naturally arise and often they aren't even aware of what's going on inside.  Because kids lack emotional maturity, they tend to misbehave simply because they haven't yet learned how to manage the difficult emotions they're experiencing.

That means your kids and step-kids need your help!

If the kids living in your home tend to emotionally express themselves by getting angry, disrespectful, anxious, acting out, or withdrawing from the family (just to name a few), this episode is for you.

Learning to become 'Emotion Coaching Parents' has been a game changer for us and it's one of the best things we've done to equip our kids for adulthood.  Discover the difference you can make in your kids' lives by following along this week with our 4 part mini-series on raising an emotionally intelligent child.   

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 132. How does loss and grief impact blended family integration?
• Episode 71. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 28. What if what you think is defiance is actually something else? (Counter will)
• Episode 74. How to develop appropriate and effective consequences that empower responsibility
• Parenting Style Quiz (from John Gottman)
• Book by John Gottman:  Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child 
• Emotions Chart  (for young kids)
• Feel Wheel (for young kids)
• Feel Wheel Sticker (for teens/adults)

Ready for some extra support?

We're here to help.  Schedule your free coaching call here:   https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

We've heard it said that behavior is the visible expression of invisible issues — it's the warning light on the dashboard. 

Often, it's the warning light of our child's misbehavior that catches our attention, but what are the invisible issues going on under the surface?

Usually, it's difficult emotions. 

When kids experience something troubling, negative emotions will naturally arise and often they aren't even aware of what's going on inside.  Because kids lack emotional maturity, they tend to misbehave simply because they haven't yet learned how to manage the difficult emotions they're experiencing.

That means your kids and step-kids need your help!

If the kids living in your home tend to emotionally express themselves by getting angry, disrespectful, anxious, acting out, or withdrawing from the family (just to name a few), this episode is for you.

Learning to become 'Emotion Coaching Parents' has been a game changer for us and it's one of the best things we've done to equip our kids for adulthood.  Discover the difference you can make in your kids' lives by following along this week with our 4 part mini-series on raising an emotionally intelligent child.   

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 132. How does loss and grief impact blended family integration?
• Episode 71. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 28. What if what you think is defiance is actually something else? (Counter will)
• Episode 74. How to develop appropriate and effective consequences that empower responsibility
• Parenting Style Quiz (from John Gottman)
• Book by John Gottman:  Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child 
• Emotions Chart  (for young kids)
• Feel Wheel (for young kids)
• Feel Wheel Sticker (for teens/adults)

Ready for some extra support?

We're here to help.  Schedule your free coaching call here:   https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession