Blended Family Breakthrough

Resources

Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension

Episode 149. How to "Blend" Holiday Traditions and Create Meaningful Connection This Season

Episode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal]

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 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!

Stepparenting raises many questions: What’s my role? How involved should I be? What if my stepkids don’t accept me? 

It’s easy to make wrong turns without even realizing it.

In this episode, we’re delving into four key facets of parenting: meeting practical needs, providing support, teaching life lessons, and delivering discipline. We'll uncover the unique roles and responsibilities of a stepparent regarding each facet and define what's appropriate and inappropriate.

If you’re feeling frustrated, disconnected, or unsure how to navigate parenting in your blended family, this conversation is for you! 

We’ll share best practices, real-life examples (yes, including our own!), and strategies to help you stay in your lane while building healthy bonds with your stepkids and strengthening your parenting partnership.

You'll Discover:

• Why stepparents should focus on connection before correction 
• How to support your stepkids and meet practical needs without overstepping or experiencing resentment 
• The best approach for building genuine connection, trust, and respect with your stepkids 
• Why delivering discipline too soon can backfire—and what to do instead
• A simple but powerful strategy to create a strong parenting partnership with your spouse and reduce tension in your home

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 47. How to Like Your Stepchild Even When You're Feeling Frustrated and Annoyed
• Episode 39. How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids
• Episode 9. A Surprisingly Simple Strategy for Bonding with Step-Kids
• Episode 29. What is a Loyalty Bind and What Can You Do About It?
• Episode 102. 4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parents and their Bio-Kids (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids
• Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids (Transfer of Power Strategy)
• Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary Chapman
• Stepparenting: Keeping it Sane by Charles Fay, Ph.D.
• In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema
• Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal

Ready for some extra support?

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

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!

 In this episode, we’re delving into a common challenge for blended family couples: decision-making and problem-solving. Whether managing kids’ expectations, negotiating with an ex, or facing the pain of being a “trapped teammate” or “stranded stranger,” disagreement and differing perspectives can create tension and keep you stuck.

We’ve been there ourselves, and we share relatable stories, including a meltdown at the mall over a swimsuit and how it almost derailed our unity. Plus, we unpack practical strategies that have been game-changers for us and the couples we coach. 

We believe every blended couple needs a strategy for decision-making and problem-solving that helps them stay united and avoid confusion, pain, and disconnection.  Grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s tackle this together.

You'll Discover

• How to avoid falling into the "trapped teammate" or "stranded stranger" dynamic.
• Three key “DON’TS” that will safeguard your relationship from unnecessary conflict.
• A powerful brainstorming hack to make decisions and solve problems as a united team.
• How to manage decision-making pressures from kids and ex-spouses.
• Practical tips to stay connected and strengthen teamwork in tough moments.

Resources from this Episode

• Episode 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron and Nan Deal]
• Episode 21:  What is the Stranded Stranger & Trapped Teammate Experience
• Episode 22:  One Simple - and Romantic - Way to Combat Being Stranded or Trapped 
• Episode 23:  How to Move From Feeling Stranded to Being Connected
• Episode 24:  What if You Could Relieve the Trapped Teammate Pressure?
• Episode 95:  Do You Dread Negotiating Schedule Changes with your Ex - Try These 5 Practical Tips
• Episode 13:  How to Parent as a Team in Your Blended Family
• Episode 83:  4 Everyday Favoritism Traps that Dishearten Kids in a Blended Family

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

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 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal]

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!

No one enjoys being in conflict with their spouse.  But the reality for every couple is that conflict is unavoidable.

We all experience disagreement that leads to conflict.  But there's a big difference between doing conflict well versus spiraling into unproductive patterns where we say and do things that at best aren't helpful and at worst erode love and trust in  our relationship.

You can probably relate.  Your spouse does something that triggers a painful emotion and you react.  You might blame, shame yourself, take control, or try to avoid the whole situation.  It's natural and normal for all of us to react these ways, but you don't have to stay stuck in unproductive, damaging patterns.  You can learn to do conflict well,  just like we have!

In this episode, our friends Ron and Nan Deal share their personal journey.  After hitting rock bottom in their marriage, finding restoration, and discovering the tools that transformed their relationship, they've written an amazing book called The Mindful Marriage.  Their new book breaks down powerful concepts into relatable, practical steps for couples everywhere.

Ron and Nan are popular speakers who specialize in restoration therapy, blended families, and supporting grieving parents. Ron, a bestselling author, licensed marriage and family therapist, and podcaster, also serves as a senior director at FamilyLife. Nan, a retired teacher, now champions her community through Live Thankfully.

From navigating destructive cycles of conflict and emotional pain to increasing love, trust, and intimacy in your relationship — today's conversation is full of hope, encouragement, and actionable wisdom!

What You'll Learn:

• Identifying and breaking free from pain cycles in your relationship.
• Practical steps to create a “peace cycle” that strengthens love and trust.
• Insights into how family history impacts marriage dynamics.
• Why emotional regulation is a game-changer for blended families.
• The importance of “usness” in building a thriving relationship.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Mindful Marriage by Ron and Nan Deal
• Restoration Therapy model by Dr. Terry Hargrave
• Bonus materials are available at RonDeal.org

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

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 139:  The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences

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!

How serious are you about creating enjoyment and fun in your relationship (and in your home)?

You probably started off your relationship experiencing lots of enjoyment as you were getting to know each other and falling in love.  But as the busyness and stress of blended family life set in, maybe your enjoyment started to wane a bit. 

The truth is, if you want to increase enjoyment and safeguard your relationship, then you've got to take FUN seriously!

Our friends Rich and Christa blended their family 13 years ago.  Although they've had their share of ups and downs, they've managed to make fun a top priority…

…and they've reaped the benefits of deep connection, laughter, and genuine enjoyment in their relationship (and in their home).

Rich and Christa are on a mission to strengthen marriages and families in a culture that's losing hope.  They want to help couples avoid the tragedy of divorce and enjoy a thriving marriage full of joy, friendship, and fun.

Join us for a raucous conversation as Rich and Christa share practical — and serious — ways they've discovered to increase fun and how you can do the same.

What You’ll Learn

• Why fun is a safeguard for your marriage and how it deepens connection.
• How to create a family culture of fun, even in challenging stepfamily dynamics.
• The importance of “micro-moves of fun” and small intentional gestures.
• Practical ways to align your schedule and priorities to boost enjoyable couple time.
• How to balance personal expectations with the realities of blended family life.

Resources Mentioned

• Episode 200.  A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting Love 
• Click here to connect with Rich and Christa
• Book by John Gottman:  7 Principles for Making Marriage Work
• Book by Sam Jolman:  The Sex Talk You Never Got
• Click here to learn more about Weekend to Remember marriage events
• To learn more about our Relate Strong program, CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE coaching call
• Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension
• Episode 146. Friendship and Connection or Friction and Distance - what's the state of your relationship?

Actionable Takeaways

1. Define Your Fun: Identify activities you and your spouse enjoy and prioritize them in your schedule.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s playful traditions like funny birthday cake messages or silly rituals, embrace the small moments.
3. Move at Your Child’s Pace: Honor your stepchild’s readiness for connection without pushing. Small cracks in the door can lead to big breakthroughs over time.
4. Model Connection: Let your kids see you laughing and enjoying each other—it’s a powerful way to teach them about healthy relationships.
5. Invest in Growth: Attend retreats, read books together, or explore coaching programs to strengthen your marriage and family bonds.

Resources

Episode 151. What has the potential to steal your joy and how can you hold onto it?  (Part 1 of 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 to or following the podcast yet? If not, we encourage you to do so 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 200.  A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting Love

Episode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life?

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!