Being a parent within the blended family dynamic is incredible! When things are hitting on all cylinders and we recognize traces of a ripple effect that we can trace back to our efforts, there's hardly a more satisfying feeling. There may also be moments when we ask, "what did I get myself into?" It's in these moments that we can begin to question whether we would have made the same decisions and taken that same path had we known what lay ahead. Listen in on this episode as I get real honest about the times that I've asked myself this same question, and I'll share a recent revelation that has completely changed my perspective! 

Venting is an important part of regulating ourselves (a.k.a maintaining sanity), and it should be prioritized! Letting a little bit of air out over time keeps us from imploding when we least expect it. However, we can't release our stress and worries in whatever way we please. I've learned first hand that we can't be careless about how we go about the process. Being strategic about who we choose to share some of our most intimate and tumultuous experiences with is among the most important decisions that we can make. In short, learning to vent well is a life saver! 

Give proper attention to your mental wealth in 2025 by taking advantage of the Magic Mind 24 hour pack! Through the month of January the focus and sleep shots are bundled together at 45% off! 

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The step-sibling relationship can be tough to navigate. At times you hear about the kids getting along as if they've been reunited with a long lost sibling. In other cases, it doesn't seem as if they can even stand being in the same room together. At the end of the day, the kids have likely experienced more than their fair share of pain. This makes it especially difficult for them to accept the significant changes that comes with blending a family. During this episode we acknowlege the experience of our kids and what may cause strain in their relationship as well as how we as parents can promote peace and loving connection with our efforts and example. 

Give proper attention to your mental wealth in 2025 by taking advantage of the Magic Mind 24 hour pack! Through the month of January the focus and sleep shots are bundled together at 45% off! 

Just use my link this month get the deal - https://www.magicmind.com/BLENDEDJAN #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Considering everything that a child experiences within the blended family, it makes sense that their happiness is would be such a high priority. For other parents, it's also very difficult to take emphasis away from the development of their character and skills because those areas aren't getting enough attention. Which parent are you?? Doing right by our children and raising them with their best interest in mind is no easy task. This is not an outcome that we'll ever achieve if we remain on autopiolot! We have to be intentional about the outcomes that we want for our children and how we'll go about achieving them. 

Give proper attention to your mental wealth in 2025 by taking advantage of the Magic Mind 24 hour pack! Through the month of January the focus and sleep shots are bundled together at 45% off! 

Just use my link this month get the deal - https://www.magicmind.com/BLENDEDJAN #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

The stop-and-go of a child leaving the home and returning can be taxing for everybody. If relationships are strengthening, their departure can be deflating. If we look forward to them leaving, then we probably won't receive them well when they get back. Not to mention the tax on the child as they go from one space to another. Reminding ourselves to function within our roles and the outcomes we want to see in our family will help us to navigate this the right way! 

Talk about learning on the job! As stepparents we don't have all of the answers. In fact, there are times when it feels as if we have none. This comes with the territory. Five things that I wish I had known: 

1. Not all grown people are adults
2. Heartbreak will become normal
3. I am not defined by the failures or successes of my stepchild
4. Teenagers kinda suck
5. I can discern, but I cannot condemn

We learn as we go, but it doesn't hurt to learn from the going of others! 

I took the time to answer some blended family questions that I'm sure each of us can relate to! 

Every blended family is a comeback story! Marquette Walker is an excellent illustration of this. Marquette relates to the samaritan woman at the well mentioned in the book of John. That woman was known to have 5 husbands, and Marquette can say the same. The woman at the well was also known to have a life changing encounter with Jesus. This is also Marquettes story! Marquette’s mental, emotional, and spiritual restoration has changed her life and she has become a source of hope and change for others. Whether you are in the middle of a comeback, or if you’re in need of some restoration, this episode is for you! 

Resources for Marquette: 

Website: marquettelwalkerministries.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Pick up her book on Amazon:

Divorced But Not Defeated: Woman You Will Win After This: Walker, Marquette L.: 9798989280636: Amazon.com: Books

There's no shame in being overwhelmed by all the things that come with being a Stepparent. Personally, I took it all on and tried to keep it together, until I couldn't. Immense stress, worry and frustration was my reward for carrying all the weight that came with navigating this process. However, I've learned that empathy, holding tight to what's most important for the kids, and surrenduring it all to the One who cares the most, changes everything. Freedom from this cycle of anxiousness is possible! 

Excessive levels of worry and stress have become the norm for countless stepparents. Simply dealing with the struggles that have produced some level of anxiousness is not working. In fact, it's causing lasting issues personally and within our relationships. As stepparents, we need to figure out what we're dealing with before we can find the right solutions!