Do you want to hear our take on what it's been like raising teenagers? What about raising teenagers that go between two homes? Brooke and I chat about puberty, connection, bad habits and our very obvious fears of the future when it comes to our teenage step children.

Stress...we all experience it on a day to day basis. Whether it's scrolling through social media, having an argument or in a time crunch at work. Honestly it's a lot...to top it off, being a part of a blended family and co parenting with a high conflict person can cause stress to the point of illness. 

Jes, from The Wellness Element, is here to go more in depth on the conversation surrounding stress and the impact it can have on our overall health. She talks strategy, routines and rituals that can help us regulate our stress and what that looks like on a day to day basis.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Years break...let's dive in to what the next year looks like for me and what I am striving for. Also, I was able to to really dive in to my inner Black Sheep and can't help but notice some similarities when it comes to being a Stepmom. 

This episode is not to made out to make you have a more negative outlook on the holiday season with a blended family, but to one day give you hope that not every Christmas will be a fight or stressful trigger. But there is a huge chance that one day it can be shared without any negativity or drama. Stay hopeful, stay consistant- this too shall pass.

Merry Christmas listeners, I wish you nothing but happiness this year!

xo Dana

Did you know that 60% of second marriages end in divorce? That statistic, combined with their own experiences as a blended family is what pushed Garrett and Chelsea to start Transformed Couples and help other blended family couples (and nuclear family couples) to help communicate and resolve conflict in healthy ways to make them feel more connected and resilient.  Listen as we dive in to the meat and potatoes of relationship conflicts and how they can help you get your romance back on track.

Enjoy!

How much are you actually prioritizing yourself these days? When is the last time you actually did something for you?

Being a part of a blended family can add some stress to your life (as well as many amazing experiences too) and as a result, it is extra important to make sure you make time to destress and rest.

Let's talk about ways we can take care of ourselves, Stepmom guilt and whatever else comes up!

After a long extended break while I get my shit together I'm happy to update you all on what's been going on with me!

A proposal, new members of the family, a positive turn around in co-parenting and some normalcy for my kids. Listen in on what's been going on and what Nother Mother Podcast has to look forward to!

It can be hard to navigate how to raise your children with your spouse, but when you mix in the mine, yours and ours kids, it cant feel like you're juggling too many things at once. Dana discusses her tips on raising them differently and trying to meet your bonus children half way. 

PSA: this will take an open minded and patient person to attempt.

Enjoy!

Back in the saddle again!! It's been a few months since I recorded anything. Life has been an absolute gong show and I can't believe how good it feels to sit down and talk it out.

Just a little update on what's been going on in my house with my family and why I felt the need to take a break and focus on ALL. OF. IT.

In this episode I'll fill you in on an update with my dad's health, and what that relationship with him is like. An update on what it's like raising a teenager who is having a rough time with peers at school and how all of the co-parents are dealing with that together- and what it's like now that my husband is working away.

Thanks for tuning in and being so patient, much love to you all!

A letter to my bonus daughter. These are all things that I have reminded her throughout the entire time we've been a blended family- but I felt the need to get those feelings out to inspire others. We have had so many ups and downs that I think it's so important to remember the times when we were getting to know each other and the relationships were being built. I know how many cons there can be when comparing a blended family to a nuclear family, but how many people not only get to fall in love with their spouse but their children as well! It's a feeling like no other and I am so grateful for what I have. 

"Tomorrow is never promised, so love and appreciate the people who are in your life"- Unknown