In this episode of "Raising His Kids," Toni and Lauren dive deep into the often challenging reality of being part of a blended family. Inspired by a popular Instagram reel, Toni revisits her top 10 frustrations, from being falsely labeled a homewrecker to dealing with toxic co-parents and the emotional rollercoaster of sharing children with another parent. 

Lauren shares her own top 5 struggles, including the dreaded "golden uterus syndrome" and the constant drama that comes with co-parenting. They also read and react to listener responses, revealing common grievances like lack of control, missed life events, and the ongoing tension with ex-spouses.

Join Toni and Lauren for an honest conversation about the trials and tribulations of blended family life, offering support, empathy, and a reminder that you are not alone in this journey. Whether you're dealing with high-conflict exes, transition days, or the struggle to maintain balance and peace, this episode is for you.

Highlights:

• Toni's Top 10 Things She Hates About Being in a Blended Family
• Lauren's Top 5 Frustrations
• Listener Responses on Blended Family Challenges

Tune in for a raw and real discussion that shines a light on the complexities of blended family dynamics and offers a community of support for those navigating similar paths.

Reach out for support and share your experiences. We're here to help each other through the ups and downs of blended family life.  Follow us:

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In this episode of Raising His Kids, Toni and Lauren dive into a lively discussion about Mother's Day experiences and share their personal stories from the special day.

The main segment of this episode is all about how our spouses met Karen. Many of us feel intrigued about our partner’s relationship with their child's other parent. In many cases, there’s a lot of conflict, making us curious about what initially attracted them to Karen, given how different things seem now.You'll hear personal stories from Lauren & Toni about how their husbands met Karen as well as amusing, brutally honest listener responses on how their partners met their ex’s, from high school sweethearts to random hookups, and everything in between.

Plus, Lauren shares a thought-provoking Instagram post that she was eager to get Toni’s feedback on, particularly because of the complexities of being twice blended.

Join us for a fun and engaging episode that celebrates motherhood, stepmothers, and the unique stories that bring families together. 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

In this special episode of "Raising His Kids," Toni is out, but we're excited to have Georgina Warren join Lauren as a guest. Georgina has an intriguing story, having grown up with a stepmother and now writing a book that challenges the traditional narrative of stepmotherhood.

Georgina shares her journey, offering a glimpse into her book, "Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers," and the inspiration behind it. She discusses the importance of representing stepmothers in a positive light and how her own experiences have shaped her perspective on family and storytelling.

Tune in to hear Georgina's unique insights, her tribute to her stepmother, and what listeners can expect from her game-changing book. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in a blended family or interested in the evolving roles within them.

About Our Guest: Georgina Warren is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, where she majored in French, and recently received her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the Catholic University of America. She lives in Washington, D.C. and currently works at the Library of Congress. Homeschooled until she was fifteen, she later attended the British School of Washington and the Field School, where she first cultivated her profound love of the literary, visual, and performing arts, and pursued her vision to become a writer, artist, and actor. "Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers" is the first installment of what will eventually be a three-volume collection.

About the Book - Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers: "You already know how the 'wicked stepmother' has become enshrined in legend and folklore. But in this modern era, most of us who are stepmothers or have one ourselves have seen a different truth. Many stepmothers are loving, courageous, and innovative. In this collection of original tales, you will find many kinds of stepmothers—queens, scholars, warriors, travelers, and entrepreneurs. Turn the pages and see how these heroic parents and their children achieve greatness and overcome adversity together!"

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/23653265-tales-of-virtuous-stepmothers-debut

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

Join Toni and Lauren in this special episode as they shine a light on Stepmother’s Day, celebrated the Sunday after Mother's Day. This episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to all the incredible stepmothers who play pivotal roles in their families. Dive into discussions about the importance of recognizing the contributions and love that stepmothers bring to their blended families. Explore common challenges, such as feeling like an outsider, especially around Mother's Day, and discover ways families can make Stepmother's Day special for everyone involved. The episode features a listener's anonymous story about the heartache of not being able to celebrate Mother's Day with the child they raise year-round. Tune in to affirm that your role is essential and appreciated in an episode dedicated to acknowledging and embracing stepmoms everywhere.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

In this episode, hosts Toni and Lauren delve into the complexities of celebrating Mother's Day as a stepmother, exploring how to navigate this emotionally charged day in blended families. As Lauren experiences her first Mother's Day as a biological mother, the duo discusses the importance of acknowledging both Mother's Day and Stepmother's Day, especially when traditional celebrations may not include stepchildren. They address listener questions that reveal the deep-seated challenges stepmoms face, from lack of recognition to the tricky dynamics with biological mothers and other family members. This episode offers guidance on communicating your needs, setting boundaries, and finding support to ensure that every mum feels valued and acknowledged. Tune in for heartfelt advice, community stories, and practical tips on making the most of Mother's Day, whatever your family situation. Join us to affirm that however you celebrate, your role and feelings are valid, and you're not alone on this roller coaster.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

In this episode, Toni and Lauren continue to explore the foundational role of communication in blended family dynamics, this time focusing on communication with your spouse and stepkids. Whether you're bridging gaps with your spouse or fostering a nurturing relationship with your stepchildren, discover practical tips for maintaining open and honest dialogues. The hosts share insights from their own experiences and listener stories about dealing with defensiveness, expressing needs, and creating a safe space for all family members. Tune in to learn how to enhance your family's communication and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Join us for heartfelt advice that’s sure to resonate with both new and seasoned step-parents alike. Don't miss our special segment on navigating communication challenges, including when children feel strong loyalty ties to their other biological parent.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

In this episode of Raising His Kids, join Lauren and Toni as they delve into the complex world of communication between stepmothers and biological mothers. Drawing from real listener experiences, we explore the challenges and triumphs of interacting with a "Karen." Whether you're facing silence, conflict, or awkward exchanges, this episode offers insights into maintaining boundaries and promoting the well-being of the children involved. Plus, we share essential tips on how to keep communications respectful and focused, whether you're directly involved or supporting your partner. Don’t miss this blend of personal stories and advice aimed at helping you navigate these tricky waters with grace and resilience.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

In this special behind-the-scenes episode of "Raising His Kids," join host Toni as she takes you on a journey through some of the hilarious, touching, and downright unforgettable moments that didn't quite make it into our regular episodes. With a blend of laughter, mishaps, and candid conversations, get ready to experience the raw and unfiltered side of our podcast.

From episode 26, hear the voices of Lauren, Madison, and Toni as they share their insights and experiences of having guests not quite show up on time to the behind the scene conversations they have had with disgruntled listeners all because we do not support the trend of online bio mum bashing. Then, tune in to episode 38 to catch Toni and Joslynn's dynamic pre-recording exchange as they catch up on life prior to recording the episode on parenting neurodivergent children.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Episode 40 & 41 brings you into the chaos as Toni and Lauren, accompanied by adorable interruptions from Miss A & Miss K, or listen closely for the moment where Toni just stumbles over her words. Plus, don't miss Toni's candid opinion on the Barbie movie & how her opinions got her into hot water in an online facebook mums group.

So whether you're a longtime listener or discovering "Raising His Kids" for the first time, this behind-the-scenes episode promises to entertain, enlighten, and remind you that the rollercoaster of blended family life is filled with both challenges and laughter. Grab your favorite coffee or your wine, settle in, and enjoy this special compilation episode!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

In this episode of Raising His Kids, hosts Toni and Lauren dive into the post-Easter chaos, sharing their own holiday experiences and engaging with listeners' anecdotes. From missed transitions and family tensions to heartwarming moments and unexpected surprises, the Easter stories shared by their audience highlight the diverse realities of navigating blended family dynamics.

Additionally, the episode features a jaw-dropping submission to Stepmom's Anonymous, where a listener unveils shocking revelations about her partner's ex’s new boyfriend (aka the stepdad's) troubled past. Grab your coffee or your wine, and join Toni and Lauren as they react, discuss, and provide insights into the complexities of stepfamily life, all while offering support and solidarity to their listeners. Tune in for an episode filled with honesty, laughter, and eye-opening moments.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations

Happy Easter, everyone! We hope you had a great weekend celebrating with friends and family.

In this episode of Raising His Kids, hosts Toni and Lauren dive into the highs and lows of blended family Easter celebrations. From hilarious mishaps to heartwarming victories, they share personal and listener stories that reflect the joys and challenges of navigating holidays in blended families. Tune in to hear tales of Easter disasters, including accusations during egg dyeing sessions and tense exchanges over shoes, along with uplifting wins like setting boundaries with ex-partners and creating new traditions with extended family.

Join Toni and Lauren as they reflect on the love and laughter that make blended family life truly special, and discover how their own Easter weekends unfolded. Happy Easter, everyone!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations