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Welcome, dear listeners, to a truly special episode of Synergistic Stepparenting podcast. I’m your host, Maria Natapov, and today I’m delving into a topic that's as complex as it is crucial: meeting your ex's new partner.

But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Picture this episode as a finely crafted piece of art, designed to elevate your understanding and approach to this delicate situation. So that you can show up even to this encounter as a connoisseur of both style and grace. Find the show notes for this episode at SynergisticStepparenting.com/70.

Topics Covered:
- The Empathy Edge
- The Craft Communication
- Humor: Your Secret Weapon
- Adaptability: Your Agile Ally

Click here to listen!

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“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.”

“Maria is amazing! Very well rounded insights.”

“Your podcast is awesome!”

If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

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Hey there, all you blended family peeps! Welcome to another epic episode of "Synergistic Stepparenting.” Stepfamily life, it's like a surprise package every day, right? You never quite know what you're gonna get, and that's part of its unique charm! Chaos is our ticket to the rollercoaster, and we're here to ride it in style. I'm your host, Maria Natapov, and today's show is not just good; it's top shelf!

Now, picture this folks: You're a high-flying CEO with a penthouse that's basically a city in the clouds. You're jet-setting to exclusive destinations, gracing high-society charity galas, and your annual income is so high, it's practically orbiting the moon. But hold on tight because under all that glitz and glamour, you’re on a mission – a mission to balance your high-powered career with a close-nit family life while keeping the peace and leaving a legacy.

Your life is like a rollercoaster in a designer gown, and today, I'm giving you the insider's scoop on embracing chaos. It’s how stepfamilies turn challenges into catalysts for growth. Find the link to the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/69. Now, I know you're into personal growth, so this episode is for you!

Covered in Episode:
- Neuroscience and the Art of Chaos Management
- 3 Neuroscience Hacks
- Chaos-to-Growth Stories
- Adopting a New Chaos Mindset
- 3 Steps to Managing Chaos like a Pro
- Your "Making Peace with Chaos" Journey

Click here to listen!

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“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.”

“Maria is amazing! Very well rounded insights.”

“Your podcast is awesome!”

If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

Also, if you haven’t done so yet, follow the podcast so you don’t miss a thing.

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Hey fabulous folks on the blended family journey! 

It’s Maria Natapov, your guide through the twists and turns of family dynamics. Today, we're diving headfirst into the mind-blowing world of neuroscience. But don't worry, I promise we'll keep it as engaging as a thrilling rollercoaster ride!

Fin the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/68.

Episode Covers:
- They Brain’s Secret Code
- Holly and Her Dynamic Crew
- Neuro-Hacks That Pack a Punch
- Transforming Family Dynamics, One Hack at a Time
- Ready to Unleash Your Inner Superhero? (Di it in 3 steps!)'

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.”

“Maria is amazing! Very well rounded insights.”

"Your podcast is awesome!"

If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

Also, if you haven’t done so yet, follow the podcast so you don’t miss a thing. Follow now!

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Hey there, fabulous stepparents! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Synergistic Stepparenting: Navigating Family Harmony with Heart and Science. I’m your host, Maria Natapov, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s close to the hearts of every blended family out there. Buckle up, because we’re talking about “Navigating Stepchild Relationships: From Bonding to Building Trust.

Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/67.

Topics Covered:

- The ingredients to create trust
- Brain-hug activities
- Table Talk Transformations
- Discover the Ninja move

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.”

If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

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Hey Stepparents,

It’s common knowledge that society creates roles you are expected to play, whether based on your gender, your job, or other stereotypes that put you in a box.  Today we’re speaking with Kristina Mand-Lakhiani about navigating your multi-faceted nature to embrace your whole self.

Kristina will be talking about her new book, expected to drop any minute, called “Becoming Flawesome,” where she shares the journey of her personal transformation on the path to happiness. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/66.

Topics Covered:
- Introduction to Kristina
- How much we are bombarded by expectations
- Social roles and stereotypes surrounding women
- How Kristina’s book came to be
- What it means to be happy with your life
- Action Items
- Links to Kristina (including how to get a free book chapter!)

Click to listen!

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.”

If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

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Hi Stepparents,

Despite rising tensions around the holidays and the buzz of annual family gatherings straining your already taxed energy, the familiarity and nostalgia of holiday traditions brings a certain warmth. 

However, if you’re estranged from a loved one or from a person who was once close to you, this time of year can amplify that pain. Today we’re discussing estrangement. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenitng.com/65.

Covered Topics:
- My Story of Estrangement
- Having Your Own Back
- Radical Acceptance
- Being with Uncomfortable Emotions
- Why Uncomfortable Feelings Are Difficult to Tolerate
- Showing Up Authentically
- Taking Responsibility
- Listening and Hearing
- Action Items

And if you continue to struggle, schedule and assessment call with me at synergisticstepparenting.com/work. During the call you’ll gain clarity about the root cause of the issue and identify the next best steps to move your towards the relationship you want.

Until next time, be well!

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.” If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

Also if you haven’t done so yet, follow the podcast so you don’t miss a thing. Follow now!

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Hey Stepparents,

Happy New Year! 

I’ve been out unexpectedly with a bad cold and some medical issues all of which prevented me from being able to produce the valuable content that I aim to provide you with week to week. 

So, I’ve taken the time to tend to my well-being and have some great episodes lined up for you with special guests sharing their insights and resources and addressing topics that don’t get enough attention. 

Today’s conversation is no exception with returning special guest, Carrie from Beating Disaster, back to discuss how to make and follow through on choices around safety. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/64. 

Covered Topics:
- Introducing Carrie
- Making safe choices related to an environment and different types of relationships
- The fastest way to make a shift
- The danger of assigning labels to people
- What to do before leaving a relationship or a situation
- The importance of being where you’re at
- Changing themes in your life

Subscribe to my email list! You'll be notified as soon as new episodes drop so you don’t miss a thing. When you subscribe you’ll get the guide to Resolve 5 Most Common Stepparenting Challenges in 5 Days. The guide has actionable tips related to what we’ve discussed in this episode.

Until next time, be well!

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.” If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

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Hi Stepparents,

The month of October is the of Domestic Violence Awareness and National Bullying Prevention.  

As you know, recently, I did a few episodes on raising awareness around domestic violence where I and a guest discussed specific examples of what domestic abuse can look like, how it feels and its common patterns. 

But I want to provide you guys with more tips around important considerations to get clear on for yourself as well as for your children as you teach them about safety in relationships. So, I’m thrilled to be joined by Carrie, a defense and violence prevention expert from Beating Disaster.

Find the show notes for this episode at synergiticstepparenting.com/63.

Covered Topics:
- Introducing Carrie
- Why talk to kids about relationship safety 
- How to talk to kids about relationship safety
- Common mental blocks in children’s books on safety
- The benefits to you of teaching kids about safety
- Action Items

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.” If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

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Hi Stepparents,

As the Thanksgiving holiday is sneaking up on us, I like to steel quiet moments of reflection on the year thus far. And I’ve noticed what I am overcome with most in these moments is the feeling of gratitude. 

Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/62.

Topics Covered: 
- Things I'm feeling grateful for this year
- Perspective of Gratitude
- The benefit in taking on a perspective of gratitude even in challenging situations
- My personal experience with taking the perspective of gratitude
- Action Items

Until next time, be well!

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.” If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

Also if you haven’t done so yet, follow the podcast so you don’t miss a thing. Follow now!

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Hey Stepparents,

I’m excited to bring to you highlights from my conversation where Allison Dagney interviewed me about the dynamics between a stepparent and a parent and how to navigate these differences to best support the kids. 

Allison is a covert abuse survivor, author of When Tears Leave Scars – her personal memoir – and a rapid reprogramming coach for others who have been through the painful experience of emotional abuse. 

In this episode we discuss seeing the stepparent as a source of support, the value of the stepparent’s perspective, being transparent with kids about flaws, and loyalty binds.  

Get comfy and settle in for this conversation where we share insights and anecdotes about how we’ve navigated this tricky balance in our blended families. It’ll be worth the listen.

Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparnting.com/61. 

Topics Covered:
- Introducing Allison K. Dagney
- Stepparents aren’t replacing the parents, they are additional support
- Set a positive intention from all angles
- The value and skill of taking in the stepparent’s perspective
- Why it’s critical to be transparent with kids about your flaws
- Children’s loyalty binds
- Don’t speak ill of your stepchild’s/child’s caregivers
- Don’t stifle children from being their authentic self 
- Action Items

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Tons of value in this episode, love and appreciate your authenticity in all of your content.” If you like the show, please consider rating and reviewing us. This gives us the ability to reach and help more stepparents – like you – move towards the life and relationships that they desire with their blended clan.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate us with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review” then be sure to let me know your favorite thing about the episode.

Also if you haven’t done so yet, follow the podcast so you don’t miss a thing. Follow now!