Over our 24 years of blending, we’ve discovered that every couple needs a clear strategy to get unstuck and move toward the family future they really want. In this conversation, we share a proven approach to aligning around your family's goals, creating a values-based parenting approach, and avoiding the common pitfalls that lead to chaos, resentment, and division. We know how confusing and lonely blended family life can feel at times—it's complicated! Even with millions of stepfamilies...
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Over our 24 years of blending, we’ve discovered that every couple needs a clear strategy to get unstuck and move toward the family future they really want. In this conversation, we share a proven approach to aligning around your family's goals, creating a values-based parenting approach, and avoiding the common pitfalls that lead to chaos, resentment, and division. We know how confusing and lonely blended family life can feel at times—it's complicated! Even with millions of stepfamilies...
If you’ve ever wondered why blending a family feels so hard—even when you're "doing everything right"—this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, we connect with EJ and Tarah Kerwin—professional therapists and co-founders of the Relationship Renovation Counseling Center—who open up about the very real and very raw struggles they faced when they merged their lives into one blended family. Despite all their training, nothing could have prepared them for the emotional rollercoaster o...
Resources Episode 36. How to Change Your "Stories" and Grow Connection [with Mark Warren] 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...
If you're feeling stuck in a blended family marriage that’s filled with constant conflict, emotional disconnection, or overwhelming stress, you're not alone—and you're not without hope. Wes and Jennie were right where you are. Ten kids, a new marriage, and the chaos of the pandemic had pushed them into survival mode. Their arguments were frequent and intense. Their connection was fading fast. And they had no idea how to move forward. But instead of giving up, they chose to reach out for...
Resources Episode 215. Does Your Relationship Feel Hopeless? Why Giving Up Might Not Be the Answer The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Episode 155. How to Easily Enjoy Meaningful Conversations and More Connection with Your Spouse [with Jennifer Zumbiel] 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/...
In this important episode, we’re talking to the spouse who feels stuck, discouraged, or even ready to throw in the towel. We get it. We’ve been there too. We’re diving into a powerful resource: Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away. We’ll unpack four painful myths that keep couples stuck and explore six powerful “realities” that can spark real change, starting with you. And yes, we’re sharing our own story of how we nearly gave up, what we did inste...
Resources Episode 214. Does Permissive Parenting Help or Hurt? Discover How to Know and Grow Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman Love and Logic Parenting Method - Love and Logic is a research-driven, whole-child philosophy founded in 1977. This authoritative approach is used by parents and leading educators worldwide. Episode 184. The Heart of Motherhood: Navigating Messy Moments with Empathy and Love Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to ...
In this episode, we're getting real about something that so many blended family parents struggle with: permissive parenting driven by guilt, fear, or insecurity. Kim opens up about her personal journey as a single mom, how her guilt and fear led her to parent from a place of pity, and how that impacted her daughter, Annika. We’re also diving into the difference between pity and empathy and how embracing authoritative parenting—rooted in love and limits—can shift everything for your fami...
Resource Episode 213. Discover How to Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce [with Lauren Reitsema] 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 w...
What a privilege to have Lauren Reitsema back on the show to dive deeper into how we can authentically bond and connect with kids who are navigating divorce and blended family dynamics. Lauren’s passion for relationship skills began in middle school after her parents' divorce, leading her to pursue Communication Studies at TCU. She’s the author of In Their Shoes, helping parents connect with children of divorce, and Relationship Essentials, which offers tools for healthy communication a...
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 h...
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most emotionally charged challenges for blended families: navigating co-parenting dynamics and negotiating with an ex-spouse. Whether things are civil or you’re experiencing high levels of tension, we share the three strategies that have changed everything for us and for the couples we coach — Clarity, Communication, and Consistency. We'll share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), including stories from our co-parenting journey. You’ll hear how Ki...
Resources Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love Episode 211. 8 Warning Signs Your Ex is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and Mind Episode 6. Are Your Kids Stuck in a 'Parental Allegiance' and What Can You Do About It? 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.blendedfam...
We know how heartbreaking it can be when your child starts pulling away from you. It can leave you wondering if your ex is negatively influencing them behind the scenes. We’ve lived it. In this deeply personal episode, we open up about the painful season we went through with Kim’s daughter, Annika. We talk through how to recognize the signs of manipulation, avoid common parenting missteps, and respond in ways that protect your child’s emotional well-being. All while preservi...
Resources Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love Episode 207. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules and How to Build Consistency 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 e...
This one hits close to home for us. In this episode, we’re opening up about a painful season in our parenting journey when Kim’s daughter began pulling away from our home and requesting to spend more time at her dad’s. We know how confusing, heartbreaking, and disorienting this can be, especially for blended families with limited time together. That’s why we’re sharing 3 essential tips that can help you manage yourself in a tough parenting moment, retain connection with your child...
Resources Episode 129. What does it take to build and maintain trust in your relationship? Episode 119. 6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your Marriage Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them Episode 206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Ensure a Successful Partnership Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About E...
If you've ever wrestled with second-guessing yourself, feeling stuck in past mistakes, or wondering if you can truly trust yourself again, you're not alone. In this episode, we open up about the very real struggles with self-doubt that we’ve faced personally and that we often see in the blended couples we coach. Together, we're exploring five powerful habits that can help you break free from the cycle of self-doubt and start building real, lasting confidence. We’ll share practical minds...
Additional Resources Episode 178. Suriving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [with Dr. Michael Bradley] Episode 124. How to Effectively Parent Through Each Stage of Development - and Reduce Painful Interactions (Part 1) 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.blendedfamilybreakthroug...
In this episode, we share a practical and powerful strategy to help step-parents confidently navigate solo time with their stepchildren. Whether you're a biological parent or a step-parent, this episode is for you! You'll discover how preparation, communication, and teamwork can transform tension into opportunities for connection. The key? A simple but often overlooked strategy called the Transfer of Power. You don't want to 'wing it' when flying solo with step-kids — instea...
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 h...
Over our 24 years of blending, we’ve discovered that every couple needs a clear strategy to get unstuck and move toward the family future they really want. In this conversation, we share a proven approach to aligning around your family's goals, creating a values-based parenting approach, and avoiding the common pitfalls that lead to chaos, resentment, and division. We know how confusing and lonely blended family life can feel at times—it's complicated! Even with millions of stepfamilies...
