211. 8 Warning Signs Your Ex is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and Mind
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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 preserving your connection.
Plus, we share the powerful strategy we call “the pebble in the shoe” and how it can shift distorted narratives over time and help your child embrace the truth.
If it seems like you're living under a black cloud, and you're feeling discouraged or defeated, there is hope. You’re not alone and your story isn't over.
You'll Discover:
How to identify subtle signs that your co-parent may be manipulating your child — and how you can respond effectively
Helpful ways to communicate with a hurt, angry, rejecting, distant child.
A powerful strategy (“the pebble in the shoe”) to gently counter misinformation without escalating conflict
The importance of remaining steady and staying connected even when your child is distancing themselves from you
Resources from this Episode:
Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love
Article by Dr. Bob Evans: 17 Primary Alienation Strategies
Episode 194. Powerful Tips for Effectively Connecting with Your Angry or Distant Child [ with Dr. Amy J.L. Baker]
Book by Amy J.L. Baker: Parenting Under Fire - How to Communicate with Your Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant Child
Episode 195. Connecting with Kim's HARD Child - Facing the Challenges of Parental Alienation
Episode 161. How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]
Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - And Hurt the Kids
Episode 113. How to Respond When Being Disregarded, Devalued, or Dismissed by Your Former Spouse
Episode 175. 8 Tips to Protect Kids From Stress and Tension When Moving Between Homes
Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids
Ready for personalized support? Schedule your free coaching call
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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
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With so many episodes available here on the show, it might feel a bit overwhelming to find the topics that matter most to you. That's why we've created the Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz, which will direct you to the most impactful episodes that pertain to you personally.
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