222. Step-by-Step Guide: Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things Worse (Part 1)
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We know that pushback moments can sting. Eye rolls, refusals, accusations, or shutting down are all things kids in blended families can tend to do. It’s easy for parents and stepparents to appease, minimize, deflect, control, try to 'fix-it' or simply avoid pushback (we’ve done it too).
In this two-part series, we act as your guides and name the real struggle beneath kids' hurtful behavior: loss, grief, and fear that come with blending. Then we introduce a clear plan: Emotion Coaching.
You’ll hear real-life scenarios, why common reactions backfire, and what to do instead to help your child feel seen and supported. The win? A calmer home, stronger bonds, and practical steps forward.
The risk of doing nothing? Escalating conflict, shutdown, resentment, and power struggles. If you’re ready to respond to your child's pushback with calm, clarity, and care, this conversation is for you.
You'll Discover:
The four common Pushback Predicaments: competing for love, accusations/threats, oppositional attitude, and loss & grief. And what’s really going on underneath.
Why appeasing, minimizing, deflecting, defending, controlling, or avoiding often makes things worse, and what kids hear when we react in those ways.
How Emotion Coaching helps kids identify and name big feelings, regulate their emotions, and become receptive to changing their behavior. Plus, the blended-family benefits (safety, trust, and respect).
A simple reflection challenge to build awareness around your typical reaction patterns and your child’s reactions to your reactions, so that you can choose a better way to respond next time.
Resources from this Episode:
Episode 154. What practical and emotional shifts can you expect as you blend your family?
Episode 213. Discover How to Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce [with Lauren Reitsema]
Episode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and Hurt
Episode 37. Why do kids struggle to accept their stepparent?
Episode 039. How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids
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
Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start?
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.
Join our community
You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether
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