Sometimes it feels like no matter how much you try to connect with your step-child, they keep putting up impenetrable walls between you.

But, when you can understand why kids put up walls in the first place, you'll be ready to approach them from a new place of empathy - which will create new opportunities for real change in your relationship.

In this episode, we'll explore five common reasons why kids struggle to accept a stepparent and we'll discover - from a kid's viewpoint - why resisting often seems like the safest way to cope.

"Your emotions follow your stories." If you want to experience more connection and just have more fun in your family, then you've got to "write a new story".

Check out this week's episode to discover how you can re-write your stories so you can feel better — even when you're dealing with stress and conflict.

Don't let conflict steal your connection. Find out how you can actually handle conflict in a way that leads you to more connection and intimacy in your marriage — and in your blended family!

Special occasions are sometimes tough for blended families — Mother's Day is no exception. Disappointment, frustration and resentment are all things I've experienced on Mother's Day and chances are you have too. But it doesn't have to be that way. Find out how to experience something different this year in this episode (and don't miss the tips for husbands too!).

There's an old saying that when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers most. This holds true when two Ex's are at war — it's the kids who suffer most. But how can you protect your kids from conflict when you're dealing with a difficult Ex? It certainly isn't easy, but it is possible. In this episode, you'll discover how I learned to contain conflict, hold my ground and stabilize my emotions while coping with my difficult Ex.

Sooner or later many of us worry about unhealthy lifestyle choices, irresponsibility or a lack of moral standards in our Ex's home. But the reality is, we can't control what's going on over there and it's hard to know just how to teach the kids better values. This week we'll equip you with a strategy to guide your kids in the right direction — and in the right way.

Most of us cringe a little inside when our kids talk about the "other home" — especially when they share stories about your Ex's partner. This week we're having a candid conversation about healthy approaches when working with the other home…

Authority can be difficult to figure out in blended families. There's a lot of conflicting advice out there and in this episode we're just having an honest conversation about it. Check it out.

Kids in blended families often get stuck in Loyalty Binds. That can lead them to "reject" their stepparent. In this episode, find out exactly what a Loyalty Bind is and what you can do about it.

In this special guest episode, we get to chat with parenting coach, Amanda Rueter to discover the truth about "defiance" in our kids and step-kids. You'll find out what counterwill is and why it's important.

Clear and healthy boundaries allow for stronger bonds and more satisfying relationships. Check out this episode to find out the best way to set these boundaries in your blended family.

Discover how you can sidestep the competition with your step-child and build more confidence in your partnership with your spouse. You can do both by focusing on just 2 primary things…

Ever dread alone time with your step-kids? You know, those times when your spouse is leaving for the day (or even longer) and it’s ALL up to you? If you can relate, then this episode is for you. The strategies in this episode will help you head into those alone times with confidence…

In this episode, we’re talking about how to get unstuck when you’re feeling Trapped between your spouse and your kids. We call that being a Trapped Teammate and just about every parent in a blended family experiences this to some level. We’re sharing a couple of mindset shifts, some “stories” to avoid, and even a simple 5-step process to help relieve the pressure of feeling trapped.

I (Mike) often felt stuck on the outside as a step-parent. Kim and Annika had their little inside routines and jokes that I couldn’t seem to connect with. What I really wanted was to instantly feel included…but blended family life just doesn’t work that way. When I was feeling like a Stranded Stranger, what I was really wanting was for our family to “blend”. But one stepfamily expert says that “compartmentalizing” is a better approach…

If you want to show up better in the moments when one or both of you is feeling Trapped or Stranded — then you’ve got to start from a place of already being connected, rather than trying to “connect” in the moment of stress…

Step Parents, have you ever felt left out? Has it ever felt like there's a big relational chasm that you just can't seem to cross — like you're Stranded?

Bio-Parents, have you ever felt stuck between your spouse and your kids? Do you feel pulled back and forth trying to please both, but not seeming to please anyone — like you're Trapped?

Sooner or later, every step-couple experiences these feelings of being Trapped or Stranded. For some, the feelings are paralyzing and for others, they're just annoying…

Have you ever felt fearful or frustrated about your kids pushing back when you hold to the boundaries you think are the best for them? Ever felt pressure from the kids about the things they get to do over at your Ex's house, but not in yours? Ever felt hopeless because you just don't have enough time with your kids and worried that you won't have the impact you really want? You might be stuck believing one of 4 Big Myths. Check out this week's episode where we'll bust the myths and reveal the truth…

Got some "step-sibling rivalry" going on in your home? Then you don't want to miss this podcast episode. You can't force step-siblings to love (or even like) each other. But you can create an atmosphere in your home that opens up more opportunity for all the kids to connect. Find out how…

How do you help your kids navigate all the transitions and changes of blended family life? Kids in blended families most often feel powerless and helpless. You probably support them, but if you're like most of us you might not know exactly how. In this week's podcast episode, you're going to discover specific steps that will help you connect with your kids and support them through big change…