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Blended Family Breakthrough
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Bonding | Kid’s Perspectives | Marriage/Partnership | Parenting/Discipline | Co-Parenting
045. How to Cooperate More with Your Spouse’s Uncooperative Ex
As a stepmom, you might feel that you've been unfairly judged by your husband's Ex-wife and maybe you're tempted to lash out. But these emotionally charged dynamics are something to move beyond — not fight against. In this episode, we'll explore how to intentionally build more connection and cooperation with your spouse's Ex.
044. Why does my husband’s Ex think I’m the enemy?
It's hurtful and confusing when a stepparent is unfairly scrutinized and deemed unacceptable by the Ex in the other home. In this episode we'll explore the possible reasons WHY your spouse's Ex thinks you're the enemy…
043. How to Build More Consistency For Your Kids
In this episode we'll explore the BEST way to maintain stability for your kids and work towards consistency between homes — even if you and your Ex aren't on the same page.
042. Our Challenging Story of Parental Alienation — and 6 Tips for You
Discover what Parental Alienation is and if your family is at risk. Listen in on this episode as we share our personal struggle with Parental Alienation. And find out 6 tips to proactively protect your kids and maintain your parental rights.
041. Are you unintentionally putting your kids in the middle?
Discover the 2 common, unintentional mistakes we can make when we're talking about an Ex and struggling with our own difficult emotions. These mistakes can put your kids in a bind. But you can avoid them simply by understanding what they are.
040. Uncover the Unspoken Feelings of Kids in Blended Families [Special Resource: In Their Shoes]
The first step to loving kids well is understanding them well. True understanding is a game changer! That's what we're exploring in this episode — with the help of an awesome resource from author and speaker, Lauren Reitsema.
039. How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids
Find out 5 specific strategies that will help you build strong bonds and experience more connection with your step-kids — even when they seem resistant.
037. Why do kids struggle to accept their stepparent?
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.
036. How to Change Your “Stories” and Grow Connection [with Mark Warren]
"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.
035. Are you controlling conflict or is it controlling you?
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!
034. How to Avoid Mother’s Day Disappointment
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!).
033. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids
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.
032. How to Safeguard Your Kids From Negative Influences
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.
031. 3 Unexpected Ways to Improve How You Cope with Your Ex
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…
030. Should Stepparents WANT Authority With Their Stepkids?
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.
029. What is a Loyalty Bind and What Can You Do About It?
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.
028. What if What You Think is Defiance is Actually Something Else? [with Amanda Rueter]
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.
027. How to Set Clear Boundaries and Safeguard Relationships
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.
026. Are You Stuck in a “Competition” with Your Step-Kids?
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…
025. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids — Your Guide to Spring Break
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…