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)

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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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

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If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!

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 — instead, be smart and plan for success.

You'll Discover:

• Why solo time can trigger anxiety, fear, or dread for step-parents
• How the "Transfer of Power" can set the step-parent up for success - and the critical role of the bio-parent
• Steps to prepare beforehand: Anticipate tension, plan for fun, and discuss expectations
• How to manage yourself and the kids during solo time — without power struggles
• Simple strategies to stay calm and set kind, clear boundaries
• How to reflect as a couple and make improvements for next time

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids
• Episode 204. 4 Facets of Stepparenting: Defining Appropriate Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 158. An Effective Stepparenting Approach Focused on What Works - and What Doesn't
• Episode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and Hurt
• Episode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal]
• Episode 37. Why do kids struggle to accept their stepparent?
• Episode 39. How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids

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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

We would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Your review will help others find our podcast. :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review”. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!

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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Parenting in a blended family can be tough — especially when your ex has completely different rules and expectations.

Today, we're tackling a common source of frustration: navigating household differences. We'll uncover the four biggest myths that keep blended couples stuck and reveal the counteractive truths that bring clarity, confidence, and collaboration.

Plus, we’ll share our Four A’s strategy for communicating with your ex to build more consistency between homes.

You'll Discover:

• The four myths about parenting across different households—and what you can do to move beyond delusion, confusion, and frustration.
• How to establish healthy boundaries in your home without trying to control the other home.
• Why "Our home is our zone" should be your mantra.
• How to avoid fear-based parenting and hold firm to your values—even when they don't align with the other home.
• A simple four-step communication framework to foster better co-parenting collaboration and create more consistency for your kids.

Resources from this Episode:

• All Episodes on Parenting and Discipline
• All Episodes on Co-Parenting

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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!

Resources

Episode 135. How to Set Appropriate Boundaries and Negotiate Well with your Ex-Spouse

Episode 188. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress

Episode 153. How to Empower Organization, Improve Communication and Create Peace Between Your Kids Two Homes

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 67. The Best Co-Parenting Strategy That You Already Know

Episode 31. Unexpected Ways to Improve How You Cope with You Ex

Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids

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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!

Does it ever feel like you are miles apart as a couple when it comes to leading your blended family?

In this episode, we dive into the most common partnership pitfalls that couples face. From feeling unheard and untrusted to navigating misaligned parenting expectations, we unpack the challenges that often create disconnection, stress and conflict. We also share practical tools to shift from frustration to deeper connection, trust, and teamwork.

You'll Discover:

• How assumptions about each other's motives can fuel conflict
• The impact of feeling unheard or untrusted in a blended family dynamic
• Practical strategies to stay connected and solve problems together
• How to build resiliency and effective communication in your relationship

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 204. 4 Facets of Stepparenting: Defining Appropriate Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1)
• Episode 205. 4 Facets of Parenting: What Bio-Parents Need to Know to Achieve Best Outcomes (Part 2)
• Episode 154. What practical and emotional shifts can you expect as you blend your family?
• Episode 134. How to Make Good Decisions in Tough Situations and Stay Connected as a Couple
• Episode 59. Why are you stuck in a Parent-Child Allegiance?
• Episode 160. A 4-Part Framework for Achievable Expectations and How to Live Them Out
• Episode 167. Achievable Strategies to Make Your Marriage the Foundation of Your Blended Family
• Episode 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal]
• Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress
• Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids
• Episode 147. Do sensitive conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship?
• Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team
• Episode 79. 4 Conflict Communication Patterns That are Hurtful and Toxic to Your Relationship
• Episode 172. 2 Key Elements to Resolve Your Parenting Style Differences - And Get United
• Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (The Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger Dynamic)

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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

Resources

Episode 74. How to Develop Appropriate and Effective Consequences that Empower Responsibility

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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

We know firsthand that parenting in a blended family isn’t the same as parenting in a first family. A biological parent's role is crucial in helping kids adjust to change, supporting step-relationships, and keeping things running smoothly.

But here’s the challenge—many bio parents either hold too tightly to their old parenting patterns or step back too quickly and expect their spouse to fill in. Both can create major tension.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the four key facets of parenting and defining the roles and responsibilities of the bio-parent:

• Meeting practical needs while avoiding unnecessary friction
• Providing support while managing shifting priorities
• Teaching important life lessons - and overcoming parental blind spots
• Delivering discipline in a way that strengthens relationships rather than tearing them apart

If you’ve ever felt stuck between your kids and your spouse—or if you’ve struggled with guilt, fear, or parental paralysis—this episode is for you.

You'll Discover:

• The most common 'easy wrong turns' that bio parents make when trying to “blend” the family
• How to avoid creating unnecessary frustration, and resentment in your home
• Why bio parents need to lead in discipline—and how to set step relationships up for success
• How to provide boundaries and emotional support for your kids without letting guilt or fear take over
• Strategies for building an effective parenting partnership — even when you see things differently

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 204. 4 Facets of Parenting: Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1)
• Episode 163. How Intentionality Helped One Couple to Accomplish a Successful Blend [with Sean & Staci]
• Episode 81. How a Missing Bio-Parent Impacts Kids in the Delicate Blending Process (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 132. How do loss and grief impact blended family integration?
• Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them
• Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger Dynamic)
• Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
• Episode 49. Should your highest priority be your marriage - or your kids?
• Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids (Transfer of Power Strategy)
• Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman

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 home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession