Hey Moms and Stepmoms! As this episode drops, I'm betting that Mother's Day is on your radar.

If you're anything like me (Kim), you're looking forward to being celebrated. But as wonderful as it is to be appreciated on Mother's Day, it might just feel like a drop in the bucket…

…because being celebrated and appreciated on this one day of the year, might not help you get through all the other difficult days of your motherhood journey. Those days when you feel unappreciated, disappointed, insignificant, unloved, dismissed, or like you're failing.

I've been there!

In this episode, I'm going to get real about the challenges of motherhood and share some ways I've learned to navigate the difficult days and still show up well — even when my kids have said and done things that break my heart!

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 90. How to Experience a Happy Mother's Day by Minimizing Tension and Disappointment (recommended for husbands too)
• Episode 133. 3 Tips to Help You Experience Joy on Special Occasions - Including Mother's Day
• Mother's Day Poem by Jess Urlichs
• Episode 157. 3 Seasoned Stepmoms Share How They've Survived and Thrived in Their Blended Family Journey
• Episode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and Hurt
• Episode 14. 3 Helpful Steps to Overcome Your "Perfectionistic" Ideals and Disappointments
• Episode 114. Beware of Common Comparison Traps that Create Disconnection and Negativity
• Episode 142. Why Kids Don't Need You to be Perfect - Just Present (Part 1 of 3)

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,

Are you ready to join us on May 16th for an interactive workshop on Zoom? Click this link to join the Blending Together Community and we'll see you there: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Ready to join the Blending Together Community? Just click this link to get started:
https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

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 have a bit of a double life going?

You have those moments when it's just you and your partner and it feels like all is right with the world…

…but suddenly, when one or both sets of kids enter the scene — everything seems to fall apart!

That's because when it comes to blended families, "coupleness" does NOT necessarily equal "familyness".

This is often a tough reality to accept. You're deeply in love and excited about building a life together, but it seems that you've got some emotional and relational whiplash as it feels like you're tossed back and forth between two dynamics over and over.

If that strikes a chord, you might want to consider the difference between "coupleness" and "familyness".. Otherwise disappointment and confusion can quickly set in.

Blending a family is so much more than your couple relationship. That's why it's important to carefully consider what it takes to build "familyness" and prepare for the road ahead.

In this episode, we'll explore how to intentionally approach "Familyness" so that you can reduce relational tension and create genuine connection in your home.

You'll Discover:

• How to avoid the 'easy wrong turns' couples tend to make around building "familyness"
• Empowering insights and practical strategies to successfully build "familyness"

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 39. How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids
• Episode 130. How to Build Trust that Nurtures Bonds with Your Kids and Stepkids
• Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension
• Episode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy Bonded Relationships (How to "Cook" a Stepfamily)
• All Episodes that Focus on:
• Bonding
• Parenting/Stepparenting
• Books by Ron Deal:
• The Smart Stepfamily
• Preparing to Blend
• Building Love Together in Blended Families

Ready for some extra support?

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:

When you and your partner hit a leadership bump in the road and you're struggling to stay connected and communicate effectively, pause and honestly ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Am I really listening to my partner and affirming their perspective…or am I quick to disagree?
2. Am I curious about what my partner might be experiencing…or have I become critical?
3. What am I experiencing emotionally and how might I openly express and manage my own emotions well?

For additional insight and next steps on this topic, check out these episodes:

Episode 147. Do Sensitive Conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship?Episode 134. How to Make Good Decisions in Tough Situations and Stay Connect as a Couple
Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them
Episode 105. What powerful traits do you need to successfully blend and stay united?Episode 79. 4 Conflict Communication Patterns That are Hurtful and Toxic to Your Relationship
Episode 63. 5 Strategies to Help You Get United - Even When You Disagree
Episode 50. How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want
Episode 35. Are you controlling conflict or is it controlling you?

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!

Are you ready to join us on May 16th for an interactive workshop on Zoom? Click this link to join the Blending Together Community and we'll see you there: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

I (Mike) take leadership very seriously.

One of my desires, even in our current empty nest years is to be the kind of family leader that my children and stepchild want to connect with and listen to.

But often I feel overwhelmed or frustrated as I lead my blended family. All the complexities can lead to confusion that robs me of the confidence and connection I'm trying to build.

Guys — have you ever felt that way?

You certainly aren't alone. And you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.

In this episode, we're reconnecting with Mike Haney who will offer his insightful perspectives on how to intentionally lead your blended family.

Mike has been courageously leading his blended family for over 20 years and this discussion will help you to gain hope through a deeper understanding of your role so that you can experience fulfillment in your marriage and in blended family life.

Don't let the complexities of blending keep you from courageously leading your family. You can be intentional and effective with the right attitude and understanding. Then you can experience the confidence, connection (and peace) you're looking for!

You'll Discover:

• Why it's critical to gain information and understanding of the complexities of leading a blended family
• How to manage your anger and frustration when faced with challenges
• The 5 Stages of relationships and positive ways to cherish and connect with your wife as you move through them
• How to break free from unproductive patterns

Resources from this Episode:

• To connect with Mike Haney go to: Courageous Coaching for Men

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!

Resource
Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-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 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!

Are you ready to join us on May 16th for an interactive workshop on Zoom? Click this link to join the Blending Together Community and we'll see you there: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Stepdads need courage!

Navigating all the complexities, confusion, and common frustrations is not for the faint-hearted.

But it's not just courage stepdad's need, they also need community. Sure, lots of guys operate as if they can fix the challenges, untangle the complexities, and "be the hero" on their own — but most experience relief and reassurance when they discover they're not alone!

Our special guest, Mike Haney is on a mission to encourage stepdads and share what he's learned through almost 23 years of blending!

In this episode, I (Kim) will be interviewing two stepdads — my Mike and Mike Haney. Both of these men are experienced stepdads who've acquired loads of wisdom over more than two decades. They've learned from their mistakes and discovered some key elements every man needs to become the stepdad they really want to be!

If you're a stepdad (or you're married to one), you don't want to miss this insightful (and humorous) conversation.

You'll Discover:

• Solid tips and valuable insight for Stepdads (and moms too)
• The unique role Stepdads play and the best approach to parenting
• The importance of building a partnership with your wife
• Helpful attitudes around how to relate with your wife's Ex-husband

Resources from this Episode:

• To connect with Mike Haney go to: Courageous Coaching for Men

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

Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/DSz44d52?typeform-source=www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com

Book: Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal

Book: Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal and Gary Chapman

CLICK HERE to join the waitlist for upcoming membership to our Blending Together community

Smart Stepfamily Therapy Providers: https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-providers

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

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

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!

Are you ready to join us on May 16th for an interactive workshop on Zoom? Click this link to join the Blending Together Community and we'll see you there: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether