Blended - Navigating The Blended Family Experience
79 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratings"Blended" is a look into my personal life and exists as a resource for people that are also navigating the blended family experience! Here you will find the support, information, and the encouragement that you need to maximize the potential of your family unit.
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Episodes
Have You Accepted Yourself?
April 10, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBDo you accept yourself? As you are? At this very moment? Most are either slow to answer the question or quick to pinpoint areas that require some serious maintenance. However, it's not just possible, but it is necessary that we are content even in the midst of our efforts to improve. Each of us will have the opportunity to take a step toward acceptance as we work to become best version of ourselves and everything that our family could ask for.
Do As I Say, Not As I Do! (Hypocritical Parenting) - w/Margo Wallace
March 27, 2024 12:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MBOur walk does not always match the talk... You don't have to be a monster for a bit of hypocricy to show up in your parenting. In fact, the more we reflect the love and character of Jesus, the more likely we'll be to recognize the inconsistencies in the way that we lead. Parenting with integrity may require a bit more from us on a daily basis, but what it does for our families is well worth the effort!
Coming Into Relationships Wounded
March 13, 2024 12:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBHave you ever come to the realization that you're carrying wounds from a previous relationship? Have you underestimated the impact that yesterday's wounds are having in this present moment? Welcome to the club! Our relationships, especially our love interests, can result in emotional, mental and spiritual scars. Simply moving on from hurt and suspecting that we're ready for another commitment is insufficient for healing at best, and extremely dangerous in the worst of situations. With time...
The Death Trap Of Being A People Pleaser
February 28, 2024 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBRealizing that you're a people pleaser is a tough revelation! What may have started as a healthy desire to provide support and satisfaction for others, can become an inability to hold back our precious time, attention and resources. When the gift of kindness has become corrupt, we can become the type of people that consider ourselves valuable based on what someone else has to say. Freedom is on the other side of those that break the cycle of pleasing others to our detriment and that of our f...
How To Handle Being Disliked
February 14, 2024 13:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBWe can be "well meaning" in our efforts and genuine about our intent to love and support everyone that we encounter. Regardless, we will likely find ourselves on the receiving end of disapproval from others at some point. If we're being honest, this typically isn't a comfortable position to be in. In fact, this experience can be crushing. Especially if this sense of rejection is happening in our own homes. Nonetheless, continuing to build a foundation for our family, and establishing a level...
Being A Step-Parent - The Problem w/NACHO Parenting (REPLAY)
January 24, 2024 13:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBI felt the need to reshare last years most popular episode! I heard from a number of stepparents how difficult it was for them to practice the NACHO parenting style. These individuals had a difficult time embracing the the idea of "not my kid, not my problem." The issue of adopting this approach to parenting is the reality that you cannot be commited and faithful within your unique role, while also believing that the challenges within your home require you to be less than your best. Whether ...
How To Save Your Marriage - w/Claire Jorgensen
January 10, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBHow do I get my marriage back on track? Is a loving and fruitful relationship even realistic? It seems people are asking these type of questions more than ever! Claire Jorgensen is convinced that "all marriages can be saved," and she follows through with this belief within her practice. As a coach, Claire supports women, men, and couples find hope and restoration in the most important areas of life. Having experienced transformation in her own life and marriage, she serves from a place of co...
Are You And Your Spouse On The Same Page? - w/Margo Wallace
December 27, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBThe connection with your spouse is what keeps the relationship alive and fruitful! Our ability to endure the give and take that comes with family also depends on our efforts to remain on the same page. During this episode Margo and I discuss how we practice the life saving tool of checking in with one another. We also got to do some celebrating because what comes natural now, seemed impossible not too long ago! If you want to hear how an imperfect couple has stumbled through this process of ...
Qualities of A Step-Parent - Expert Communicator
December 14, 2023 18:30 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBIn all realtionships, whether they are thriving or on the verge of falling apart, communication is one of the major factors. Both the quantity and the quality of our words will either serve the purpose of strengthening and affirming our relationships, or they will be a source of pain and discouragement. There's hardly a middle ground when it comes to the impact of our speech. So which will you choose?? Magic Mind is offering 56% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code 'BLEND...
What Our Kids Need - Peace During The Holidays (REPLAY)
December 06, 2023 19:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBIt's the perfect time to bring this episode back! Holidays are truly a blessing and serve as a great opportunity for gratitude and connection. While there is no doubt that this can be achieved within the blended family, we can acknowledge that there are some hurdles (or landmines) that seem to interfere with the goal. As we figure out the best way to navigate the holidays with peace in tact, considering the experience of the kid(s) is crucial! Reality is that there may be some things that th...
Qualities Of A Step-Parent - The Will To Fight
November 22, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBIt's likely not possible to be a great step-parent without being a fighter! The ability to pick battles, fight fair, endure, and get back up after getting knocked down, are just a few ways that this quality shows up. A few of our greatest bouts will be against: Ourselves and the lies that we often enertain The threats against the order that we're establishing within our homes A corrupt and perverse culture that stands against our kids and our marriages While the way that we fight m...
Coming To A Crossroads
November 08, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBI've gotten so much revelation over the last couple of months. One of my conclusions - I've been playing the fence! My desire to see individuals and families transformed pales in comparison to Gods desire for the family unit. What could be better than knowing that we can go to the source Himself?! Families are in need of truth, and I look forward to helping them find it!
Qualities Of A Step-Parent - Emotionally Stable
October 25, 2023 04:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBEmotional stability is an underrated commodity. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." We aren't as familiar with the necessity of literal walls today, but they once meant the difference between a safe and functional civilization, and one that is left vulnerable to attack and disorder. The consequence of emotional instability can be compared to a city without walls! Growing in this area with intention should be the objectiv...
Qualities Of A Step-Parent - Quick To Forgive
October 11, 2023 07:05 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBBeing quick to forgive is much more about strength than it is about being passive! This is one of the more impactful qualities that a Step-parent can bring into their family dynamic, and continue to develop. Among the things that forgiveness provides are: Freedom of Expression Relationship Security An Example and Display of Health & Grace Productive Conflict Resolution Attractiveness Influence Who doesn’t want this for their family?! Step-parents are essential for achieving ...
Are Blended Families Really That Hard?
September 27, 2023 21:10 - 27 minutes - 38 MBAre blended families really THAT hard? Most of us understand that any and every family comes with their challenges. However, there is a level of struggle that seems unreasonable. Or maybe 'the trial' has lasted so long that you wonder whether this is to be expected, or is your situation out of the norm. Reality is that there are greater threats to our marriages and families that tend to be overlooked. As a result we place emphasis on symptoms of what's actually happening below the surface. L...
Understanding Betrayal Trauma - w/Kristi Mears
September 13, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBAs an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Kristi Mears specializes in serving clients that have experienced trauma in relation to betrayal. Kristi has found that this issue in particular is pervasive in nature. This is in part due to the reality that intimacy within our relationships creates vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, our most important relationsips are best served as we give of ourselves fully, opposed to our decisions and actions being shaped by fear. Kristi shares with us her expert...
Stuck Without Commitment - "What Are We?"
August 30, 2023 05:45 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBIt has probably never been so difficult for two people to get on the same page! The confusion around relationships and how they should be done seems to be growing by the day. This is no way to build a foundation for the future. In order to avoid the moment where we're trying to define our relationship, we have to put forth a counter-cultural effort of intention and living with clear direction.
"I'm Pregnant" - w/Margo Wallace
August 09, 2023 03:36 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBSuch a powerful conversation! Margo was entirely unprepared for the moment when she realized that she was pregnant. The fact that there was zero stability in her relationship only made things more complicated. Unfortunately, her experience is not as irregular as one would think. Margo was aware of the reality that she'd likely have to raise a child on her own. During the episode she also relays her experience as she briefly wrestled with the idea of abortion; a thought that Margo never i...
Is Your Child Lacking w/Kathy Tempco
July 26, 2023 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBA child can hardly help but to be a reflection of their environment. Behavior, attention spans, demeanor, mannerisms and so many other indicators point to whether their needs are being met, or whether they're lacking in some way. Kathy Tempco has been working closely with young learners for almost 20 years. During this episode she speaks on her experiences of serving kids that have an ideal environment, as well as those that suffered from extreme lack. Regardless of where a child lands on th...
Stuck Without Commitment - The Savior Complex
July 12, 2023 03:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBWhen does the desire to help end, and the attempt to be someones savior begin? This can be such a tough line to identify. Lending a hand or providing support shouldn't result in the sacrifice of our well-being. Nor do we want to rob people of the opportunity to develop and build character during what may be a trying time. Operating with both grace and tact is no easy task!
How To Plan For College w/Brad Baldridge
June 28, 2023 03:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBGetting our kids to college can be difficult. The blended family dynamic tends to present additional challenges. Brad Baldridge has worked with thousands of families as a college funding specialist, so he knows what it takes for our kids to pursue a higher eduation! Whether you need information about saving for college, financial aid, student loans how to make sense out of it all, then Brad is here to help! Check out some of his resources below. Website: Baldridge College Solutions - Str...
Are You Still A Victim?
May 25, 2023 01:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBOur challenges don't determine whether we become victims; ultimately, we do. That may be hard for many to wrap their heads around considering the frequency of the offense and how deeply they've been impacted. Nonetheless, we have the ability to accept that those moments have had a residual impact and we can choose to let go, forgive, overcome, and be free!
How To Develop Thick Skin
May 10, 2023 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBThick skin is a virtue for those of us navigating the blend! Without it, handling the challenges that we experience on a regular basis ends up feeling like we've gone into battle without the armor necessary to soften the blows. In other words, we need to develop some callous (the good kind)! Listen in on how you can develop some thicker skin while avoiding the familiar pitfall of becoming hardened.
Stuck Without Commitment - Sex (w/Margo Wallace)
April 26, 2023 05:33 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBYes, the topic of sex is being addressed more openly these days. However, I question whether the content around this conversation is really serving those that aspire to do relationship the right way. Margo and I have experienced both great success and deep failure in this area. All of which has given us a better understanding and a more fulfilling level of intimacy in our relationship. Take a listen!
Answers To Some Blended Family Questions (Pt. 2)
April 12, 2023 03:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBRegardless of what stage we find ourselves, we tend to face some really unique scenarios within the blended famliy. Listen in as I read some of those scenarios and share my two cents (or three), on a few of these blended situations!
Being A Step-Parent - How To Avoid Becoming A NACHO Parent
March 28, 2023 22:40 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MBAvoiding the perspective and approach of the a NACHO parent is a proactive effort! This effort is reflected in the way that we both prepare and remain at attention during crucial stages of our relationships. Here are four things that we can do to almost guarantee a successful outcome and escaping the ‘NACHO’ mindset: 1. Do Your Homework Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blended-navigating-the-blended-family-experience/id1529370964?i=1000498130377 Spotify - http...
Being A Step-Parent - The Problem w/NACHO Parenting
February 08, 2023 20:10 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBStep-parents face unique challenges. Many of which can be difficult to prepare for and the need for resilience is without question. Nonetheless, the 'NACHO' approach isn't the way to go! It's impossible to apply the phrase "not my kid, not my problem," and fulfill our commitment to the best of our ability. Whether step or biological, as parents we function within certain limits. Regardless of the extent of our bounds, our job is to love, instruct, and shape our kids for their sake, not our o...
Being A Step-parent - The Problem w/NACHO Parenting
February 08, 2023 20:10 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBStep-parents face unique challenges. Many of which can be difficult to prepare for and the need for resilience is without question. Nonetheless, the 'NACHO' approach isn't the way to go! It's impossible to apply the phrase "not my kid, not my problem," and fulfill our commitment to the best of our ability. Whether step or biological, as parents we function within certain limits. Regardless of the extent of our bounds, our job is to love, instruct, and shape our kids for their sake, not our o...
Being A Step-Parent - Is Your Stepchild Two-faced?
January 11, 2023 04:32 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBIs your stepchild two different people? Are they one person in your home and someone entirely different elsewhere? Have you become the home that is resented opposed to being the one that is preferred? All of the above are questions that we may entertain and desperately want to answer. But are the questions fair? Kids that go from one home to another, regarless how frequently that may happen, deal with much. Whether they want to be different people, or feel as if they have to in order to keep...
The Mission Is Being Fulfilled! (Thank You)
December 21, 2022 08:45 - 9 minutes - 6.6 MBMuch has been accomplished this year! None of which would be possible without the collective support of those that have listened and engaged throughout 2022. There's plenty of momentum as we move into the new year and we can't wait to see what's in store!
Being A Step-Parent - Picking Your Battles w/Brett Kanda
December 07, 2022 06:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBAmong the many wonderful outcomes of being a step-parent, one of my favorites is the ability to pick your battles! However, this is a skill-set that we tend to stumble upon with a lot of time and much effort. Brett Kanda is no stranger to this process. In this episode he touches on the strain of being a leader and authority figure in his family, while also having to lay down his pride and a sense of control that tends to come natural to any of us. Check out this powerful conversation!
Being A Step-Parent - When The Kid(s) Return From The Other Home
November 23, 2022 03:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBThe stop-and-go of a child leaving the home and returning can be taxing for everybody. If relationships are strengthening, their departure can be deflating. If we look forward to them leaving, then we probably won't receive them well when they get back. Not to mention the tax on the child as they go from one space to another. Reminding ourselves to function within our roles and the outcomes we want to see in our family will help us to navigate this the right way!
Being A Step-Parent - Finding Your Voice
November 09, 2022 06:48 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBThere is hardly a more defeating or frustrating experience as a step-parent than to lack influence. Expressing an opinion or exercising authority within our families can be suprisingly difficult as everyone is adjusting. However, finding your voice as a step-parent is a must! This process often times feels like a balancing act where we're treading lightly, but not walking on eggshells ~ being flexible, but assertive ~ disagreeing at times, but not being disrespectful. Time, practice and team...
Being A Step-Parent - What Is A Step-Parent?
October 26, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBA step-parent is an individual, a partner, a parent and a resource for restoration! Unfortunately, when these traits are lost among those that function within the role, we're left with fewer tools and an optimism that takes more effort to rev up than it used to. If we can define this incredible title of Step-parent, and accept it fully, I believe excitement, connection and hope will stay within arms reach! If you'd like to connect for a free 30minute video call then please check out my a...
Blended Update!
October 19, 2022 03:00 - 6 minutes - 4.75 MBThis year has had its challenges! After stepping back for a bit I look forward to what's ahead for the listeners of Blended and those that will soon be part of the community! Back to posting podcast episodes on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month and blogs will be available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month via our navigatingtheblend.com page. Stay tuned!
The Power of Hindsight - w/Tyler Jones
August 24, 2022 16:50 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBTyler Jones is a product of the blended family! While Tyler may be a man of character, faith and well accomplished professionally, he has not forgotten the moments that shaped him. The opportunity to exercise hindsight concerning his experiences is a blessing for parents so that they're reminded of the value that they possess. Tyler also reminds those that grew up in the blended family that they weren't alone, and that despite the challenges, we can identify our values and pursue better for ...
Creating Culture In The Home - Protect Your Territory (Part 2)
August 10, 2022 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThose of us within the family unit can foster health and connection, or we can achieve the opposite. Sometimes we have to protect our family from ourselves! As parents learn to assume ownership and kids are continually supported, in spite of the challenges they present, we can cultivate something amazing in our homes. We should protect our loved ones from 'outsiders', but it's the 'insiders' that really need our attention! If you'd like to connect for coaching or support, then please use t...
One Year Down, Many to Go! - w/Carolyn O'Hare
July 27, 2022 02:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBCarolyn is a prime example of a new wife and step-mother making it work! She's been in those roles for just over a year, so she's in the midst of learning on the fly as well as executing the plans that they have for their family. While no blend is perfect, her early success in family may be attributed in part to her investment to health! As the COO (chief operating officer) and co-founder of Tiny Organics (tinyorganics.com), Carolyn is providing ready-to-eat meals for babies and toddlers. Li...
Creating Culture In The Home - Protect Your Territory (Part 1)
July 13, 2022 02:30 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBOur families are threatened by 'Outsiders.' That's anybody outside of our immediate family unit. We may care for and appreciate these individuals, however, our family must remain the priority. Listen in so you can use some of the criteria that determine whether we can allow someone to be intimately involved in our family, or if we may need to create some distance so that we're not compromised. It's not an easy discussion, but it's necessary! If you'd like to connect for coaching or suppor...
8 Years, 8 Questions! - w/Margo Wallace
June 09, 2022 12:57 - 49 minutes - 34 MBWe're celebrating our Anniversary with you, the blender fam! You guys sent in some questions and we chose to touch on eight of them for each year that we've been married. Some good stuff in this one!
Creating Culture In The Home - Humble Authority
May 26, 2022 15:45 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBHumility and authority work closely together for the sake of strengthening relationships and providing the means to function effectively in all that we do. When they are in full operation within our homes, health and prosperity are commonplace. This is no bluff! Humble authority is a treasure worth seeking and the jackpot is undeniable once you get your hands on it!
Answers To Some Blended Family Questions!
May 11, 2022 18:30 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBListen in as I open up a Blended Family Support facebook page and share my two cents on some of the posts! Whether my advice was effective or not, it was a little too much fun!
Her Perspective - w/Melissa Miller
April 27, 2022 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBMelissa Miller has an enriched perspective in part due to her roles as a wife, a mother to biological children, and those that they've adopted! During the episode she spoke into the importance of preparation before making decisions, working together within a marriage, and how not to lose yourself in the midst the list of life's demands. Whether you want to understand your partner, or you're trying to understand where you stand as of now and how to move forward with your faith, sanity and ...
No More Secrets
April 13, 2022 02:40 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBInformation withheld can be detrimental on both a personal level, as well as within our relationships. If what we bring to the light allows for us to live freely, then what are the consequences of what we keep in secret? If we want whats best for the sake of our families, then we also want transparency and the freedom tha tcomes with.
Creating Culture In The Home - The 'Family Huddle'
March 23, 2022 04:50 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBCreating culture in our homes can be done with or without intention. The former is in our best interest! The family huddle is a tool that we exercise in this home that allows for us to achieve security, expectations, and hope! I strongly belive that this is something that we can benefit from in each of our homes.
His Perspective
February 09, 2022 19:22 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBEven as men, we tend to misunderstand the male perspective! We can pursue things such as the woman of our dreams, a family, and career, with great intention. All-the-while lacking the ability to communicate what we need from our loved ones along the way. Understanding his perspective is vital for himself and the health of the family unit!
"Did I Make The Right Decision?"
January 26, 2022 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBA whole and healthy family absent of resistance is a dream we often aspire toward. Reality may consist of coming to a point of asking ourselves whether we made the right decision to pursue this relationship. It's okay. Most people come to this crossroad! You can be dilegent in your efforts to answer that question and arrive at the best outcome for yourself, and everyone else involved.
How To Lose Authority As A Parent - w/Margo Wallace
January 12, 2022 02:30 - 46 minutes - 32 MBAs parents, our authority isn't just something we use to correct our kids and enforce peace within our homes. Our authority is also vital for the sake of providing protection, security, and an example of what they can aspire toward among so many other things. Yet, we often make the mistake of compromising our authority without even knowing it. Listen in on a great conversation between the parents of the Wallace household!
Redefining Adversity w/Michcell England
December 29, 2021 03:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBNone of us are exempt from difficulties. However, the way that we interpret those difficulties will leave us either stagnant, or stronger once our trial has passed. Michcell is a perfect example of an individual that wouldn't settle for the hand that she was dealt. Instead, she learned to redefine the very experiences that tried to rob her of the joy and fulfillment that she now has!
What Our Kids Need - Peace During The Holidays
December 15, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBThe average person associates family, fun and food when it comes to holidays. However, these moments can be full of strife for blended families for countless reasons. However, even in the face of those challenges, our priority should be to create peace and fulfillment for our kids during times of celebration.