Synergistic Stepparenting Podcast
145 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsMaria Natapov has been a stepparent for 10+ years. When she and her partner learned of the abuse and neglect inflicted by the biological mother, Maria studied and took the lead to install the right supports and prevent her stepdaughter from further harm. Her passion is helping other stepparents transform their challenging responsibilities into opportunities for the whole family to thrive. In Synergistic Stepparenting podcast, Maria talks frankly about actionable steps to transform family chaos into meaningful and harmonious co-parenting. Reminding stepparents that they are not alone. Learn more about Maria Natapov. https://synergisticstepparenting.com/meet-maria/
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Episodes
Dealing With A Difficult Bio-Parent
January 27, 2022 05:00 - 5 minutes - 3.94 MBHello Stepparents! It can be challenging to stand by while someone is saying things that are blatantly negative about you. Or things that can be perceived as such. It’s particularly painful when you learn of someone saying something negative about you to your stepchild. Especially when the child is little. Since little kids are more impressionable than older children who can discern more of the truth for themselves. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/22. ...
#22: Dealing With A Difficult Bio-Parent
January 27, 2022 05:00 - 5 minutes - 3.94 MBHello Stepparents! It can be challenging to stand by while someone is saying things that are blatantly negative about you. Or things that can be perceived as such. It’s particularly painful when you learn of someone saying something negative about you to your stepchild. Especially when the child is little. Since little kids are more impressionable than older children who can discern more of the truth for themselves. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/22. ...
#21: Stepparent's Crippling Dirty Little Secret
January 20, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 4.74 MBHey stepparents! I need to level with you ... Topics Covered: - Today we’re delving into exploring how perfectionism gets in the way. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/21. - Stepparenting Support And Connection Create Courage - Testimonial from Pamela that reads: "I have listened to all the episodes thus far. Well done! Quite honestly, I think most people can relate well to the content without being a step-parent. It's very relevant! Great job! Thank y...
Stepparent's Crippling Dirty Little Secret
January 20, 2022 06:00 - 6 minutes - 4.74 MBHey stepparents! I need to level with you ... Topics Covered: - Today we’re delving into exploring how perfectionism gets in the way. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/21. - Stepparenting Support And Connection Create Courage - Testimonial from Pamela that reads: "I have listened to all the episodes thus far. Well done! Quite honestly, I think most people can relate well to the content without being a step-parent. It's very relevant! Great job! Thank y...
Hidden Pattern Preventing Stepparenting Connections
January 15, 2022 01:00 - 8 minutes - 5.79 MBHello stepparents! As I reflect on the past year and consider my goals, I can’t help noticing how much I rely on tech day-to-day. It’s obvious that we live in a digital world that seems to be getting more digital and automated by the second. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the advancements and feel so grateful to live in this moment-in-time and its unlimited access to information at my fingertips. But I find myself burning out faster and more often. And nothing compares to the feeling of ...
#20: Hidden Pattern Preventing Stepparenting Connections
January 15, 2022 01:00 - 8 minutes - 5.79 MBHello stepparents! As I reflect on the past year and consider my goals, I can’t help noticing how much I rely on tech day-to-day. It’s obvious that we live in a digital world that seems to be getting more digital and automated by the second. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the advancements and feel so grateful to live in this moment-in-time and its unlimited access to information at my fingertips. But I find myself burning out faster and more often. And nothing compares to the feeling of ...
Deciding: Is It Time To Leave?
January 06, 2022 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.42 MBHello Stepparents! With the new year upon us, and many of us re-assessing and making plans for the year to come I’m hearing that many of you are in throes of deciding whether your relationship is working for you or if it’s time to move on. So, I wanted to speak to that. We all know that becoming a stepparent and blending into a family is challenging and takes a lot of time and energy. It can take between 5 and 7 years before all the blending players start to find a grove with each other. B...
#19: Deciding: Is It Time To Leave?
January 06, 2022 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.42 MBHello Stepparents! With the new year upon us, and many of us re-assessing and making plans for the year to come I’m hearing that many of you are in throes of deciding whether your relationship is working for you or if it’s time to move on. So, I wanted to speak to that. We all know that becoming a stepparent and blending into a family is challenging and takes a lot of time and energy. It can take between 5 and 7 years before all the blending players start to find a grove with each other. B...
Best Stepchild Communication Technique
December 30, 2021 09:00 - 8 minutes - 6.11 MBHello Stepparents! Recently, I’ve spent several episodes discussing your stepchild’s loyalty conflict, their behavior, even the wiring of their brain and why some approaches work better than others in interactions with your stepchild. To that end, today I’d like to focus on my favorite technique that I think is one of the most important and effective. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/18. To be honest this technique works well across the spectrum of rela...
#18: Best Stepchild Communication Technique
December 30, 2021 09:00 - 8 minutes - 6.11 MBHello Stepparents! Recently, I’ve spent several episodes discussing your stepchild’s loyalty conflict, their behavior, even the wiring of their brain and why some approaches work better than others in interactions with your stepchild. To that end, today I’d like to focus on my favorite technique that I think is one of the most important and effective. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/18. To be honest this technique works well across the spectrum of rela...
#17: 3 Common Pitfalls Effecting Your Stepchild's Behavior
December 23, 2021 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.47 MBHello stepparents! For the last 2 weeks I’ve discussed the loyalty conflict that occurs for a stepchild between you, their stepparent, and their other bio parent, your partner’s ex. Find the show notes for those episodes at synergisticstepparenting.com/15 and synergisticstepparenting.com/16. This week we’re delving deeper into the root cause of what effects your stepchild’s behavior. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/17. Topic Discussed: - Disruptive C...
3 Common Pitfalls Effecting Your Stepchild's Behavior
December 23, 2021 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.47 MBHello stepparents! For the last 2 weeks I’ve discussed the loyalty conflict that occurs for a stepchild between you, their stepparent, and their other bio parent, your partner’s ex. Find the show notes for those episodes at synergisticstepparenting.com/15 and synergisticstepparenting.com/16. This week we’re delving deeper into the root cause of what effects your stepchild’s behavior. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/17. Topic Discussed: - Disruptive C...
Your Stepchild's Loyalty Conflict - Part 2: Behavior
December 17, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 7.08 MBHello Stepparents! Last week I talked about the background of why kids have an inherent loyalty conflict when it comes to you, the stepparent and their other biological parent. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/15. And if you haven’t yet listened to that episode, I highly recommend you do so. I shared what’s going on for your stepchild during and after divorce. These insights help you as the stepparent, by understanding how your stepchild feels. I also re...
#16: Your Stepchild's Loyalty Conflict - Part 2: Behavior
December 17, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 7.08 MBHello Stepparents! Last week I talked about the background of why kids have an inherent loyalty conflict when it comes to you, the stepparent and their other biological parent. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/15. And if you haven’t yet listened to that episode, I highly recommend you do so. I shared what’s going on for your stepchild during and after divorce. These insights help you as the stepparent, by understanding how your stepchild feels. I also re...
#15: Your Stepchild's Loyalty Conflict - Part 1: Background
December 09, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 5.73 MBHello Stepparents! In episode 6, I briefly mentioned that your stepchild is conflicted when it comes to you and their loyalties to you. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/6. Today we’re going to dig deeper and explore that conflict. Find the FULL transcript for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/15. Topics Covered: - Your Stepchild is Fighting Biology to Accept You - What’s Going on for Your Stepchild When You Enter the Picture - Tips to Get...
Your Stepchild's Loyalty Conflict - Part 1: Background
December 09, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 5.73 MBHello Stepparents! In episode 6, I briefly mentioned that your stepchild is conflicted when it comes to you and their loyalties to you. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/6. Today we’re going to dig deeper and explore that conflict. Find the FULL transcript for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/15. Topics Covered: - Your Stepchild is Fighting Biology to Accept You - What’s Going on for Your Stepchild When You Enter the Picture - Tips to Get...
#14: Get Out of the Stepparenting Autopilot Grind
December 02, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.09 MBHey Stepparents! Today we’re exploring intentional living. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/14. For a large chunk of my life I functioned on auto-pilot. If right now you’re thinking “What!?!” I’ll explain. You might have had the experience where you drive somewhere but you don’t remember the drive. And seemingly in the blink of an eye you’re at your destination. That used to happen to me a lot, and in many areas of my life. Everyday had the same stale r...
Get Out of the Stepparenting Autopilot Grind
December 02, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.09 MBHey Stepparents! Today we’re exploring intentional living. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/14. For a large chunk of my life I functioned on auto-pilot. If right now you’re thinking “What!?!” I’ll explain. You might have had the experience where you drive somewhere but you don’t remember the drive. And seemingly in the blink of an eye you’re at your destination. That used to happen to me a lot, and in many areas of my life. Everyday had the same stale r...
What is Rapid Resolution Therapy?
November 25, 2021 18:00 - 9 minutes - 6.32 MBHello, Stepparents! If you’ve been listening to this podcast, you’ve probably heard me mention Rapid Resolution Therapy. And you might be wondering to yourself, "Ooh, what IS that?" First, you might be asking, “What makes you qualified to talk about it, Maria?” The answer is that I’m a Rapid Resolution Therapy Practitioner. And I’m so thrilled to be sharing with you about this revolutionary alternative approach to getting clear. So today, I’m going to tell you more about RRT to help you...
#13: What is Rapid Resolution Therapy?
November 25, 2021 18:00 - 9 minutes - 6.32 MBHello, Stepparents! If you’ve been listening to this podcast, you’ve probably heard me mention Rapid Resolution Therapy. And you might be wondering to yourself, "Ooh, what IS that?" First, you might be asking, “What makes you qualified to talk about it, Maria?” The answer is that I’m a Rapid Resolution Therapy Practitioner. And I’m so thrilled to be sharing with you about this revolutionary alternative approach to getting clear. So today, I’m going to tell you more about RRT to help you...
#12: How to Have Difficult Stepparenting Conversations
November 18, 2021 05:00 - 8 minutes - 5.64 MBHello, beautiful stepparents! I want to lay a stake in the ground and tell you, you are amazing! The way you show up for your partner and your stepchild, is nothing short of incredible! The way you worry, and think about them, plan all the things, and make sure all the important stuff happens and is taken care of is nothing short of awesome! Simply put – you are a superhero! But sometimes even superheroes, need to call for reinforcements and get a little help. Today, we’re taking a deep di...
How to Have Difficult Stepparenting Conversations
November 18, 2021 05:00 - 8 minutes - 5.64 MBHello, beautiful stepparents! I want to lay a stake in the ground and tell you, you are amazing! The way you show up for your partner and your stepchild, is nothing short of incredible! The way you worry, and think about them, plan all the things, and make sure all the important stuff happens and is taken care of is nothing short of awesome! Simply put – you are a superhero! But sometimes even superheroes, need to call for reinforcements and get a little help. Today, we’re taking a deep di...
#11: 7 Key Components to a Stepparenting Sanity Routine
November 11, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 4.15 MBHello Stepparents! Welcome back. In an earlier episode, How to Stay Sane as a Stepparent, I discussed developing a routine to sustain you through difficult times. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/7. Today, I’m diving deeper into the key aspects to consider and include when creating such a routine. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/11. When developing practices and habits that help you to find the calm and stay there, he...
7 Key Components to a Stepparenting Sanity Routine
November 11, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 4.15 MBHello Stepparents! Welcome back. In an earlier episode, How to Stay Sane as a Stepparent, I discussed developing a routine to sustain you through difficult times. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/7. Today, I’m diving deeper into the key aspects to consider and include when creating such a routine. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/11. When developing practices and habits that help you to find the calm and stay there, he...
#10: Feel Out Your Blended Family's Traditions and Beliefs
November 04, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.23 MBHi Stepparents! With November already underway … and the holidays just around the corner, it’s a busy time for all of us. The holiday season is exciting but also nerve-wrecking because of the long to do lists on your plate. There’s the day-to-day obligations, getting your home ready and holiday shopping – both of which are stressful and time consuming. On top of that, there are family obligations – which often involve traveling or hosting family from out of town – planning big meals and even...
Feel Out Your Blended Family's Traditions and Beliefs
November 04, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.23 MBHi Stepparents! With November already underway … and the holidays just around the corner, it’s a busy time for all of us. The holiday season is exciting but also nerve-wrecking because of the long to do lists on your plate. There’s the day-to-day obligations, getting your home ready and holiday shopping – both of which are stressful and time consuming. On top of that, there are family obligations – which often involve traveling or hosting family from out of town – planning big meals and even...
#9: #1 Obstacle to Achieving Your Stepparenting Goal
October 28, 2021 06:00 - 6 minutes - 4.19 MBHello stepparents! Recently I’ve done several episodes relating to wellness. Like finding a sanity routine, find the show notes for that episode at www.synergisticstepparenting.com/7. And the benefits of yoga and how it led me to finding my stepparenting superpower, find the show notes for that episode at www.synergisticstepparenting.com/8. In this episode I’d like to explore the most common obstacle that I’ve seen prevent stepparents from achieving their goals. Find the show notes for thi...
#1 Obstacle to Achieving Your Stepparenting Goal
October 28, 2021 06:00 - 6 minutes - 4.19 MBHello stepparents! Recently I’ve done several episodes relating to wellness. Like finding a sanity routine, find the show notes for that episode at www.synergisticstepparenting.com/7. And the benefits of yoga and how it led me to finding my stepparenting superpower, find the show notes for that episode at www.synergisticstepparenting.com/8. In this episode I’d like to explore the most common obstacle that I’ve seen prevent stepparents from achieving their goals. Find the show notes for thi...
The Stepparent's Secret Weapon
October 21, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.75 MBHello Stepparents! In last week’s episode I talked about how to stay sane as a stepparent. Find the show notes for that episode at www.synergisticstepparenting.com/7. I mentioned several different strategies that I tried throughout the years to help me connect with a place of calm. I advised that it’s important to stick with something for a while before moving on. This idea of sticking with something for a while is what I’d like to explore in this week’s episode. Find the show notes for this...
#8: The Stepparent's Secret Weapon
October 21, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.75 MBHello Stepparents! In last week’s episode I talked about how to stay sane as a stepparent. Find the show notes for that episode at www.synergisticstepparenting.com/7. I mentioned several different strategies that I tried throughout the years to help me connect with a place of calm. I advised that it’s important to stick with something for a while before moving on. This idea of sticking with something for a while is what I’d like to explore in this week’s episode. Find the show notes for this...
#7: How to Stay Sane in Stepparenting
October 14, 2021 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.31 MBHi, Stepparents! I know that for me, it hasn’t always been easy to get support in my stepparenting role. And more accurately, it’s been downright challenging. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisiticstepparenting.com/7. Most of the people in my world couldn’t relate or even fully understand what I was going through. They didn't know about the constant juggle I was experiencing. Not only the physical juggle but the emotional one as well. In addition to my stepparenting responsibi...
How to Stay Sane in Stepparenting
October 14, 2021 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.31 MBHi, Stepparents! I know that for me, it hasn’t always been easy to get support in my stepparenting role. And more accurately, it’s been downright challenging. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisiticstepparenting.com/7. Most of the people in my world couldn’t relate or even fully understand what I was going through. They didn't know about the constant juggle I was experiencing. Not only the physical juggle but the emotional one as well. In addition to my stepparenting responsibi...
#6: Stepparenting Feels Like a Culture Clash
October 07, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.74 MBHey Stepparents! As most of you have probably experienced, being a stepparent is different than being a biological parent. In today’s episode I’ll be exploring some of these differences. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/6. Differences Between a Stepparent and a Biological Parent You probably remember the beginning of your stepparenting journey. For many of us it’s an abrupt transition with no time to prepare. It felt a bit like plunging into a lake where t...
Stepparenting Feels Like a Culture Clash
October 07, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.74 MBHey Stepparents! As most of you have probably experienced, being a stepparent is different than being a biological parent. In today’s episode I’ll be exploring some of these differences. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/6. Differences Between a Stepparent and a Biological Parent You probably remember the beginning of your stepparenting journey. For many of us it’s an abrupt transition with no time to prepare. It felt a bit like plunging into a lake where t...
What's Getting in the Way of Showing Up in Your Stepparenting?
September 30, 2021 04:00 - 5 minutes - 4.07 MBHello stepparents! In episode 4 I discussed what it means to fully show up. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/4. Today I’m going to explore this concept a bit further and discuss what gets in the way of showing up fully. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/5. In the beginning of my stepparenting journey there were lots of events and new players in the cast of characters that I had to meet. I remember being really nervous b...
#5: What's Getting in the Way of Showing Up in Your Stepparenting?
September 30, 2021 04:00 - 5 minutes - 4.07 MBHello stepparents! In episode 4 I discussed what it means to fully show up. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/4. Today I’m going to explore this concept a bit further and discuss what gets in the way of showing up fully. Find the show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/5. In the beginning of my stepparenting journey there were lots of events and new players in the cast of characters that I had to meet. I remember being really nervous b...
#1 Cause of Disconnect in Your Stepparenting
September 23, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.18 MBHello stepparents! In this episode I’ll be delving into a topic that I’ve found to be the cornerstone of most things in life. I call it showing up. Find the FULL show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/4. Have you ever felt like you can’t seem to say or do the right thing? Like everything you say is causing more conflict and aggravation? Maybe it seems like there’s a disconnect with your spouse, your stepchild, or with members of your blended family. When this happens i...
#4: #1 Cause of Disconnect in Your Stepparenting
September 23, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 4.18 MBHello stepparents! In this episode I’ll be delving into a topic that I’ve found to be the cornerstone of most things in life. I call it showing up. Find the FULL show notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/4. Have you ever felt like you can’t seem to say or do the right thing? Like everything you say is causing more conflict and aggravation? Maybe it seems like there’s a disconnect with your spouse, your stepchild, or with members of your blended family. When this happens i...
The Surprising Thing That Will Make You a Great Stepparent
July 30, 2021 03:00 - 5 minutes - 4 MBHello, stepparents. I’m thrilled to be spending this time with you. Today I’d love to explore some common fears in stepparenting. Find the Show Notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/3. I’m sure you probably have a million things running through your mind right now. Perhaps you are reminiscing about the beginning of your stepparenting journey and remembering what that was like for you. Talk about being thrown into the deep end! Am I right? My partner and I dated for a few mo...
#3: The Surprising Thing That Will Make You a Great Stepparent
July 30, 2021 03:00 - 5 minutes - 4 MBHello, stepparents. I’m thrilled to be spending this time with you. Today I’d love to explore some common fears in stepparenting. Find the Show Notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/3. I’m sure you probably have a million things running through your mind right now. Perhaps you are reminiscing about the beginning of your stepparenting journey and remembering what that was like for you. Talk about being thrown into the deep end! Am I right? My partner and I dated for a few mo...
#2: How Stepparents Can Choose Wisely Between Competing Priorities
July 22, 2021 01:00 - 4 minutes - 3.26 MBHello stepparents and thank you for joining me. In episode 1 I spoke about the long list of demands that stepparents are constantly juggling. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/1. Today I’d like to discuss a related topic that many of you are also very familiar with … competing priorities. Find the show notes for this episode at synnergisticstepparenting.com/2. These might involve having to pick up or drop off your stepchild and attend an important work mee...
Synergistic Stepparenting Podcast - Trailer
July 22, 2021 01:00 - 2 minutes - 1.53 MBSynergistic Stepparenting Podcast is hosted by me, Maria Natapov, Stepparenting Coach and Strategist. I am excited about helping stepparents transform family chaos into meaningful and harmonious co-parenting. I get it. Being a stepparent can be terrifying as well as amazing! I’ve been a stepparent for over 8 years. I built a rapport from scratch and 5 years in, she revealed that she was being abused and neglected by her mom and stepdad. She came to live with us full-time so I was jolted into...
How Stepparents Can Choose Wisely Between Competing Priorities
July 22, 2021 01:00 - 4 minutes - 3.26 MBHello stepparents and thank you for joining me. In episode 1 I spoke about the long list of demands that stepparents are constantly juggling. Find the show notes for that episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/1. Today I’d like to discuss a related topic that many of you are also very familiar with … competing priorities. Find the show notes for this episode at synnergisticstepparenting.com/2. These might involve having to pick up or drop off your stepchild and attend an important work mee...
How Will You Meet Your Stepchild's Constant Demands?
July 22, 2021 01:00 - 4 minutes - 3.07 MBHello stepparents, and welcome. Thanks for spending some of your time with me today. Let’s talk about constant demands, especially the physical demands your stepchild makes of you. They can take over your life! Find the Show Notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/1. We’ve all been there. I know I have. There’s work, work and school meetings and events, school and extracurricular pick-ups and drop-offs of step-kids (not to mention the extra pick-ups and drop-offs if you’re sh...
#1: How Will You Meet Your Stepchild's Constant Demands?
July 22, 2021 01:00 - 4 minutes - 3.07 MBHello stepparents, and welcome. Thanks for spending some of your time with me today. Let’s talk about constant demands, especially the physical demands your stepchild makes of you. They can take over your life! Find the Show Notes for this episode at synergisticstepparenting.com/1. We’ve all been there. I know I have. There’s work, work and school meetings and events, school and extracurricular pick-ups and drop-offs of step-kids (not to mention the extra pick-ups and drop-offs if you’re sh...