Those of us facing the common challenges of blending often feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or discouraged. It’s easy to drift into survival mode and settle for “not that bad.”

In this episode, we'll share a clear plan to move forward in a simple way that's not about the pressure of big, dramatic New Year's resolutions.

Here's the truth: transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and there are no easy fixes to the complex dynamics stepfamilies face. But change can happen with small, faithful shifts practiced over time.

You'll Discover:

• The difference between information vs. transformation and why “insight without action” keeps couples stuck
• How to set process goals (not vague intentions), and capture the “gold nuggets” you want to apply to your family's current struggles
• How to “work your plan” and experience real WINS in 2026!

Resources from this Episode:

CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE coaching call with us

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Blending Together Community

Find your Focus & Choose your Path:

Bonding:

• For specific episodes on building healthy Bonds, CLICK HERE
• Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary Chapman

Understanding Kids' Perspectives:

• For specific episodes to gain insight & support your kids, CLICK HERE
• In Their Shoes: Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce by Lauren Reitsema

Safeguarding your Relationship / Marriage:

• For specific episodes to grow a deeper connection and reduce conflict, CLICK HERE
• Saving Your Second Marriage Before It Starts: Nine Questions to Ask Before -- and After -- You Remarry by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot

Parenting & Stepparenting:

• For specific episodes to develop your parenting partnership and align family expectations, CLICK HERE
• Stepparenting: Keeping It Sane by Dr. Charles Fay
• Parenting Under Fire: How to Communicate with Your Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant Child by Dr. Amy J.L. Baker

Effective Co-Parenting:

• For specific episodes to discover best practices and improve cooperation between homes, CLICK HERE
• CoParenting Works! Helping Your Children Thrive After Divorce By Tammy Daughtry

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

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Do you ever spend time reminiscing?

We seem to think back a lot from our current empty next vantage point. It can be great to recall some of those funny moments in our history. And it's meaningful when we recount the tough seasons we've endured together as well.

As we head into the holidays, we thought it would be fun to pull an interview with our kids out of the archives. So, in this episode, you'll listen in on a conversation with our family reminiscing over some of the ups and downs of our Holiday experiences over the past 20+ years.

We wonder if it might stir up a bit of hope for your own future as you hear the authenticity straight from all three of our adult children. We've experienced some high points and low points as a family over the years — and your family will too. But as you navigate it together, we believe you can experience closeness, gratitude, and joy as a family. We hope our discussion blesses you this season.

In this episode, you'll discover how our kids answered these questions as they share their holiday experiences living in our blended family:

• What are your favorite memories (including funny ones)?
• What might have been a negative experience for you?
• What things made you feel sad, annoyed, or frustrated?
• What are you grateful for?
• What do you wish we (as parents) might have done differently?
• PLUS you'll catch some of their encouragements for YOU!

Resources from this Episode:

• Episodes that focus on Kid's Perspectives: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/podcast/category/Kid%27s+Perspectives/#filter
• Episode 71: How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 10. 8 Practical Tips for a Successful Holiday Season
• Episode 149. How to "Blend" Holiday Traditions and Create Meaningful Connection this Season
• Episode 151. What Has The Potential to Steal Your Joy - And How You Can Hold Onto It (Part 1)
• Episode 171. How to Experience More Fun, Connection, and Joy this Holiday Season [with Rich and Stacy]
• Episode 173. Expert Guidance for Holiday Success [with Lauren Reitsema & Joneen Mackenzie]
• Episode 222. Step-by-Step Guide: Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things Worse
• Episode 224. Holiday Negotiations That Work: 5 Tips to Reduce Tension and Disappointment

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