What a privilege to have Lauren Reitsema back on the show to dive deeper into how we can authentically bond and connect with kids who are navigating divorce and blended family dynamics.

Lauren’s passion for relationship skills began in middle school after her parents' divorce, leading her to pursue Communication Studies at TCU. She’s the author of In Their Shoes, helping parents connect with children of divorce, and Relationship Essentials, which offers tools for healthy communication and boundaries.

For over 15 years, Lauren has taught relationship skills to teens, adults, and professionals. As President of The Center for Relationship Education in Denver, she inspires others to value and invest in their most important relationships.

Lauren vulnerably shares from her own journey as a child of divorce and blending, offering practical guidance and real encouragement for both bio and step parents.

We explore why it’s critical to understand the identity crisis many kids face, lean into hard emotions like grief, and the power of empathy and patience to lower resistance and build genuine, lasting connections.

Join us as we unpack Lauren's wisdom. It's truly a game-changer for every blended family.

You'll Discover:

• The impact of broken family identity and why kids struggle to accept changing family dynamics
• Strategies for step-parents to manage rejection and disappointment with patience and perseverance.
• The critical difference between seeking compliance versus nurturing an authentic connection.
• How embracing the struggle rather than avoiding it can lead to transformative growth and healing.
• How to create and craft a relationship with your stepchild as you go, without expectation, while honoring the child's pace.

Resources from this Episode:

• In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema
• Episode 40. Uncover the Unspoken Feeling of Kids in Blended Families [Special Resource: In Their Shoes]
• Relationship Essentials by Lauren Reitsema and Joneen Mackenzie
• To connect with Lauren: lauren@myrelationshipcenter.org
• Past episodes with Lauren:
  • Episode 173. Expert Guidance for Holiday Success
  • Episode 161. How to Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification?
  • Episode 172. How do Healthy Step-Parent/Step-Child Dynamics Avoid the Pitfalls of Step-Parentification?

Ready for some extra support?

We all need some extra support along the blending journey. 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

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: 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

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In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most emotionally charged challenges for blended families: navigating co-parenting dynamics and negotiating with an ex-spouse.

Whether things are civil or you’re experiencing high levels of tension, we share the three strategies that have changed everything for us and for the couples we coach — Clarity, Communication, and Consistency.

We'll share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), including stories from our co-parenting journey. You’ll hear how Kim learned to lead with respect, even when she felt disrespected, and how we helped one couple shift from chaos to calm by gaining clarity in the values and expectations of their own home.

If you’re ready to show up with more confidence, reduce co-parenting conflict, and build influence, this conversation is for you. You'll gain hope, practical tools, and encouragement.

You'll Discover:

• Why clarity in your home's values gives you confidence during tough conversations with an ex
• The unexpected power of respectful communication (even when it’s one-sided)
• How consistency in your tone and with your boundaries helps to build trust and increase your influence
• Actionable steps and communication tips to manage disagreements between you and your ex
• Why your kids’ emotional security starts with how you show up, not how your ex does

Resources from this Episode:

• CLICK HERE to continue learning how you can improve your co-parenting relationship

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

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Resources

Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love

Episode 211. 8 Warning Signs Your Ex is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and Mind

Episode 6. Are Your Kids Stuck in a 'Parental Allegiance' and What Can You Do About It?

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 appreciate your feedback!

We know how heartbreaking it can be when your child starts pulling away from you. It can leave you wondering if your ex is negatively influencing them behind the scenes. We’ve lived it.

In this deeply personal episode, we open up about the painful season we went through with Kim’s daughter, Annika. We talk through how to recognize the signs of manipulation, avoid common parenting missteps, and respond in ways that protect your child’s emotional well-being. All while preserving your connection.

Plus, we share the powerful strategy we call “the pebble in the shoe” and how it can shift distorted narratives over time and help your child embrace the truth.

If it seems like you're living under a black cloud, and you're feeling discouraged or defeated, there is hope. You’re not alone, and your story isn't over.

You'll Discover:

• How to identify subtle signs that your co-parent may be manipulating your child — and how you can respond effectively
• Helpful ways to communicate with a hurt, angry, rejecting, distant child.
• A powerful strategy (“the pebble in the shoe”) to gently counter misinformation without escalating conflict
• The importance of remaining steady and staying connected even when your child is distancing themselves from you

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love
• Article by Dr. Bob Evans: 17 Primary Alienation Strategies
• Episode 194. Powerful Tips for Effectively Connecting with Your Angry or Distant Child [ with Dr. Amy J.L. Baker]
• Book by Amy J.L. Baker: Parenting Under Fire - How to Communicate with Your Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant Child
• Episode 195. Connecting with Kim's HARD Child - Facing the Challenges of Parental Alienation
• Episode 161. How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]
• 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 175. 8 Tips to Protect Kids From Stress and Tension When Moving Between Homes
• Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids

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

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

We would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts. Your review will help others find our podcast.

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Resources

Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love

Episode 207. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules and How to Build Consistency

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!

This one hits close to home for us.

In this episode, we’re opening up about a painful season in our parenting journey when Kim’s daughter began pulling away from our home and requesting to spend more time at her dad’s. We know how confusing, heartbreaking, and disorienting this can be, especially for blended families with limited time together.

That’s why we’re sharing 3 essential tips that can help you manage yourself in a tough parenting moment, retain connection with your child, and respond in a healthy, constructive way. You’re not alone—and there is a path forward.

You'll Discover:

• The emotional impact of watching a child distance themselves from you - and how to manage your emotions and reactions.
• How to ask powerful, curious questions that open the door to connection and uncover what's under the surface.
• Why validation can change the tone of any tough parenting conversation.
• A practical way to co-create one new action step with your child, without caving in to their requests.
• The truth about whether kids “get to choose” where they live at a certain age.

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 184. The Heart of Motherhood: Navigating Messy Moments with Empathy and Love (emotional regulation)
• Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
• Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids

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!

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Resources

Episode 129. What does it take to build and maintain trust in your relationship?

Episode 119. 6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your Marriage

Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team

Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them

Episode 206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Ensure a Successful Partnership

Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids

Episode 154. What practical and emotional shifts can you expect as you blend your family?

Episode 107. 3 Disheartening Realities That No Couple Wants To Go Through - But We all Have To

Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1 of 2)

Episode 160. A 4-Part Framework for Achievable Expectations and How to Live Them Out

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!