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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

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Am I continuing to engage in “first-family” activities with my ex (even though we’re divorced), mainly because I’m trying to guard my children from experiencing any disappointment or discomfort?
2. Have I noticed any confusion or resentment from my children when they observe our Perfect Pal relationship and compare it to what’s actually happened in their lives?
3. Do I feel compelled to continue as Perfect Pals because I’m worried that if I don’t, my ex will react poorly, possibly lash out, turn the kids against me, or punish me in some way? And so I keep showing up as a close friend and confidant just to avoid retribution?
4. Because of our Perfect Pal dynamic, do I sometimes abdicate or agree with my ex, even when I have a different opinion?
5. Do you (or your new partner) harbor resentment toward your ex because they seem to have a lot of power and control over parenting decisions? Do you end up feeling unheard, devalued, or dismissed? Does maintaining your Perfect Pal relationship seem like it's more important than having an equal voice in your children's lives?

What's your next step in moving toward 'Cooperative Colleagues'?

Resources

• Episode 226. How Two Homes Raise Kids that Thrive: A Co-Parenting Blueprint for Caring Parents [with Jay & Tammy Daughtry]
• Episode 71. Helping Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Co-Parenting Works! Helping Your Children Thrive After Divorce by Tammy Daughtry
• Connect directly with Jay and Tammy: CoParenting International
• CLICK HERE to get FREE resources from CoParenting International
• CLICK HERE for more Episodes on Healthy Co-Parenting

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 read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then s