If you’ve ever watched your child’s mood shift the moment they step into a handoff…

Or felt the sting of being kept at arm’s length for reasons you can’t explain…

You’re not imagining it.

In blended families, kids often carry emotional burdens they were never meant to hold.

In this episode, we name two of the most common “under-the-surface” struggles: loyalty binds (when a child feels torn between a bio parent and a stepparent) and parental allegiance (when a child feels pressure to align with one parent over the other). We share real-life stories, including the quiet pain behind the rejection of a stepparent's sweet gesture, and the way a joyful moment can suddenly collapse into guilt after a call with the other parent.

But we don’t stop at awareness. We give you a plan. We’ll help you slow down, step into your child’s shoes, and create emotional safety. We’ll help step-parents stay hopeful and keep expectations realistic. And we’ll challenge bio parents to protect their kids from adult tension by choosing the neutral zone (where curiosity lowers the temperature and kids are freed to love without feeling responsible for anyone’s emotions).

The win isn’t perfect co-parenting or flawless moments. It’s this: kids get out of the middle, pressure starts to lift, and your home has room for trust, connection, and peace to grow.

You’ll Discover:

• The difference between a loyalty bind and parental allegiance, and how each one shows up in real life.
• How emotion coaching helps your child process hard feelings without forcing apologies or rushing an unrealistic "fix".
• What step-parents can do to cope with rejection (and why “crockpot bonding” protects your heart and builds trust over time).
• The subtle ways parents accidentally tighten the bind and what to say/do instead to keep kids free to love everyone in both homes.
• How to find and stay in the neutral zone when insecurity, fear, jealousy, or discomfort hits.

Resources from this Episode:

• Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships by Patricia Papernow
• Episode 222. Step-by-Step Guide: Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things Worse (part 1 of 2)
• Episode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships
• Episode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and Hurt
• Episode 161. How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]
• 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

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

Resources

Last week's episode :

• Episode 228. How 4 Simple Steps Can Transform Your Family's Struggles into Amazing Wins This Year

Moving Beyond Fear:

• Episode 50: How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want
• Episode 147: Do Sensitive Conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship?
• Episode 179. Conquer Fear and Embrace Your Blend with Confidence and Clarity
• Episode 98. Is fear of being vulnerable keeping you from loving your spouse wholeheartedly?

Coping with Impatience:

• Episode 105. What powerful traits do you need to successfully blend and stay united?
• Episode 89. Feeling Stuck in the Change Process? Change Isn't the Issue - Transition Is
• Episode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships
• Episode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and Hurt

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs & Excuses:

• Episode 120. 3 Valuable Lessons That Saved Our Marriage and Blended Family
• Episode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life?
• Episode 217. Feeling Overwhelmed and Powerless? How to Regain Hope with Tools that Heal [with EJ & Tarah Kerwin]
• Episode 51. Overcoming Discouragement

Managing Emotional Pain:

• Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress
• Episode 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal]
• Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences
• Episode 107. 3 Disheartening Realities That No Couple Want To Go Through - But We all Have To

Embracing the Lone Ranger position:

• Episode 209. Breaking Free from Self-Doubt: 5 Habits to Build Confidence and Trust in Yourself
• Episode 215. Does Your Relationship Feel Hopeless? Why Giving Up Might Not Be the Answer
• Episode 65. 6 Simple Steps for Inviting Your Spouse to Get Help With You
• Episode 138. How Relational Dysfunction Plagued Our Marriage and How We Finally Broke Free

Ready for some extra support?

Schedule your FREE coaching call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

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

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed to 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!

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

If you’re co-parenting between two homes, you already know: your kids are watching everything. How you talk about their other parent, handle handoffs, respond to schedule changes, and react when the ex sends that text. These everyday issues impact and shape your children’s well-being.

In this episode, we sit down with co-parenting experts Jay & Tammy Daughtry, who are both adult children of divorce and co-parents themselves. They share their TEAMM mindset: The End Adult Matters Most. It's a powerful reminder that your co-parenting relationship today is shaping the adult your child will become tomorrow.

As marriage and family therapists, Jay and Tammy deeply understand the long-term impact of post-divorce dynamics on kids. They offer compassionate guidance to help you move from feeling stuck, reactive, or alone and instead adopt a calm, intentional, “business partner” approach to co-parenting.

You’ll walk away with hopeful, real-life tools to steady your own emotions, protect your kids from unnecessary emotional burdens, and take small, intentional steps toward a healthier co-parenting partnership so your kids experience stability, security, and are free to love both of their parents.

You'll Discover:

• Practical ideas for building alignment, handling hand-offs, and honoring your child’s divided heart
• Why “The End Adult Matters Most” changes everything
• Why “emotionally baby-proofing” is essential for children of divorce
• The benefits of a business-meeting approach to co-parenting (TEAMM meetings)
• How to approach an uncooperative ex

Resources from this Episode:

• Co-Parenting Works! Helping Your Children Thrive After Divorce by Tammy Daughtry
• Connect directly with Jay and Tammy: Co-Parenting International
• CLICK HERE to get FREE resources from Co-Parenting International
• Episode 84. How to Cope with Sadness, Anxiety and Longing While Your Kids Are Gone
• CLICK HERE for more Episodes on Healthy Co-Parenting

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

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!

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!