A blended family is such an important topic because it’s dealing with so many lives, not just that of you and your spouse. You have your kids and your spouses kids of course, but you also have the other sets of parents to contend with (if there is shared custody). With so many cooks in the kitchen, it can make sanity hard to come by on some days. We can lose our way in the midst of chaos, jealousy, insecurity, frustration, anger, confusion, miscommunication, and power struggles. This podcast ...
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Blended Life EP. 170: Step Parenting Red Flags
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Step Parenting Red Flags On this episode of Blended Life, we break down three of our listener's step parenting experiences and give them our perspective on how to move forward. From different parenting styles to defining your role and taking responsibility for your choices in what you allow and take on, we push and challenge these three individuals…
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Blended Life EP. 169: Cultivating Peace in Your Blended Family
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Cultivating Peace in Your Blended Family On this episode of Blended Life we discuss all things PEACE, tis the season after all! You will learn the three habits of a PEACE MAKER and how each habit cultivates freedom from conflict and judgment so you can experience the connection and calm you seek in your blended family. In order to cultivate peace, …
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Blended Life EP. 168: Navigating the Coparenting Journey
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Two Homes, One Love: Navigating the Coparenting Journey On this episode of Blended Life, we answer three of our listeners questions: 1. How do you deal with secrets in a blended family when one household keeps things from the other? What about dealing with the stress of knowing information as the step parent that both bio parents are keeping from t…
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Blended Life EP. 167: Holiday Boundaries and Fairness in a Blended Family
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Holiday Boundaries and Fairness in a Blended Family On this episode of Blended Life you will hear Eric and Julie discuss boundaries that may need to be created to create a positive experience during the holiday season. The point of boundaries is to protect; in this case we focus on protecting the well-being of the family and also each individual pe…
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Blended Life EP. 166: Creating Emotional Connections in your Blended Family
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Creating Emotional Connections in your Blended Family On this episode of Blended Life we discuss emotional connections in your blended family. Whether you are newly blended, feeling stale or stagnant in your mature blended family, or trying to prepare yourselves for the upcoming holidays, this episode has something for everyone. You will hear Julie…
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Blended Life EP. 165: Blending Our Family
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On this episode of Blended Life you get a peek into our story as we look back on how we came together blending our family and moving forward. We begin the episode discussing Halloween and how it made us realize we are in a whole new season of life when it comes to celebrating the holidays. You'll hear us begin to talk about how we plan to navigate …
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Blended Life EP. 164: Parents VS Kids in a blended family
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On this episode of Blended Life it's parents vs kids as Eric and Julie answer and address some of their listeners questions and suggested topics. You'll hear us discuss how to set boundaries with your step kids. We address the topics of secrets and privacy in a blended family and answer what to do when there's no "break" from the kids as a full-tim…
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Blended Life EP. 163: Grace Filled Step Parenting
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Grace Filled Step Parenting With Laurie Short You are in for a treat! On this episode of #BlendedLife Julie interviews the author of 'Grace Filled Step Parenting', Laurie Short. Laurie shares her journey to penning this book as well as her journey to becoming a #StepMom. She explains why this book isn't just for step parents and the hope she has fo…
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Blended Life EP. 162: Therapy and Blended Families Pt. 2
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Therapy and Blended Families Part 2 On this episode Gina Nicola, LMFT, is back on the pod alongside Julie to discuss blended family marriage and marriage therapy. She discusses the main struggles she sees in the blended family home between the adults and how marriages can overcome them. You will also learn what the point of marriage therapy is, how…
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Blended Life EP. 161: Therapy and Blended Families Pt. 1
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Therapy and Blended Families Part 1 On this episode of Blended Life Julie welcomes back Gina Nicola to the pod! Gina Nicola isn't just an Ordained Pastor in the Nazarene Church, she is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Gina and Julie get candid about therapy. Gina explains her journey to becoming a therapist and helps us all understand…
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Blended Life EP. 160: Lies About Blended Family Life
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Lies About Blended Family Life On this episode of Blended Life we discuss the lies we tell ourselves and believe about being a part of a blended family. This is such an important conversation because lies turn into beliefs, and our beliefs determine our experience. If we choose to believe the lies, we will actually experience them! Eric and Julie g…
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Blended Life EP. 159: Pastors Take On Divorce and Blended Families
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Pastor's Take On Divorce and Blended Families On this episode of Blended Life you will meet a very special woman in our lives, #Pastor Gina Nicola! You will hear her story and road to becoming an ordained pastor in the #nazarene church. She shares her own struggles wearing all the hats: Wife, Mom, Therapist, and now Pastor and how she has been able…
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Blended Life EP. 158: Life Lessons For Blended Families
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Back To School and Life Lessons for Blended Families On this episode of #BlendedLife we discuss a variety of topics. As summer is winding down Julie shares her reflections of what the past three months of #blendedfamily life has taught her. Eric discusses his views on marriage, roles in the family and his thoughts on different #parenting styles in …
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Blended Life EP. 157: Step Parenting In Difficult Situations
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On this episode of #blendedfamily Life we answer a few of our step parent listeners' questions. Step parenting can be difficult in even the best of circumstances, so what do you do when things are less than ideal? You'll hear our advice on managing a bio mom's toxic and destructive behavior and #communication tactics. Next, you'll get our thoughts …
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Blended Life EP. 156: Bio Parenting In A Blended Family
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On this episode of Blended Life we discuss just why Julie believes that bio parents have the toughest role in the family. If you are a bioparent this one's for YOU; you'll feel seen, heard, and understood. Step parents, don't skip out on this episode; you will gain great insight to be able to have better understanding and compassion of your signifi…
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Blended Life EP. 155: Dealing With Difficult People In Your Blended Family
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On this episode of Blended Life we answer our listeners questions. The common theme around our discussions of each is how to deal with difficult people in your blended family. You will discover how to find peace with a difficult bio parent, how to deal with adult children who refuse to clean up after themselves (this is such a fun segment, you don'…
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Blended Life EP. 154: Biggest Struggles In Your Blended Family
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On this episode of Blended Life we discuss the biggest struggles blended families face and how to overcome them. Eric shares what men need to feel safe communicating and being in relationship with their significant other. Julie breaks down what causes blended families to ultimately give up on one another and how to push past the temptation to walk …
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Blended Life EP. 153: Surviving Summer in Your Blended Family
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On this episode of Blended Life we discuss surviving summer in your blended family. You'll hear tips on how to alter your experience from chaos and dread to peaceful and fun! Julie shares about her daughter getting baptized at summer camp and what that exposed about her as a Mom and a Co-Parent. Short. Sweet. To the point. Enjoy! becomingheardnow@g…
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Blended Life EP. 152: Blended Family Questions
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Blended Family Questions On this episode of Blended Life we discuss our blended family community's questions to include the following topics: Blending animals, not just children; Forcing kids to say, "I love you" back to their step parent; Having an open heart and mind when being around your significant other's ex and their family; and Tackling ext…
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Blended Life EP. 151: What To Let Go Of In Your Blended Family
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What To Let Go Of In Your Blended Family On this episode of Blended Life, we discuss letting go of that which doesn't serve you well in your blended family. You will learn our top things to let go of in your blended family, what letting go actually means, why it's important to have a healthy let-go practice in place, how to practically let go, as w…
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Blended Life EP. 150: Mother's Day and Other Hallmark Holidays
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Mother's Day and Other Hallmark Holidays From A Man's Point of View! On this episode of Blended Life you will get to hear a male perspective of Mother's Day and other Hallmark Holidays. Eric shares his thoughts on his role as Dad and Step Dad when it comes to celebrating the Bio Mom and Step Mom in his life. He explains how and why he chooses to sh…
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Blended Life EP. 149: Seen In Your Blended Family
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Seen In Your Blended Family On this episode of Blended Life we discuss how you can change your experience in your co-parenting, marriage, step parenting and parenting life for your good. When you change how you see others or a situation, you are able to affect how others see you too. To be seen you first need to make sure you come correct with 20/2…
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Blended Life EP. 148: Unwanted In Your Blended Family
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On this episode of Blended Life we answer four of our listeners question's about their blended family experience. You will hear us discuss the following: 1. What to do when your significant other's ex doesn't want you to meet the kids. 2. Is setting a boundary around communication between kids and their other parent a good idea? 3. Should you leave…
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Blended Life EP. 147: Entitlement In Blended Families
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Entitlement In Blended Families On this episode of Blended Life we discuss all things entitlement in blended families. Let us tell you, there's a lot going on. From what we can tell, every relationship in our blended families is riddled with entitlement issues. The problem with entitlement is that it feels unsafe, creates anxiety and sets blended f…
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Blended Life EP. 146: Love Is The Problem
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Love Is The Problem On this episode of Blended Life we discuss love and how it's actually the problem in our blended families. What is love when we take emotion, romance and idealistic worldly lenses away? How can letting love replace all the hurt, anger, fear and disappointment we carry around change things for us in our blended families? How do w…
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Blended Life EP. 145: Blended Family Advice
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Blended Family Advice On this episode of Blended Life we break down our top pieces of advice and words of wisdom we wish we would have been told when blending our family. We discuss what we feel it takes to make it through the daily grind and business of blended family life to the other side where the house is empty of kids and you are left to enjo…
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Blended Life EP. 144: Fairness In Your Blended Family
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On this episode of Blended Life we answer our listeners questions about their #blendedfamily life. We discuss fairness when it comes to finances, changing our significant other and children believing lies fed to them by their other parent. Brainwashing, finances and finding a #balance in your blended family is something most of us have struggled wi…
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Blended Life EP. 143: Overcome Stress In Your Blended Family
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Overcome stress in your blended family! On this episode of Blended Life we discuss the "S" word: STRESS! It's a naughty word that wreaks havoc on our well-being and thus the well-being of our blended family. We may not be able to control the stress that comes our way, but we certainly can decide what to do with it once it's in our courts. Learn how…
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Blended Life EP. 142: Blended Family Boundaries
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Blended Family Boundaries are the scaffolding of how we relate to one another in our home and in our various relationships. Boundaries can be used for good when they protect well-being, or for bad when they are used to control others. On this episode of Blended Life we discuss what boundaries are, their purpose, how to create them and the consequen…
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Blended Life EP. 141: Lead With Purpose In Your Blended Family
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Lead with purpose in your blended family! On this episode of Blended Life we discuss how you can keep yourself in check, and get what you want, by owning your purpose in all you do. We explore what purpose is, how you can define it for yourself and your blended family, and why it is important to discover it. Totally on brand for the month of Januar…
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Blended Life EP. 140: Growing Up In Your Blended Family
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Growing up in your blended family is a journey of leveling up personally for the good of the whole! On this episode of Blended Life we discuss Julie's "word of the year", maturity, and how it applies to better blended family living. You will get to witness a first time discussion between Eric and Julie around what's recognized as needed to mature i…
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Blended Life EP. 139: Be Balanced In Your Blended Family
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Be Balanced In Your Blended Family! On this first podcast of 2023, we couldn't think of a better topic to discuss than balance. Being balanced brings so many benefits individually and to the whole; it's a worth while journey to go on. As with most things, if you want a better life experience, it begins with you. As a bonus, Julie opens up about a j…
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Blended Life EP. 138: Letting Go of Offense In Your Blended Family In Your Blended Family
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Letting go of offense in your blended family is necessary if you want to experience unity in your blended life. On this episode of Blended Life we talk about being offended and what you can do about it. Are you even part of a blended family if you aren't offended at some point?! Offense comes at us in all directions; from our spouse, coparent, chil…
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Blended Life EP. 137: The Blessings Of A Blended Family
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The Blessings Of A Blended Family are REAL! Just in time for Thanksgiving, we explore the many positives of blended family life. It may seem that it's hard AF, and yes, while that may be true, it's also true that there's a lot of good as well, for everyone. Join us in a discussion of the power of focusing on gratitude versus dwelling on the negativ…
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Blended Life EP. 136: What children need to feel safe in your blended family
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What children need to feel safe in your blended family. On this episode of Blended Life it's all about the children and what they need to feel safe in your home. When a child(ren) feels safe, the family unit feels more natural and blended. This requires taking inventory of how you, the adult, are promoting a culture of safety amongst the children i…
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Blended Life EP. 135: The Power Of Step Parenting Is Real!
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The Power Of Step Parenting Is Real! Yes, you read that correctly! Step Parenting is a powerful thing; you affect the entire family simply in your presence alone (never mind everything else you decide to do or don't do in that role). The truth is that even if you can't see it, or don't believe it, you are harnessing a specific power no other person…
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Blended Life EP. 134: Overcoming Power Struggles In Your Blended Family
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Overcoming power struggles in your blended family is possible, if you both want it! The truth is that some people enjoy conflict and others, it's simply how they have been taught to connect- it's their comfort zone. On this episode of Blended Life, we discuss ways you can overcome the fight for control in your relationships through the up leveling …
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Blended Life EP. 133: Premarital Talks You Need To Have Before You Commit
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Premarital Talks You Need To Have Before You Commit On this episode of Blended Life we discuss what topics you and your significant other should be hashing out before you walk down the aisle and officially blend your families. Talks are really important, so don't shy away from them. It can be difficult to break the exciting premarital happiness bub…
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Blended Life EP. 132: The Business Of A Blended Family
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The Business of a Blended Family, oh yes, you read that right. On this episode of Blended Life we assert that bringing the best parts of entrepreneurship into your blended family can help it succeed. Implementing intentionality, care, concern for your blended family, as if it were your own business, matters more than you know. If you are wondering …
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Blended Life EP. 131: Put Liars In Their Place
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Put liars in their place so you can focus on what is most important, your family unit. Blended Life is riddled with lies, gossip, gaslighting and other hurtful and oftentimes destructive lashes of the tongue. While this really can be hard for us adults, it's often detrimental to the children's well-being; they are the ones who really suffer. Since …
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Blended Life EP. 130: Dealing With High Conflict People In Your Blended Family
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Dealing With High Conflict People In Your Blended Family is a very normal and real part of the experience. There's high conflict bio parents, high conflict step parents, high conflict children, high conflict step children, even high conflict significant others and in-laws. The truth is there are many reasons people default to conflict when overcome…
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Blended Life EP. 129: Telling The Truth In Your Blended Family
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Truth Telling In Your Blended Family Life can be a tricky thing to navigate, especially when there's heightened emotions involved. On this episode of Blended Life we discuss why telling the truth is important, what keeps us from doing so, and how to truth tell so that it creates connection and protects relationships. We also talk about when and wha…
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Blended Life EP. 128: Dealing With Big Feelings In Your Blended Family
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Dealing With Big Feelings In Your Blended Family can be difficult, but it is possible. Allowing your feelings to destroy your relationships and thus your blended family is a choice; you have the ability to stop it and even turn it around. On this episode of Blended Life, we discuss what exactly you can do with all your big feelings that will inevit…
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Blended Life EP. 126: Surviving Divorce And Blended Family Life In A Small Town
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Surviving #divorce and blended family life in a small town is possible! Divorce is hard. Building a blended family is hard. Doing either or both in front of judgmental small town people can be down right discouraging to the point wanting to isolate or run away. On this episode of #BlendedLife we talk about how to navigate the hardships that come al…
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Blended Life EP. 125: Stop Leading With Fear
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Stop Leading With Fear In Your Blended Family! On this episode of Blended Life we talk about all things fear. When you lead with fear in your blended family it's difficult to create a family experience you can be proud of and one that your children will want to replicate. We discuss the four main types of fears that rear their ugly heads in blended…
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Blended Life EP. 125: How To Re-Connect With My Spouse In My Marriage
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How to #re-connect with my spouse in my #marriage is something most of us in blended families have asked ourselves from time to time. So many moving parts of blended life can have us all kinds of distracted, emotional and lost. On this episode of Blended Life we discuss why #disconnection happens, why it's dangerous and what you can do about it. Th…
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Blended Life EP. 124: Honoring Relationships In Your Blended Family
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Honoring Relationships In Your Blended Family For Your Good is key to having inner peace. How you show up in relationships will determine how that relationship will affect your well-being. Honoring relationships isn't just about the other person, but about getting what you want for yourself in your blended family life. So often we don't see that we…
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Blended Life EP. 122: Loyalty Binds In Your Blended Family
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Loyalty Binds In Your Blended Family can really be hurtful for everyone involved. On this episode of Blended Life we discuss what loyalty binds are, how they affect your child (and thus you) and what you can do about them. This is an excellent episode for step parents as well to gain more understanding and grace around your step child and the diffi…
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Blended Life EP. 121: Acceptance In My Blended Family
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Acceptance In Your Blended Family is something that everyone wants. We all want acceptance for our ideologies, our ideas, our opinions, our parenting style, our kids, etc. Yet, when it comes to accepting everyone else in the same fashion, well, things tend to get more than a little sticky. Suddenly #acceptance seems more like swallowing sand, or a …
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Blended Life EP. 120: How to Support Your Spouse
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Support Your Spouse in your blended family life and watch what happens! On this episode of Blended Life we discuss why it's important to support your spouse and how you can do it effectively. Supported spouses are happy spouses, and happy spouses stay put! If you want a marriage that can endure the toughest parts of blended life, this is a good pla…
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