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

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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