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 (and hopefully you too) to recognize the red flags of step parenting and do something about it!  We hope this discussion inspires you to feel...

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, you must change. The idea of change can create fear in relationships, and so we break that down a bit and hopefully make it less scary.  Lastly...

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 their children? 2.  How do you as the new spouse get to be okay with your husband's ex being absolutely cruel to him when he won't even try...

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 person in it.  We hope that this episode will spark meaningful conversation between you and your spouse to set your marriage and family up for...

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's #1 piece of relationship advice and enjoy Eric's humor that he brings to a serious topic.   Expect the following questions to be...

 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 this upcoming holiday season now that our kids are all teens and young adults (living away from home). Once the holidays have been tackled, Eric...

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-time blended family.   Lastly we speak to how to handle a stepchild who hates you in a newly blended family situation.  Parents take heart, you've...

 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 for everyone who reads it. Laurie and Julie get candid about the struggles of step parenthood and discuss how you can get through them successfully....

 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 it can help marriages thrive, and why people quit before the work is done. If you have ever been curious about therapy, marriage counseling or...

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 what the goal of a therapy journey actually is.  You will also hear Gina speak on behalf of kids and teens in blended families as she has...

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 give examples of some of the most common lies that people in blended families buy into and how you can go about changing all this so you can...

 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 to stay true to her calling through all the judgement of being a woman in a traditionally male role in the church body.  We wanted you all to...

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 the home.  We begin the episode discussing the new school year with one being home schooled, one headed off to college, one finishing up junior...

 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 on how to handle a difficult pre-teen with an absent bio mom as well as what you can do when your #stepchildren are being raised up with different...

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 significant other.  Blended families require a ton of grace, which is, hopefully, a byproduct of this podcast.  Enjoy! [email protected]...

 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't want to miss it), and how to connect with a difficult step child who doesn't give you much in return. Lots of rich nuggets in this one!...

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 away.  This is a rich episode filled with humor, great insight and encouragement that you can make it!  Enjoy! [email protected]...

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!  [email protected] Family Life and Health Coaching. Coach Julie provides structure, accountability and support so that you can get unstuck and become...

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 extra curricular activities all together or separately.  If you want a topic/situation/question of yours featured/discussed anonymously on one of...

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 well as the 5 stages of letting go.  By the time you are done listening, we hope you feel a little lighter because you have decided to lay down...

 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 show up and facilitate things the way he does. You will also hear how you, as the mom or step mom, can empower yourself by taking charge of your...

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 20/20 vision that supports the experience you wish to have in your blended family.  We give you insight on how to see others in a way that lets love...

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 your home if your step daughter does not want you to be a part of your step granddaughters life (each time they visit)?  4.  Small town...

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 families up for upset and disappointment across the board.  We uncover what we believe are some things we SHOULD be entitled to as well as what...