10CBF: A Podcast for Blended Families
S1-E8: "Stranded Strangers and Trapped Teammates" with Mike and Kim Anderson
Mike & Kim Anderson have been coaching and supporting step-couples for almost two decades and they host a weekly podcast called The Blended Family Coaching Show. Mike grew up in challenging stepfamily dynamics and when Mike & Kim were married in 2001 — they formed their own stepfamily. Mike and Kim have experienced the joys of 'blending' as well as deep valleys of pain and struggle. They are passionate about helping step-couples to experience breakthroughs, overcome challenges and thrive in their unique blended family dynamics. They reside in the Pacific Northwest and are grateful for their three beautiful children, Annika (25), Phoebe (17) and Jacob (16).
In this episode, Mike and Kim discuss what it's like to address and overcome a variety of blended family challenges by "connecting through conflict" and working with each other instead of against each other, even when it's difficult. They suggest an exercise designed to help you clarify and begin creating the type of family that you want by focusing on the values you want to teach your children. And they encourage listeners to go and learn as much as they can about blended family life, the challenges you'll face, and how to have realistic expectations for your family.
Find out more about Mike and Kim and their work at:
https://www.mikeandkimcoaching.com/
https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkimcoaching/
They also strongly recommend the following book by Dr. Patricia Papernow: 'Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships: What Works and What Doesn't'. You can find it below: