We know firsthand that parenting in a blended family isn’t the same as parenting in a first family. A biological parent's role is crucial in helping kids adjust to change, supporting step-relationships, and keeping things running smoothly.

But here’s the challenge—many bio parents either hold too tightly to their old parenting patterns or step back too quickly and expect their spouse to fill in. Both can create major tension.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the four key facets of parenting and defining the roles and responsibilities of the bio-parent:

• Meeting practical needs while avoiding unnecessary friction
• Providing support while managing shifting priorities
• Teaching important life lessons - and overcoming parental blind spots
• Delivering discipline in a way that strengthens relationships rather than tearing them apart

If you’ve ever felt stuck between your kids and your spouse—or if you’ve struggled with guilt, fear, or parental paralysis—this episode is for you.

You'll Discover:

• The most common 'easy wrong turns' that bio parents make when trying to “blend” the family
• How to avoid creating unnecessary frustration, and resentment in your home
• Why bio parents need to lead in discipline—and how to set step relationships up for success
• How to provide boundaries and emotional support for your kids without letting guilt or fear take over
• Strategies for building an effective parenting partnership — even when you see things differently

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 204. 4 Facets of Parenting: Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1)
• Episode 163. How Intentionality Helped One Couple to Accomplish a Successful Blend [with Sean & Staci]
• Episode 81. How a Missing Bio-Parent Impacts Kids in the Delicate Blending Process (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 132. How do loss and grief impact blended family integration?
• Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them
• Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger Dynamic)
• Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
• Episode 49. Should your highest priority be your marriage - or your kids?
• Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids (Transfer of Power Strategy)
• Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman

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

Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension

Episode 149. How to "Blend" Holiday Traditions and Create Meaningful Connection This Season

Episode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal]

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Ready for some extra support?

We all need 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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Stepparenting raises many questions: What’s my role? How involved should I be? What if my stepkids don’t accept me?

It’s easy to make wrong turns without even realizing it.

In this episode, we’re delving into four key facets of parenting: meeting practical needs, providing support, teaching life lessons, and delivering discipline. We'll uncover the unique roles and responsibilities of a stepparent regarding each facet and define what's appropriate and inappropriate.

If you’re feeling frustrated, disconnected, or unsure how to navigate parenting in your blended family, this conversation is for you!

We’ll share best practices, real-life examples (yes, including our own!), and strategies to help you stay in your lane while building healthy bonds with your stepkids and strengthening your parenting partnership.

You'll Discover:

• Why stepparents should focus on connection before correction
• How to support your stepkids and meet practical needs without overstepping or experiencing resentment
• The best approach for building genuine connection, trust, and respect with your stepkids
• Why delivering discipline too soon can backfire—and what to do instead
• A simple but powerful strategy to create a strong parenting partnership with your spouse and reduce tension in your home

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 47. How to Like Your Stepchild Even When You're Feeling Frustrated and Annoyed
• Episode 39. How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids
• Episode 9. A Surprisingly Simple Strategy for Bonding with Step-Kids
• Episode 29. What is a Loyalty Bind and What Can You Do About It?
• Episode 102. 4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parents and their Bio-Kids (Part 1 of 2)
• Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids
• Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids (Transfer of Power Strategy)
• Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary Chapman
• Stepparenting: Keeping it Sane by Charles Fay, Ph.D.
• In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema
• Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal

Ready for some extra support?

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

Join us on April 5th for Blended & Blessed! Click here: https://www.blendedandblessed.com/