Welcome to the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast! If you are in need of resources that deal with remarriage, step-parenting, co-parenting, preparing to blend, or divorce-proofing your marriage, we are here to serve you! Blended Kingdom Families is a step-family ministry that is committed to providing resources for individuals, families, and churches by implementing biblical foundations and practical tips. Our mission is to break the generational cycle of divorce, equip marriages, and unite bl ...
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The Stepfamily Foundation, Inc., provides counseling for the stepfamily / blended family, divorce counseling, remarriage counseling and stepfamily certification seminars. The Stepfamily Foundation Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1975. We provide counseling in person and on the telephone worldwide. As an educational institution chartered by the State of New York the Stepfamily Foundation provides Certification Seminars for professio ...
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The Stepmom Unfiltered Podcast is your go-to space for unapologetic, unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and everything in between of stepmotherhood. Join hosts Adrienne and Amelia as they navigate the complexities of blended family life with humor, empathy, and real talk. From taboo topics to expert insights, each episode offers a candid exploration of the joys and challenges of being a stepmom. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this podcast provides a supporti ...
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Fairytales & scary tales about the ups and downs of life as a stepmum with Katie Harrison and guests.When Katie fell in love with a Dad of two, seven years ago, she had no idea what lay ahead of her! The last few years have been a rollercoaster of incredible highs, and painful lows. Faced with very little support and huge societal stigma, Katie found the first few years of her Stepmum journey incredibly isolating and difficult. She's now on a mission to break down the stigma surrounding step ...
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Increasing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Your Marriage
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In this insightful podcast episode, Increasing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Your Marriage, Scott and Vanessa discuss the importance of embracing masculine and feminine energies in marriage and blended family life. They share personal experiences and provide practical advice on how couples can promote and nurture these God-given qualities within…
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Ep. 6 - Stepmom Emotions: Mother's Day Edition
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Join Adrienne and Amelia as they navigate the complexities of Mother's Day celebrations and gift-giving traditions in blended families. They take a look at the differing perspectives on whether stepmothers should be honored on Mother's Day, and offer insights on fostering inclusivity and balance between biological parent and stepparent bonds. HIGHL…
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Breaking Your Phone Addiction: Reclaiming Intimacy in Your Blended Family Marriage
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In this episode, Breaking Your Phone Addiction: Reclaiming Intimacy in Your Blended Family Marriage, Vanessa and Scott discuss the challenges of cell phone usage and how screen time can impact blended family marriages and parenting. They discuss their own past struggles with managing screen time and provide thoughtful advice to help you manage scre…
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Ep. 5 - Mastering Stepfamily Conversations with Your Partner
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Adrienne and Amelia tackle the art of mastering stepfamily conversations. Drawing from their own journeys, they delve into the evolution of their communication styles, reflecting on past challenges and transformative insights. From navigating accusatory approaches to embracing patience and empathy, they offer practical tips for fostering healthy di…
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In this episode, How to Overcome Infidelity in Marriage, Scott and Vanessa dive deep into the challenging topic of infidelity and blended family marriage. They share personal experiences and offer practical advice for couples seeking to rebuild trust and restore relationships after betrayal. This episode covers topics including the importance of tr…
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Ep. 4 - The Steps to Stepping Back with Grace
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Join hosts Amelia and Adrienne for a lively discussion on the art of stepping into your role as a stepparent in blended family dynamics! In this episode, they unveil a dynamic 5-step process for navigating when to lean in and when to take a step back. From assessing personal impact to evaluating the involvement of other parents, they provide action…
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Navigating Complex Blended Family Dynamics with Faith and Patience
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In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast, Navigating Complex Blended Family Dynamics with Faith and Patience, Vanessa and Jessica have an honest and emotional conversation about Jessica's unique blended family experiences. After the unexpected loss of Jessica's sister-in-law, Jessica and her husband found themselves in an unexpected …
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Dating Red Flags Revealed: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
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In this episode, Dating Red Flags Revealed: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore, Scott and Vanessa discuss the critical importance of recognizing pre-marriage red flags and determining non-negotiables in a potential spouse. They highlight common relationship red flags like differing spiritual foundations, unresolved past trauma, ongoing legal issues…
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How do you handle an ex-spouse who actively tries to undermine your new marriage? Scott and Vanessa Martindale tackle this topic in this week’s podcast. They provide proven strategies and tips for setting healthy boundaries, seeking professional counseling, fostering open communication with your spouse, and making your marriage a top priority. In a…
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Join hosts Adrienne and Amelia in the inaugural episode as they peel back the curtain and dive into their own stepmom stories. From navigating the blending of families to weathering the highs and lows of stepmotherhood, nothing is off-limits in this raw and candid conversation. Whether you're a seasoned stepmom, a newbie, or simply curious about th…
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Ep. 3 - Introducing Your Partner to the Kids
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While there is no one size fits all, join hosts Adrienne and Amelia as they delve into the delicate question: when is the right time to introduce a new partner to your children post-separation or divorce? Drawing from their own experiences, they candidly share insights on navigating this crucial step in their stepmom journeys. From considering the …
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From the initial pang of jealousy to the weight of unspoken frustrations, discover how Adrienne and Amelia have confronted and coped with these feelings on their own stepmom journeys. But it doesn't stop there – tune in as they uncover the transformative power of gratitude in reshaping their perspective and strengthening their marriages. With candi…
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Exposing Co-Parenting Traps: Narcissism & Alienation
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In this thought-provoking episode, Exposing Co-Parenting Traps: Narcissism and Alienation, Scott and Vanessa delve into the complex issue of Narcissistic Parental Alienation Syndrome (NPAS). They provide insights on recognizing the signs, confronting the situation, and finding healing for parents and children affected by this toxic form of co-paren…
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On this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, we discuss everything from intimate moments with the Lord to practical guidance in blended family dynamics. Listen to real-life stories and biblical wisdom that illustrate the transformative power of having a mentor. Join us as we delve into the value of mentorship and how it can deepen your …
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Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Vivian Cumins as she shares her journey of healing and growth within her blended family. From managing expectations to seeking forgiveness, Vivian's insights offer wisdom and encouragement for all blended families. Don't miss out on this inspiring discussion! Join Our Community - Ready to connect with other…
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On this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa delve into the transformative power of prayer in marriages and blended families. They discuss encouraging statistics revealing the significant decrease in divorce rates among couples who pray together daily. Throughout the episode, Scott and Vanessa share practical advice on…
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The Power of Resilience: Embracing God Amidst Trials in your Blended Family
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Discover the power of resilience in this latest episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast. Special guest Rebekah Lyons joins Scot and Vanessa Martindale to talk about her journey of faith and seeing God's hand in every season, especially the hardest ones. Our hosts and their guest share profound insights on dying to yourself to discover your …
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On this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa tackle the sensitive topic of physical intimacy and sex within second marriages. They share vulnerably about their own experiences, and highlight the importance of working through past trauma, triggers, and comparison. The conversation centers on the importance of open commu…
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I Feel Alone! Finding Community in Blended Families
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If you have ever felt alone and isolated or have struggled to find a supportive community while navigating blended family challenges then this episode is for you! Navigating life in a blended family can be a beautiful but complex journey. In this episode, I Feel Alone - Finding Community in Blended Families, Scott and Vanessa Martindale are joined …
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Enmeshment With Ex-Spouses: Blended Family Boundaries
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Welcome to the latest episode of the Blended Family Podcast - Enmeshment with Ex-Spouses: Setting Boundaries in Blended Families. Join hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale as they discuss the intricate dynamics of blended families, focusing on the challenges and nuances of enmeshment between ex-spouses. In this episode - Enmeshment with Ex-Spouses: B…
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Enmeshment Between Parents & Kids - Maintaining Healthy Boundaries in Blended Families
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Enmeshment between parents and kids is an important factor in families and maintaining healthy boundaries in blended families can help. Dive into the complexities of enmeshment in blended families on this podcast episode: Enmeshment Between Parents & Kids - Maintaining Healthy Boundaries in Blended Families. Hosts Scott and Vanessa shed light on sc…
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Blended Families: My Nest is Empty—Coping with Kids Leaving Home
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In this episode, Scott and Vanessa Martindale are joined by guests Eric and Keisha Gomez to talk about the empty nest phase of marriage and family. Eric is the XO Marriage Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Keisha is a Marriage Mediator at XO Marriage. Together, they talk about preparing for the empty nest before the last child leaves, the importanc…
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Preparing to Launch - Sending Kids to College in a Blended Family
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In this episode Scott and Vanessa Martindale are joined by guests Eric and Keisha Gomez. Eric is the XO Marriage Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Keisha is a Marriage Mediator at XO Marriage. Eric and Keisha share personal experiences and advice for sending kids to college as a blended family, including preparing children academically and spiritua…
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The Power of Untethered Worship - 2024 Word of The Year
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In this podcast episode, Scott and Vanessa talk about their practice of asking God to give them a word for the year ahead. They share how they both seek God for a word individually as well as for their blended family, and how this annual activity draws them closer together. We pray this episode blesses you today! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Fa…
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Trusting the Uncomfortable & Growing Through Discomfort
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Scott and Vanessa reflect on 2023, a year of growth through trusting God during hardship. They recap ministry highlights like launching video curriculum, Uversion devotionals, conferences, groups across the country, BKF coaching, and podcasts. Looking ahead, 2024 plans include expanding coaching, more resources like books and studies, events, fundr…
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Blended Family Traditions: Finding Joy, Love, and Peace During the Holidays
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Join us in this special episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast as we share heartwarming stories and tips on navigating the holiday season in blended families. From decorating Christmas trees to serving the community, discover how new traditions can bring joy, gratitude, love, and a sense of connection. We pray this episode blesses you toda…
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How to Navigate Blended Family Holidays: A Teen's Perspective
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In this special holiday episode of the podcast, Vanessa and her son, Michael, to talk about the holiday season from a teenager's perspective. He shares tips for blended families on making holiday transitions smoother for kids. He talks about the importance of communication, flexibility, and involving kids in the planning. Vanessa and Michael also d…
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Q&A: Answering Audience Questions So You Can Build a Healthy Blended Family
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Discover the secrets to a healthy blended family in this insightful Q&A episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast. Join Vanessa and Jessica Russo, Director of Donor Relations here at BKF, as they tackle real questions from audience members facing past relationship wounds, co-parenting conflicts, and frustrations with former spouses. Vanessa s…
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Q&A: Managing Stepchild and Biological Child Relationships in Blended Families
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In this episode, liscensed professional counselor and blended family coach Scott Martindale takes the mic to answer listeners' questions. He shares practical advice on stepchild relationships, discipline roles, conflict resolution, and more. His unique perspective will give you actionable steps for improving your blended family relationships. Liste…
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The Heart of Step-parenting: A Stepmom's Perspective with Special Guest Cheryl Shumake
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On this week’s podcast episode, hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale are joined by a special guest, Cheryl Shumake, a stepmom with a powerful ministry dedicated to supporting and inspiring stepmoms. Cheryl shares her insights on navigating the challenges of blended families and discusses her latest book, "Waiting to Be Wanted: A Stepmom's Guide to Lo…
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Blended Family Holidays: Fostering a Heart and Mind of Gratitude
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The holidays can be a challenging time for blended families. In this uplifting episode, Scott and Vanessa share how cultivating gratitude and thankfulness can bring joy and strengthen family bonds.Learn how starting traditions, quiet reflection, and extending grace to co-parents can foster unity and create new positive memories. Whether you're gath…
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Learning to Honor God in Dating and Marriage
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Honoring God in dating can be challenging in todays world. In this episode, Scott and Vanessa discuss God's design for dating and marriage. They emphasize the importance of identifying values and traits that are non-negotiable in a spouse, while also being open to the Holy Spirit’s leadership. They also discuss the importance of open communication,…
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How to Set Boundaries with Extended Family: Extended Family Dynamics in Blended Families, Part 3
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One challenge that blended families face is setting healthy boundaries with extended family members. Boundaries are the limits and rules we set for how others will interact with us, and they are vital for the health of any family. In this final episode in our series on extended family dynamics in blended families, we unpack the importance of bounda…
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Fostering Positive Relationships: Extended Family Dynamics in Blended Families, Part 2
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When we go through a divorce, our relationships with our extended family members can be affected, which can then affect our (step)child’s relationships with them. In the second episode of this series, we discuss the value of allowing our children and stepchildren to keep strong bonds with their extended family members after divorce, and we offer sm…
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How to Be a Great Step-Grandparent: Extended Family Dynamics in Blended Families, Part 1
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Blended family life can be a challenge, but what is it like to be a step-grandparent? What are some best practices for being a great step-grandparent? In this episode, our hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale talk with a step-grandparent, Mike Hill. Mike is the Marriage Pastor at Beltway Park Church in Abilene, Texas. Together they talk about the exp…
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Mirror Mirror: An Honest Look at Body Image
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Welcome to a special episode of the podcast, where we dive deep into the important subjects of image and body image. Join hosts Scott and Vanessa as they sit down with Rachael Gilbert, a licensed therapist, author, speaker, and podcast host. Together, they explore the impact of media, culture, and personal experiences on our self-perception and bod…
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How To Build Strong Stepparent-stepchild Connections, A Teenager's Perspective, Part 3
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In this episode, we dive into the unique experiences of a teenager navigating life within two blended families. Michael Singleton, in a conversation with his stepfather, Scott Martindale, shares candidly the highs and lows of parental divorce and subsequent remarriage. The two of them talk about the early blending years, how their relationship has …
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How To Build Strong Stepparent-stepchild Connections, The Dos, Part 2
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Discover the keys to nurturing a resilient stepparent-stepchild bond in the second episode of our series on "How To Build Strong Stepparent-stepchild Connections, Part 2." In this episode, Scott and Vanessa Martindale discuss crucial action steps for fostering trust and connection. Learn how both biological parents and stepparents can create a safe…
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How To Build Strong Stepparent-stepchild Connections, Part 1
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The relationship between a stepparent and their stepchildren can be complicated and complex because there are so many factors at play. Sometimes, those dynamics can delay or derail step-parent/stepchild bonding. In this episode, Scott and Vanessa talk about the role step parents play in creating a solid bond with their stepchild; they also offer su…
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Married Men Tell All: Mindset, Motives, And Needs
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In this special podcast episode, Pastor Jon Chasteen and Brent Evans, join Scott Martindale in the studio to talk about life, marriage, and parenting from the male perspective. They clear up some common misconceptions wives have and peel back the curtain on how men think differently than women. They talk about the unique mega needs of men, men’s de…
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S6, Ep 8: The topsy turvy world of Stepmum life; In conversation with another Stepmum Coach
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Katie talks to Kristin, a Stepmum to 4 and Mum to one. Kristin is also a life coach who works predominantly with Stepmums in the US. Katie and Kristin cover a lot of ground in this chat, from the complicated emotions which many stepmums experience, to what to do when you have very different views to the other house, to knowing when to step in and w…
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Co-Parenting Boundaries: Navigating Transitions for Your Child's Well-Being
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This week, Scott and Vanessa discuss how to establish healthy boundaries with a co-parent during the child’s transition from one home to the other. They talk about their experiences during both successful and challenging co-parenting seasons. They also shed light on essential factors to consider when creating boundaries with an ex-spouse and emphas…
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S6, Ep 7: 'I've learned to pick my battles'
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Katie talks to Sally, a stepmum and biomum. Sally shares the story of her journey from being a single mum to trying to bring her family and her partner's together. She also talks about the complexity of raising a Stepchild with additional needs. Support the Show.By Katie Harrison
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How To Create A Financial Plan, Blended Family Finances, Part 3
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Financial planning in blended families can be complex and overwhelming. This episode talks through practical steps to simplify and start planning. We cover vital facets of financial well-being, including transparent money management, strategic estate planning, beneficiary designations, and the importance of tax planning. You don't want to miss the …
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S6, Ep 6 - "I felt like I was going crazy!"
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TRIGGER WARNING - The death of a child is briefly mentioned. Katie chats to Francesca, a Stepmum to two little girls. Francesca shares how becoming a Stepmum turned her from a confident, independent woman to an anxious mess. When Francesca met her partner she was really open to the idea of dating someone with kids and she quickly formed a strong bo…
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Money Talk: How To Have Better Conversations About Money, Blended Family Finances, Part 2
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Scott and Vanessa talk about the importance of discussing finances with your spouse when you are newly blended, especially if the two of you did not have those conversations before marriage. They also offer suggestions for ongoing financial conversations moving forward. If you’re newly blended and you haven’t talked about money, it’s important to s…
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S6, Ep 5 - Step parenting a neuro diverse child
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Katie chats to a stepmum of three boys, one who is neurodiverse. She shares how this has bought additional challenges and that although she loves her stepson immensely it has made it hard to form a connection at some points. She also shares her experience of being thrown into parenting going from zero to three kids almost instantly! Note: there wil…
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In this special episode, BKF founders Scott and Vanessa Martindale talk about the unique situations blended families face as school ramps up for another year. They discuss how parents and co-parents can prepare for school and how to help their children and stepchildren thrive in an educational setting. They also offer practical suggestions for usin…
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S6, Ep 4: "I felt my needs came second to the Exes"
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In this episode Katie chats to Charlotte, a Stepmum to a little girl. Charlotte adores her Stepdaughter and wants to spend more time with her but sadly this isn’t possible at the moment. Charlotte shares her feelings of being left out, and of being second best when it comes to her partner and the delicate balance she treads between the Ex and her c…
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This episode is the first in a new series, “Blended Family Finances.” Scott Martidale shares his perspective as a therapist. He has worked with many couples who are in conflict because they don’t know how to handle finances as a blended family. He suggests areas of financial conversations to discuss before marriage, as well as ongoing money convers…
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