Today we’ve got a special guest on the show. Shana Pennington is an adult child of a blended family who is passionate about sharing her story. She’s almost 40 now and has a family of her own, which makes her insights into the blended family experience especially interesting. When Shana’s parents got divorced, they moved […]
Everything Always Ep. 26: Marriage, Blended Families & Money
Today we’re talking about money. Stop! Don’t run away! Hear us out. With blended families, there’s bound to be talk about money. Whether it’s a savings account for the kids, child support, a prenuptial agreement with a new spouse, or splitting things with an ex – money conversations must be had. And for many of […]
Everything Always Episode 25: Growing Up in a Blended Family
Today’s episode is an interview with Melissa Valder, a woman who grew up in a blended family and is passionate about sharing her story and insights with families now going through the experience themselves. The blended family experience from the child’s point of view offers insight into how our children may process this journey later […]
Blended Families: Managing Unrealistic Expectations
Today’s episode is a crash course on the top assumptions people tend to make about their new blended family. It’s important to manage these unrealistic assumptions because the truth is, things probably won’t be fine and dandy from the get-go! And that’s ok. Nothing in life comes easy. The relationship between you and your […]
Everything Always Ep 23: Never Use Your Children as Your Divorce Counselor
Today’s episode is about NOT using your child as your counselor. This topic has come up frequently with friends and family, so we’re excited to share some bits of advice. It’s easy to forget that your child cannot process or relate to the things you’re going through, and it puts them in a tough position […]
Everything Always Episode 22: What This Stepmom Wants You To Know
To honor all the moms and step-moms for Mother’s Day, I wanted to do an episode on what we think but don’t often say about our blended family experience. When I speak to new step-moms, I often get an exasperated sigh followed by some version of, “I didn’t sign up for this!” The truth is, […]