Blended Family Podcast

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Putting children in the middle is one of the biggest mistakes we make as divorced parents. Whether it’s intentional or accidental, it always hurts the children. There are reasons why we do this and some very common mistakes we make. Children always pay the price. Protect your children by learning to avoid this common pitfall, your children will thank you for it! Pledge to help parents from putting kids in the middle of their divorce, from www.achievesolutions.net   click here   Periscope- open app and search 1blendedfamily Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com A big issue that blended families face is when each family comes from a different religious background. Though certainly not a deal breaker, this can definitely cause some upset in the family, whether from ex partners, or in the current situation. I’ll give you some tips on how to deal with an ex, and also go over some common challenges. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com As I am very close to my year anniversary of doing the podcast, I thought it would be fitting to have Shawn, my number one supporter, on the show. If you want to get to know my other half, please listen in as we talk about our differing parenting styles Shawns past anger issues communication importance of quality time our engagement story other listener questions If you enjoy hearing Shawn on the show, please send us some feedback on the group page or email. Thank you for listening!   For the reality television show opportunity, email here Please include name, contact info, a photo, and a  brief description of your family Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Helping a child through the loss of a parent can be very difficult. There are many things you can do to help support your child/children through a traumatic loss like this, such as keep your personal feelings out of it don't speak negatively about the parent who has passed get the child therapy communicate with the child don't rush the child make a memorial space for the child in their room keep your child active talk to their teachers at school keep the child’s life as stable as possible teach the stepsiblings proper behavior making sure the stepparent plays an active role   Understand that the death of your child’s other parent is not only going to impact your child, but your life as well, and every member of your blended family. Your spare time, financial situation, and your responsibilities will be altered. This is a hard life lesson, but with an entire family's support, a child can still thrive. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and R

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Every blended family can benefit from learning simple tips to save time and money. In this show, I go over my top ten tips of each!   Tips to save time Food Prep Prepare things the night before Delegate chores and responsibilities Exercise at home Online shopping Follow a cleaning schedule, or hire someone Wake up earlier Use your schedule wisely Split tasks with your partner Learn to say no   And the tips to save money Make a list and stick to it Food shop only once a week Shop at bulk stores Repurpose clothing Shop at thrift or secondhand stores Use coupon apps Barter Services Keep your credit cards low Borrow instead of buy Cut down on bills where you can.   Have any tips to share? Please add them in the comments section or in our facebook group! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicem

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com In cases of infidelity, having a blended family can certainly add more complications to the mix. Whether you’re struggling with the knowledge of a past affair or going through it now in your current relationship, this episode can help. Cheating doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. There are ways to move forward past infidelity and go on to have a successful relationship. We will also talk about some do’s and don't’s, and how to deal with family members. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Sometimes we get so caught up in negativity that we lose sight of what's wonderful right in front of us. Blended families are stressful, and we can forget all the blessings that they do bring us. Let me show you how to change your mindset, improve your mood, love and appreciate your blended family! When you change your focus, anything is possible.   Ten things to help improve your mood. Eat well Exercise Breathe or meditate Change your surroundings Listen to music Communicate Smile Make a checklist Do something you like Be thankful Listen to my happy song here! Check out the 2houses app here! www.2houses.com Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Joint custody arrangements are becoming much more the norm in modern divorce. For those that have joint custody arrangements, you know that there are many challenges you must face. To start, we discuss the difference between joint physical and joint legal custody, and some factors in making that decision.   We also discuss some challenges you might face such as communication scheduling parental influence transportation effects on the new blended family   And finally, I leave you with my 5 tips for having success with joint custody, which are communicate keep the focus on the kids don’t sweat the small stuff have realistic expectations adjust your agreement if necessary   This topic idea comes from our loyal listener Scott! Thank you ! If you have a topic you want me to cover, please email me!   Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Marty L Ward is championing the movement to Create Confident Kids. When a 10 yr old little girl hung herself rather than face the bully back in 2011, Marty said, “ENOUGH!” Despite all our school regulations and “Anti-Bullying” and “Stop Bullying” campaigns, 4,400 students commit suicide each year, and 160,000 are absent every day due to fear of confronting the bully. Fed up with the rising statistics, Marty looked for an answer. Influenced by leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Mother Theresa, Marty designed a Create Confident Kids to Eliminate Bullying Program with a whole new twist: it focuses on what we do want – Confident Kids – rather than on what we don’t want – more bullying.   In this interview, we talk about Marty’s story why bullying is so prevalent today bullying in the blended family signs to look for to see if your child is being bullied how to help a child who is being bullied what to do if your child is

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Michele Rosenthal is an award-winning PTSD blogger, bestselling and award-nominated author, host of the radio program, Changing Direction, and founder of HealMyPTSD.com. A former faculty member of the Clinical Development Institute for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, Michele is also a trauma survivor who struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for over twenty-five years. Then, she launched a successful “healing rampage.” Michele has been 100% free of PTSD symptoms for almost a decade. Her most recent book is Heal Your PTSD: Dynamic Strategies that Work. Michele and I have a conversation on PTSD, and how this can affect your blended family.   We talk about her personal story dealing with PTSD the challenges of PTSD in a blended family recovery process going on a healing rampage how joy helps overcome PTSD what holds survivors back from healing their PTSD how family can help one cope with PTSD and more Michele’s links

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Part four and the last of the perspectives series. Are you a bio dad who wants to know if what you are feeling is normal? Are you a mom who wants to know where the bio dad in your life is coming from? Listen to this show to gain some perspective and insight from bio dads who really want to be heard.   Here are some important questions we address what’s the biggest challenge you face as a bio dad? what’s the thing you love most about being a bio dad? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner's ex about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could change about your blended family?   Hope you enjoyed all four of the shows this month on perspective! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Vis

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Part three of the perspectives series. Are you a stepdad who wants to know if what you are feeling is normal? Are you a mom who wants to know where the stepdad in your life is coming from? Listen to this show to gain some perspective and insight from stepdads who really want to be heard.   Here are some important questions we address what’s the biggest challenge you face as a stepdad? what’s the thing you love most about being a stepdad? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner's ex about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could change about your blended family?   Join me for the next show where we talk about perspective from a bio dad! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakp

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Part two of the perspectives series. Are you a bio mom who wants to know if what you are feeling is normal? Are you a step parent who wants to know where the bio mom in your life is coming from? Listen to this show to gain some perspective and insight from bio moms who really want to be heard.   Here are some important questions we address what’s the biggest challenge you face as a bio mom? what’s the thing you love most about being a bio mom? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner's ex about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could change about your blended family?   Join me for the next two shows where we talk about perspective from a step dad and bio dad! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Part one of the perspectives series. Are you a stepmom who wants to know if what you are feeling is normal? Are you a bio parent who wants to know where the stepmom in your life is coming from? Listen to this show to gain some perspective and insight from stepmoms who really want to be heard.   Here are some important questions we address what’s the biggest challenge you face as a stepmom? what’s the thing you love most about being a stepmom? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could tell your partner's ex about your role? what’s one thing you wish you could change about your blended family?   Join me for the next three shows where we talk about perspective from bio mom, step dad, and bio dad! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Sending the kids back to school is always a transition. You want to set up for success, and have that transition go as smooth as possible. I share my top ten tips for a successful school year, which are   Establish routines Use alarm clocks Set designated homework times and areas Use family calendars Be smart about meal planning Teach your kids time management skills Talk about head lice prevention Keep the kids healthy Correspond with your ex Communicate with your children   Listen to the show for more details so you and your children can have a great year! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Setting proper boundaries is essential in the blended family home. Everyone needs to know what is acceptable and what is not in order to maintain some kind of peace in the home. Some tips on setting boundaries include doing so from the beginning, holding family meetings, and practicing good communication.   If you’re wondering who needs boundaries, well everyone. Though you will find the most necessary boundaries are set with the children, the ex spouses, and the in laws (or ex in laws).  Each of those types require different types of boundaries, and they are unique to your family. The happiness of the family and especially the children lies in practicing this boundary setting often! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com This show is all about you! I answer some listener questions! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Family Contracts can be very helpful in the blended family. When children move from home to home, behavior and rules can get a little out of control. Contracts can help get everyone on the same page. There are many different types of contracts that you can draw up, depending on the child and what their specific needs are. Some examples are a cell phone contract, a driving contract, a behavioral contract, or a chore/reward contract. Listen to the show for details on exactly how to be successful using this method. For the cell phone contract www.joshshipp.com Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com  

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Ending a relationship is a very hard decision to make, especially if you have a blended family. Lots of lives are affected by your decisions. If you and your partner come to the realization that the relationship is not working, there are some tips to help you get through the process more smoothly.   Make sure this is definitely what you want Don’t repeat previous mistakes or old patterns Learn from this experience Talk to the kids openly and honestly Set up a visitation schedule Do not get the kids involved in the drama For the reality show opportunity contact Angelo Ierace angeloierace@gmail.com aierace@kineticcontent.com Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com  

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Dr. Jennifer Wider is a women's health expert, author and radio host who frequently appears on television shows including the Today Show, CBS News, and ABC News Nightline.  She is the author of 4 books including her most recent: Got Teens, the Doctor Moms' Guide to Sexuality, Social Media and Other Adolescent Realities, w/ Dr. Logan Levkoff.  She is a medical adviser to Cosmopolitan Magazine and has written hundreds of articles for a variety of publications.  But of out of all of these, her best accomplishments are her 3 children: ages 13, 9 and 4.   In this interview, we focus on teenagers and discuss the importance of open communication and how to achieve it changes in their personality managing different rules and structure from home to home how blended families can bond with angsty teenagers how stepparents can bond with teenage stepchildren social media and cell phone contracts peer pressure sex and drugs some listener quest