In today's screen-saturated world, parents are facing a unique challenge that previous generations never had to navigate…

…how to raise tech-savvy kids!

Screens are everywhere. Your children may wake up to the morning news on TV. They might work on a laptop or even a government-issued tablet while at school. Throughout the day and into the evening, they may play a game on their tablet, text friends on a smartphone, or watch a movie with the family—maybe even all three at once!

Your children’s 24/7 access to screens will expose them to a universe of connection and content: some good, and some damaging. The influence of screens impacts the overall health of your kids. The reality is that digital overload often leads to decreased health and wellness.

The lure and influence of screens can leave parents feeling powerless. How are you supposed to raise a physically and emotionally healthy, socially competent, well-balanced child in a screen-saturated world?

This is a question that every parent wrestles with…

…and our guest, Stephen Arterburn, is here to help! Stephen has a personal parenting story of screen-related trauma in his family which lead him down a path to discover answers to the most common challenges that parents face in our tech-saturated world.

Listen in and discover how you can make a positive and powerful impact by raising tech-savvy kids who are aware, safe, and responsible in how they engage with screens.

You'll Discover:

• The importance of flexibility
• Practical tips for healthy screen habits in your home
• Why the worst outcomes occur when screens are "outlawed" for kids
• A helpful mindset around the dangers and the benefits of the internet
• How to teach kids awareness, safety, and responsibility
• How to help your kids move toward healthy choices and increased wellness

Resources from this Episode:

• Book by Steve Arterburn and Alice Benton : Understanding and Loving Your Child in a Screen Saturated World
• Episode 70. 5 Simple Ingredients for Healthy Tech Habits with Your Kids [with Rob Hayes-St.Clair]
• Book by Andy Crouch: The Tech-Wise Family - Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place
• Episode 178.Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [With Dr. Michael Bradley]
• Episode 73. 4 Simple Principles for Setting Healthy Boundaries with Kids
• Newlife Ministries - Help and Hope in Life's Hardest Places

Ready for some extra support?
You can connect with us for a free coaching call - schedule your FREE call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

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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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

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If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

The holidays can be a time of excitement and high hopes for family "togetherness". You probably want to plan fun, festive activities so that you're able to enjoy memorable moments as a family.

But nothing can rob you of all that fun like struggling to negotiate some details about scheduling or other logistics with your Ex.

We've been there more times than we've wanted to be.

Over the years, we've discovered 5 simple things that can reduce the headaches and avoid the heartaches that often come when negotiations break down.

If you're anticipating having to negotiate changes to the visitation schedule this holiday season, don't procrastinate! We'll help you navigate the negotiations so they don't rob your joy.

Hop into this episode to discover how you can approach negotiations well and enjoy more peace this Holiday Season!

You'll Discover:

• 5 tips for negotiating schedule changes with your former spouse that can increase cooperation and ease tension
• How to stay focused on what's best for the kids and set them up for a peaceful Holiday Season
• Practical strategies for responding to your child's disappointment when they miss out on an activity
• Simple thoughts for managing your own emotions when things don't go as planned

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 67. The Best Co-Parenting Strategy That You Already Know
• Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - And Hurt the Kids
• Episode 113. How to Respond When Being Disregarded, Devalued or Dismissed by Your Former Spouse
• Episode 135. How to Set Appropriate Boundaries and Negotiate Well with Your Ex-Spouse
• Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids
• Episode 31. 3 Unexpected Ways to Improve How You Cope with Your Ex
• Episode 71. How to Help Kids Cope with Painful Holiday Disappointment
• Episode 7. Toxic Exes and Hurting Kids - 5 Steps That Help

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

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” —

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Resources

Episode 195. Connecting with Kim's HARD Child - Facing the Challenges of Parental Alienation

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question

Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!

We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share

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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Do you ever stop to think about what it will be like 15 years from now? What will your relationship with each of your children be like?

Maybe you've got a HARD kid (Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant) who's putting up walls and seems to have turned against you - and it feels like this painful season will never end. The tension in your relationship with your child has robbed you of the connection you really want — and you aren't sure how to respond.

That's exactly what we were experiencing 16 years ago, but you know what…

…it didn't last forever.

Back when we were navigating a 3-year battle of parental alienation, Kim's daughter, Annika, was hostile and actively rejecting our family. In the middle of all the confusion, anger, and pain, we weren't sure how to move beyond the 'black cloud' of tension we experienced during our visitation with Annika.

Somewhere along the way, Kim discovered some practical strategies that created bridges of connection with Annika. It was just enough to help us hold onto hope and keep us moving forward.

The perseverance has paid off and now in Annika's adult life, we have a strong, loving connection with her.

Kim is sharing a few powerful tips in this episode that can help you build bridges of connection too. We want you to know that you can stay hopeful and show up well, even with a HARD child. Your current season might be filled with difficult challenges, but you have what it takes to help your child know that you're loving, safe, and available.

Listen in on this episode to find out more.

You'll Discover:

• Our story of parental alienation and how Kim was able to carefully create bridges of connection with her daughter.
• Encouragement and practical tips for engaging with your hurt, angry, rejecting, or distant child.

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 194. Powerful Tips for Effectively Connecting with Your Angry or Distant Child [with Dr. Amy J.L. Baker]
• Article by Dr. Bob Evans: 17 Primary Alienation Strategies
• Episode 42. Our Challenging Story of Parental Alienation - and 6 Tips for You
• Book by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine: Parenting Under Fire - How to Communicate with Your Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant Child
• Article by Amy Baker: Five Things to Never Say to an Alienated Child

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

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Resources:

Episode 194. Powerful Tips for Effectively Connecting with Your Angry or Distant Child [with Dr. Amy J.L. Baker]

Book by Amy J.L. Baker: and Paul R. Fine Parenting Under Fire

Article by Amy J.L. Baker: Five Things to Never Say to an Alienated Child

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question

Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!

We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share

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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Children of divorce who are hurt, angry, rejecting, and distant (HARD) are challenging to parent. They can be rude, uncooperative, and disagreeable. It's difficult to relate to or connect with them, and they can appear hardened against the love and guidance you want to provide.

When conflict between two homes intensifies, children often become entangled in loyalty conflicts or sometimes victims of parental alienation. Whatever the reason might be, parents need help!

If it feels like you've been parenting "under fire" and you're struggling to understand the dynamics your child might be experiencing, and you're trying to figure out how to best communicate and connect with them, you won't want to miss this interview.

Our special guest Amy J.L. Baker, Ph.D., shares her experience working with parents of HARD children as they navigate the minefields of confusion, pain and frustration. Amy offers effective strategies to enhance attachment with your child and manage your difficult dynamics — including how to respond to false accusations.

If you're trying to parent a "HARD" child we want you to know there's hope and you can start making progress by listening in for practical tips on safeguarding your relationship through appropriate communication, self-awareness, and empowerment.

You'll Discover:

• Effective ways to connect and communicate with a child who is hurt, angry, rejecting, or distant
• How to respond to false accusations and avoid reinforcing negative beliefs that the other parent is influencing
• Practical steps to enhancing attachment with your child by focusing on safety, love, and availability
• Warning signs to look for in your kids (and your Ex) that could possibly lead to Parental Alienation

Resources from this Episode:

• CLICK HERE to connect with Amy J.L. Baker, Ph.D.
• Book by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine: Parenting Under Fire - How to Communicate with Your Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant Child
• Article by Amy Baker: Five Things to Never Say to an Alienated Child
• Article by Dr. Bob Evans: 17 Primary Alienation Strategies
• Episode 42. Our Challenging Story of Parental Alienation - and 6 Tips for You

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

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us read too! :-) Just click here to Review,

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Resources:

Episode 193. The Advantage of Learning The Basics BEFORE You Blend

CLICK HERE to receive a curated podcast list to help you learn the Basics of Blending

Episode 109. Preparing to Blend: The Couples Guide to Becoming a Smart Stepfamily [with Ron Deal]

Book by Ron Deal: Preparing to Blend: The Couple's Guide to Becoming a Smart Stepfamily

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question

Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!

We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share

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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Ready for the Co-Parenting workshop? Join The Blending Together Community here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether