021. What is the Stranded Stranger & Trapped Teammate Experience? (Part 1 of 3)

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Step Parents, have you ever felt left out?  Has it ever felt like there's a big relational chasm that you just can't seem to cross — like you're Stranded?

Bio-Parents, have you ever felt stuck between your spouse and your kids?  Do you feel pulled back and forth trying to please both, but not seeming to please anyone — like you're Trapped?

Sooner or later, every step-couple experiences these feelings of being Trapped or Stranded.  For some, the feelings are paralyzing and for others, they're just annoying.

What most couples don't realize is that these feelings are normal.  If you're feeling one or both of these things…you're not alone!

We're kicking off a 3-part (spoiler alert, it'll actually be a 4-part) series where we want to focus on uncovering the realities of what we call the Trapped Teammate/Stranded Stranger experience.

We'll help you discover what this is all about as well as give you some practical strategies that will help you minimize the tension that comes along with these inevitable dynamics.

In this episode, we're primarily focused on helping you wrap your head around it all and how it plays out in real life.  Yep…we'll share some of our story, including our BIGGEST fight ever and how this common dynamic was right at the root of the argument.

We'll also give you a couple of common negative responses we all tend to have when we're feeling Trapped or Stranded.  Plus, we'll share what you can focus on instead.

This is a must-listen series for every step-couple.  Make sure you subscribe on iTunes or wherever you listen so that you don't miss any of the upcoming episodes!

Inside this Episode:

  • We spend a little time sharing about our BIGGEST fight ever…

  • What is the "Trapped Teammate"?

  • What is the "Stranded Stranger"?

  • 2 big derails in the Trapped Teammate/Stranded Stranger dynamic

  • 2 ways to get back on track

Resources from this Episode:

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With so many episodes available here on the show, it might feel a bit overwhelming to find the topics that matter most to you.  That's why we've created the Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz which will direct you to the most impactful episodes that pertain to you personally.

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Mike Anderson

I grew up in difficult stepfamily dynamics.  I have experienced life as a step-child, a step-sibling and a step-parent.  My stepfamily perspective combined with my expertise as a Professional Life Coach uniquely qualifies me to help you move forward in your stepfamily journey.

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022. 1 Simple — and Romantic — Way to Combat Being Stranded or Trapped (Part 2 of 3)

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020. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules