140. Blending with Adult Children — One Couple’s Story of Heartache and Triumph
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It's easy to assume that adult children will be happy to celebrate a parent's remarriage later in life. They're adults, right? They're focused on their own lives and families. Your later life marriage shouldn't really impact them.
But for most later-life remarriages, that's simply not true. Most couples quickly run up against some unexpected challenges.
Our friends Steve and Jan Mathews were surprised by the painful issues they faced with Steve's adult kids shortly after he married Jan.
His adult kids reacted with unforeseen reluctance to accept Jan into their lives.
In this week's episode, we're talking to Steve and Jan about how they've navigated the unique difficulties of blending with adult kids.
Their story illustrates healthy ways to embrace realistic expectations, how to best approach bonding, and practical tips to find an appropriate balance that honors your marriage and your adult children — even when you're feeling stuck.
Join us for a candid conversation with Steve and Jan.
You'll Discover:
The unique challenges that come when remarrying with adult kids in the mix
Some "best practice principles" that apply to bonding and blending children of all ages
Realistic expectations and tips to find a healthy balance that honors your marriage AND your adult children
Strategies for the childless stepmom
Resources from this Episode:
Want to connect with Steve and Jan? You can email them at:
steve.mathews@familylife.com
jan.mathews@familylife.com
Blog Article: I Object! Helping Adult Children Cope When Their Parent Remarries
Episode 109 - Preparing to Blend with Special Guest Ron Deal
Episode 72 - The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded Relationships (Crockpot Strategy)
Book Recommendations:
The Smart Stepmom by Ron Deal & Laura Petherbridge
The Smart Stepfamily by Ron Deal
Preparing to Blend by Ron Deal
Ready for personalized support? Schedule your free coaching call
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
Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start?
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.
Join our community
You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether
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