Podcast appearances and mentions of april eldemire

If you're navigating life in a stepfamily and finding the dynamics more complex than you expected, this episode offers practical guidance to help you build stronger, healthier relationships.In this episode, Kate is joined by April Eldemire, a licensed marriage and family therapist and former stepmum, and Bec Jones, Head of Negotiation at amicable, to explore the realities of blended and stepfamily life. Together, they unpack some of the most common challenges blended families face and share thoughtful advice on how to create a more connected and supportive family environment.We talk about:How the 'evil stepmother' stereotype still affects stepmums todayCommon challenges when creating blended familiesSetting boundaries and approaching discipline in stepfamiliesHow the couple's relationship can shape stepfamily stabilityBuilding strong relationships with stepchildren over timeThis episode is for parents and step-parents building blended families, who want to approach stepfamily life with more understanding, patience and confidence.Meet April and BecApril Eldemire is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, former stepmum, and the creator of The Blended Family Alignment Blueprint, a framework that helps couples end power struggles and parent as a united team. While April's own blended family didn't last, her journey fuels her passion for helping others avoid the same mistakes she made. With over 13 years of experience specialising in stepfamily dynamics, she's on a mission to help families replace conflict with teamwork and build homes where love can finally lead.Having had over 10 years of experience as a divorce lawyer, Bec Jones leads amicable's Negotiation team. She played a vital role in developing the amicable process and is renowned for her empathetic approach. With expertise in child arrangements, blended families and complex finances, she is a fountain of knowledge.More divorce resourcesFeeling ready to take practical steps forward? Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family's needs.Want ongoing support through separation?Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.Got a question for a future episode?Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.#Coparenting

Love alone isn't always enough to keep everyone under one roof feeling connected and secure. Despite the dream of harmony and the promise of new beginnings, many families find themselves struggling with uncertainty, misaligned expectations, and recurring conflicts that love simply can't resolve. Is it possible to create a sense of "home" where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported—without sacrificing your relationship or your own well-being? In this episode, listeners will discover why building a thriving blended family isn't just about love—it's about creating alignment through clear roles, structure, and intentional communication. The conversation explores the real-life challenges that stepfamilies and modern families face, including competing parenting philosophies, the presence of ex-partners, and loyalty struggles with children. Listeners will learn actionable strategies such as the Pause, Align, and Present method for unified parenting, tips for connecting before correcting, and ways to foster trust and emotional safety while honoring everyone's unique needs. Get ready to transform overwhelm into clarity, and confusion into a cooperative partnership—one step at a time. April is a licensed marriage and family therapist, stepfamily expert, and founder of Couples Thrive. She specializes in helping modern couples, especially those in blended families, create emotional safety, reduce conflict, and parent as a united team. She is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), one of the most research-backed approaches for couples, and her work has been featured in national outlets like Psychology Today and the Gottman Institute.   Episode Highlights 06:09 Unique challenges blended families face as they merge different histories and systems. 09:56 Building alignment through clear structure and defined expectations. 12:24 Navigating family differences with the 60-30-10 rule. 14:19 Smoothing family life with weekly check-ins and defined roles. 19:09 Setting realistic expectations and practicing patience in blended families. 23:22 Overcoming common challenges through preparation and planning. 25:22 Unifying parenting decisions with the Pause, Align, and Present method. 28:13 Modeling teamwork and authentic connection during disagreements. 31:34 Building mutual respect through the power of pausing. 35:58 Balancing parental authority while empowering children's voices. 39:36 Building trust as a stepparent by navigating loyalty binds. 43:19 Fostering respectful communication with clear boundaries and rules. 46:40 Helping blended families thrive with expert tools and support.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Start a shared journal or Notes app with your partner to track moments of alignment and areas of struggle throughout the week. Set aside time for a weekly alignment conversation where you review your journal and discuss patterns and sticky points together. Establish clear roles and expectations in your family system, considering each person's strengths and the needs of the children. Practice the "Pause, Align, and Present" method in moments of disagreement: pause the discussion, align privately, and then present a unified decision to the family. Use a 60-30-10 rule—aim for 60% compromise, navigate 30% gray areas, and allow 10% flexibility for the sake of peace. Involve children appropriately by hearing their voices and feelings, but maintain parental authority when making decisions. For stepparents, focus on connection before correction—build rapport and trust first before stepping into disciplinary roles. Regularly review your family values, using "we language" and modeling respectful communication, especially during challenging transitions or conflicts.   Mentioned Stepfamilies: Love, Marriage, and Parenting in the First Decade (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) ERP 313: How To Become A Successful Blended Family — An Interview With Ron Deal ERP 256: The Mistakes People Make When Blending Families And What To Do Instead – An Interview With Tracy Poizner Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)   Connect with April Eldemire Website: couples-thrive.com Facebook: facebook.com/AprilEldemire YouTube: youtube.com/@couplesthrive Instagram: instagram.com/couplesthrive LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/april-eldemire-lmft-8a8b3059 TikTok: tiktok.com/@couples_thrive  

“Why am I the only one who knows when the kids need a bath… or that bedtime isn't optional?” If that sounds like your internal monologue on repeat, you're not alone—and you're not crazy. When you're constantly stuck in the same fight about chores, parenting, or just feeling alone in the relationship, it's more than frustrating—it's exhausting. This week, we're joined by licensed therapist and marriage alignment expert April Eldemire, LMFT, who shares why the issue isn't love, but a lack of clarity. She walks us through a simple 4-part ritual that helps couples reconnect, reduce resentment, and get back on the same team. So if you're tired of doing it all (and being the one who always has to bring it up), this episode gives you the words, the structure, and the encouragement to shift things—for good. Resources We Shared: Learn more about April and her work HERE. Feeling buried under an endless to-do list? Snag our FREE Home Responsibility Calculator and figure out exactly what to delegate—without the guilt Want to keep the convo going? Come hang out with us in the FREE No Guilt Mom Podcast Community—real talk, support, and zero mom guilt. Visit No Guilt Mom Follow us on Instagram! Explore our No Guilt Mom Amazon Shop filled with juicy parenting reads and guest favorites!  Rate & Review the No Guilt Mom Podcast on Apple here. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Listen on Spotify? You can rate us there too! Love the show? Show it some love back by checking out our ah-maz-ing sponsors who help keep it all going—right here! Access the full episode transcript HERE #parentingpodcast #parentingtips #selfcare #MentalLoad #kids #teenager #toddler #preschooler, #baby, #noguiltmom, #YouNeverHelpWithBedtime, #InvisibleLoad, #MarriageIsHard, #ModernMarriage, #MomBurnout, #MarriageHelp, #ExhaustedMom, #MarriageAdviceForMoms, #DefaultParent, #connection, #ParentingAndMarriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2650: Understanding jealousy through April Eldemire's insights helps transform it from a destructive force into a path for deeper connection. By identifying personal vulnerabilities, communicating openly, and setting healthy boundaries, partners can build greater trust and intimacy. Listening offers valuable guidance on turning difficult emotions into opportunities for growth and resilience in relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/why-do-we-get-jealous-in-relationships/ Quotes to ponder: "I believe that every person has areas of enduring vulnerability. For a marriage to succeed, these vulnerabilities need to be understood and honored." "Feelings aren't facts. Are you imagining things that aren't really there?" "Show one another how much you value each other by putting your relationship before your work, your coworkers, and your friends." Episode references: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (for the “spaces in your togetherness” quote): https://www.amazon.com/Prophet-Kahlil-Gibran/dp/0394404289 Daring Greatly: https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2650: Understanding jealousy through April Eldemire's insights helps transform it from a destructive force into a path for deeper connection. By identifying personal vulnerabilities, communicating openly, and setting healthy boundaries, partners can build greater trust and intimacy. Listening offers valuable guidance on turning difficult emotions into opportunities for growth and resilience in relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/why-do-we-get-jealous-in-relationships/ Quotes to ponder: "I believe that every person has areas of enduring vulnerability. For a marriage to succeed, these vulnerabilities need to be understood and honored." "Feelings aren't facts. Are you imagining things that aren't really there?" "Show one another how much you value each other by putting your relationship before your work, your coworkers, and your friends." Episode references: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (for the “spaces in your togetherness” quote): https://www.amazon.com/Prophet-Kahlil-Gibran/dp/0394404289 Daring Greatly: https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2333: New parenthood often brings stress, particularly around differing parenting styles, intimacy issues, dividing chores, and financial strains. April Eldemire from Gottman.com offers actionable insights on how couples can strengthen their relationship by fostering empathy, improving communication, and addressing these challenges as a team. This approach helps new parents maintain a healthy relationship while adjusting to life with a baby. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/4-key-issues-new-parents-partner-solve/ Quotes to ponder: "Communicating effectively is key, so be sure to schedule some time to discuss parenting even just 10 minutes a day of quality face time can drastically increase a couple's friendship and intimacy." "Your partner trusts you enough to be vulnerable and wants a positive sex life, and it is a crucial time to respect that trust and vulnerability." "The two of you are a team, and while raising a child is a big challenge, you have each other's backs." Episode references: USDA Report on the Cost of Raising a Child: https://www.usda.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2333: New parenthood often brings stress, particularly around differing parenting styles, intimacy issues, dividing chores, and financial strains. April Eldemire from Gottman.com offers actionable insights on how couples can strengthen their relationship by fostering empathy, improving communication, and addressing these challenges as a team. This approach helps new parents maintain a healthy relationship while adjusting to life with a baby. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/4-key-issues-new-parents-partner-solve/ Quotes to ponder: "Communicating effectively is key, so be sure to schedule some time to discuss parenting even just 10 minutes a day of quality face time can drastically increase a couple's friendship and intimacy." "Your partner trusts you enough to be vulnerable and wants a positive sex life, and it is a crucial time to respect that trust and vulnerability." "The two of you are a team, and while raising a child is a big challenge, you have each other's backs." Episode references: USDA Report on the Cost of Raising a Child: https://www.usda.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute shares 4 key issues for new parents and how to solve them. Episode 013: 4 Key Issues for New Parents and How to Solve Them by April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute on Marriage & Kids The Gottman Institute understands that the human family is in crisis, and that all individuals are capable of and deserve compassion. It is their mission to reach out to families in order to help create and maintain greater love and health in relationships. They are committed to an ongoing program of research that increases the understanding of relationships and adds to the development of interventions that have been carefully evaluated. It is their goal to make their services accessible to the broadest reach of people across race, religion, class, culture, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Want to improve your marriage in 60 seconds or less? Over 40 years of research with thousands of couples has proven a simple fact: small things often can create big changes over time. Got a minute? Sign up for The Gottman Institute's Marriage Minute at http://OLDPodcast.com/marriage The original post is located here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/4-key-issues-new-parents-partner-solve/ Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Eldemire with Gottman talks about why we get jealous in relationships Episode 1354: Why Do We Get Jealous in Relationships by April Eldemire of Gottman on Understanding Jealous Feelings The Gottman Institute understands that the human family is in crisis, and that all individuals are capable of and deserve compassion. It is their mission to reach out to families in order to help create and maintain greater love and health in relationships. They are committed to an ongoing program of research that increases the understanding of relationships and adds to the development of interventions that have been carefully evaluated. It is their goal to make their services accessible to the broadest reach of people across race, religion, class, culture, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Want to improve your marriage in 60 seconds or less? Over 40 years of research with thousands of couples has proven a simple fact: small things often can create big changes over time. Got a minute? Sign up for The Gottman Institute's Marriage Minute at http://OLDPodcast.com/marriage The original post is located here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/why-do-we-get-jealous-in-relationships/ Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com Interested in advertising on the show? Visit https://www.advertisecast.com/OptimalRelationshipsDailyMarriageParenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Eldemire with Gottman talks about why we get jealous in relationships Episode 1354: Why Do We Get Jealous in Relationships by April Eldemire of Gottman on Understanding Jealous Feelings The Gottman Institute understands that the human family is in crisis, and that all individuals are capable of and deserve compassion. It is their mission to reach out to families in order to help create and maintain greater love and health in relationships. They are committed to an ongoing program of research that increases the understanding of relationships and adds to the development of interventions that have been carefully evaluated. It is their goal to make their services accessible to the broadest reach of people across race, religion, class, culture, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Want to improve your marriage in 60 seconds or less? Over 40 years of research with thousands of couples has proven a simple fact: small things often can create big changes over time. Got a minute? Sign up for The Gottman Institute's Marriage Minute at http://OLDPodcast.com/marriage The original post is located here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/why-do-we-get-jealous-in-relationships/  Noom Mood guides you to mental wellness one step at a time, 10 minutes per day. Sign up for your trial at Noom.com/ORD Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com Interested in advertising on the show? Visit https://www.advertisecast.com/OptimalRelationshipsDailyMarriageParenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting can be stressful. No kidding, right? So, how do we manage stress to create healthy relationships and loving homes while not losing it? We talk and laugh with Katharine Reid about how to handle our stressful “mental load.” We'll hear an incredible story from Victoria Wiggins whose son speaks with a stammer and how she's helping him thrive. Plus Parenting Confessions, and finally, fantastic tips on marriage stress with Marriage and Family Therapist, April Eldemire.

Relationships come in many shapes and forms. One-sided relationships can often emerge and rear their ugly heads during our lives. Listen to today's show to identify if you're in a one-sided relationship, and learn the steps to navigate out of it with your partnership intact. n this episode with April Eldemire, we discuss relationship advice topics that include: Learn how to identify if you're in a one-sided relationship How to do a relationship inventory with your partner to help balance out your relationship Communicating with your partner if you feel you're in a one-sided relationship Signs you may be enabling your partner in a one sided relationship Understanding your needs and what makes you happy And much more! For more information on our guest, and for the episode links visit: https://idopodcast.com/283 Sign up for our 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge here: 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge Join our 5 Day Couples Appreciation Challenge here: idopodcast.com/appreciation Do you want to hear more on this topic? Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group here: Love Tribe Help Support The Show! Donate Here. Sponsors BetterHelp: Get help on your own time and at your own pace. Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/IDO. MetPro: If you're looking for a high-touch experience working with a metabolic expert or if you want access to the tools their industry-leading coaches use, visit​ metpro.co/ido ​to take their assessment and speak with their team to learn which option is best for you. Get up to one month FREE when they sign up! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Chase & Sarah

April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute shares 4 key issues for new parents and how to solve them. Episode 634: 4 Key Issues for New Parents and How to Solve Them by April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute on Marriage & Kids The Gottman Institute understands that the human family is in crisis, and that all individuals are capable of and deserve compassion. It is their mission to reach out to families in order to help create and maintain greater love and health in relationships. They are committed to an ongoing program of research that increases the understanding of relationships and adds to the development of interventions that have been carefully evaluated. It is their goal to make their services accessible to the broadest reach of people across race, religion, class, culture, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Want to improve your marriage in 60 seconds or less? Over 40 years of research with thousands of couples has proven a simple fact: small things often can create big changes over time. Got a minute? Sign up for The Gottman Institute's Marriage Minute at http://OLDPodcast.com/marriage The original post is located here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/4-key-issues-new-parents-partner-solve/ Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com & in The O.L.D. Facebook Group and Join the Ol' Family to get your Free Gifts Save the time. Save some money. And most importantly, save your sanity by checking these guys out at www.generationtux.com/ORD and use promo code ORD for 10% off the entire groom's party.

April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute shares 4 key issues for new parents and how to solve them. Episode 634: 4 Key Issues for New Parents and How to Solve Them by April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute on Marriage & Kids The Gottman Institute understands that the human family is in crisis, and that all individuals are capable of and deserve compassion. It is their mission to reach out to families in order to help create and maintain greater love and health in relationships. They are committed to an ongoing program of research that increases the understanding of relationships and adds to the development of interventions that have been carefully evaluated. It is their goal to make their services accessible to the broadest reach of people across race, religion, class, culture, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Want to improve your marriage in 60 seconds or less? Over 40 years of research with thousands of couples has proven a simple fact: small things often can create big changes over time. Got a minute? Sign up for The Gottman Institute's Marriage Minute at http://OLDPodcast.com/marriage The original post is located here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/4-key-issues-new-parents-partner-solve/ Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com & in The O.L.D. Facebook Group and Join the Ol' Family to get your Free Gifts Save the time. Save some money. And most importantly, save your sanity by checking these guys out at www.generationtux.com/ORD and use promo code ORD for 10% off the entire groom's party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharing a glass of wine with your partner can be a fun ritual and a great way to relax with someone you love. However, alcohol abuse and dependence can have toxic effects on individuals and relationships. Listen to today's show to learn how alcohol might be negatively effecting your relationship and how to fix it. In this episode, we discuss relationship advice topics that include: Understanding the differences between alcohol use, abuse and dependence Addressing alcohol dependence with your partner Determining if even a few drinks can be negatively impacting your relationship Holding each other responsible to avoid negative alcohol relationship impacts How to avoid enabling drinking behavior in your partner And much more! April Eldemire is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Bringing Baby Home Educator, and marriage and couples expert in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is passionately devoted to helping couples achieve thriving relationships and is a regular contributor for Psychology Today and The Gottman Institute, the most research-based center for marital health and stability. Full show notes and episode links at: http://idopodcast.com/207 Sign up for our 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge here: 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge Join our 5 Day Couples Appreciation Challenge here: idopodcast.com/appreciation Do you want to hear more on this topic? Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group here: Love Tribe Sponsors Babbel: The #1 selling language learning app in the world. Try Babbel for free by visiting Babbel.com or downloading the app. Zola: Zola is the wedding company that will do anything for love. They are reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience to make the happiest moment in our couples’ lives even happier. From engagement to wedding and decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. All in the service of love. To start your free wedding website or registry on Zola, go to ZOLA.com/ido. Spark My Relationship Course: For a limited time, get access to our bonus, Mastering Money Talk In Your Marriage! Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! - Chase & Sarah

April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute shares how passion and parenting can co-exist.

April Eldemire with The Gottman Institute shares 7 tips for stepfamily success.