Podcast appearances and mentions of lauren reitsema

What a privilege to have Lauren Reitsema back on the show to dive deeper into how we can authentically bond and connect with kids who are navigating divorce and blended family dynamics. Lauren's passion for relationship skills began in middle school after her parents' divorce, leading her to pursue Communication Studies at TCU. She's the author of In Their Shoes, helping parents connect with children of divorce, and Relationship Essentials, which offers tools for healthy communication and boundaries.For over 15 years, Lauren has taught relationship skills to teens, adults, and professionals. As President of The Center for Relationship Education in Denver, she inspires others to value and invest in their most important relationships.Lauren vulnerably shares from her own journey as a child of divorce and blending, offering practical guidance and real encouragement for both bio and step parents. We explore why it's critical to understand the identity crisis many kids face, lean into hard emotions like grief, and the power of empathy and patience to lower resistance and build genuine, lasting connections. Join us as we unpack Lauren's wisdom. It's truly a game-changer for every blended family.You'll Discover:The impact of broken family identity and why kids struggle to accept changing family dynamicsStrategies for step-parents to manage rejection and disappointment with patience and perseverance.The critical difference between seeking compliance versus nurturing an authentic connection.How embracing the struggle rather than avoiding it can lead to transformative growth and healing.How to create and craft a relationship with your stepchild as you go, without expectation, while honoring the child's pace.  Resources from this Episode:In Their Shoes by Lauren ReitsemaEpisode 40. Uncover the Unspoken Feeling of Kids in Blended Families [Special Resource:  In Their Shoes]Relationship Essentials by Lauren Reitsema and Joneen Mackenzie To connect with Lauren:  lauren@myrelationshipcenter.orgPast episodes with Lauren:Episode 173. Expert Guidance for Holiday Success Episode 161. How to Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? Episode 172. How do Healthy Step-Parent/Step-Child Dynamics Avoid the Pitfalls of Step-Parentification?Ready for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey.  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/freesessionAre you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

Guest Bio: Lauren's interest in relationship skills began when her parents divorced after almost 20 years of marriage. Seeking to understand better patterns for her own future legacy, she earned a Bachelor's degree in communication studies from TCU. Lauren is the author of two books: In Their Shoes, a book dedicated to helping parents better understand and connect with children of divorce, and Relationship Essentials, which features skills to help people feel heard, fight fair, and set boundaries in all areas of life. Lauren is the president of The Center for Relationship Education, a national nonprofit whose mission is rooted in providing relationship skills training to everyone. Her speaking experience spans over 20 years, teaching a variety of relationship skills to teens, adults, and corporate teams. She recognizes relationships are key to a successful life, and this drives her passion for energizing others to invest in relationships with proven tools to enhance connection. She and her husband, Josh, love adventures with their three children. All Colorado natives, they are avid skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Broncos' fans.    Show Summary: Have you ever tried really hard to make something happen just for it to fail over and over again? Have you been rejected by something or someone that meant a lot to you? Today's guest, Lauren Reitsema, knows all about how God can change the trajectory of our lives to make something beautiful come out of the brokenness. Host, Eryn Adkins, had the privilege of talking with Lauren in person at the MomCon Conference in Chicago last fall. Join Eryn as she gets to know Lauren and how God has worked in her life during this God Hears Her conversation.   Notes and Quotes:  “We're not meant to do everything well all the time.” —Lauren Reitsema “Boundaries create more of the freedom we long for.” —Lauren Reitsema “Sometimes it's the denial of what you want that gives you the trajectory.” —Lauren Reitsema “He does connect every one of your pain points, and He weaves it into a beautiful story.” —Lauren Reitsema  “He is the only one who understands us when we don't think He's listening.” —Lauren Reitsema   Verses:  Matthew 27:46   Links:  In Their Shoes: Amazon The Center for Relationship Education: website God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc  Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/ Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/   MB01WHBCCJCKZR2

Guest Bio: Lauren's interest in relationship skills began when her parents divorced after almost 20 years of marriage. Seeking to understand better patterns for her own future legacy, she earned a Bachelor's degree in communication studies from TCU. Lauren is the author of two books: In Their Shoes, a book dedicated to helping parents better understand and connect with children of divorce, and Relationship Essentials, which features skills to help people feel heard, fight fair, and set boundaries in all areas of life. Lauren is the president of The Center for Relationship Education, a national nonprofit whose mission is rooted in providing relationship skills training to everyone. Her speaking experience spans over 20 years, teaching a variety of relationship skills to teens, adults, and corporate teams. She recognizes relationships are key to a successful life, and this drives her passion for energizing others to invest in relationships with proven tools to enhance connection. She and her husband, Josh, love adventures with their three children. All Colorado natives, they are avid skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Broncos' fans.    Show Summary: Have you ever tried really hard to make something happen just for it to fail over and over again? Have you been rejected by something or someone that meant a lot to you? Today's guest, Lauren Reitsema, knows all about how God can change the trajectory of our lives to make something beautiful come out of the brokenness. Host, Eryn Adkins, had the privilege of talking with Lauren in person at the MomCon Conference in Chicago last fall. Join Eryn as she gets to know Lauren and how God has worked in her life during this God Hears Her conversation.   Notes and Quotes:  “We're not meant to do everything well all the time.” —Lauren Reitsema “Boundaries create more of the freedom we long for.” —Lauren Reitsema “Sometimes it's the denial of what you want that gives you the trajectory.” —Lauren Reitsema “He does connect every one of your pain points, and He weaves it into a beautiful story.” —Lauren Reitsema  “He is the only one who understands us when we don't think He's listening.” —Lauren Reitsema   Verses:  Matthew 27:46   Links:  In Their Shoes: Amazon The Center for Relationship Education: website God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc  Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/ Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/   MB01WHBCCJCKZR2

As nonprofits grow, it's not unusual for their purpose to get lost in an overwhelming inventory of what they do and how they do it. In this episode, we examine strategies necessary for overcoming the “Lost in Logistics” messaging milestone. President of the Center for Relationship Education, Lauren Reitsema shares how the CRE was able to reconnect with their “Why” after getting lost in all the details of the many services they offer.  

You want to experience a little holiday magic and meaningful connection in your blended family, right?But the challenges and tensions that emerge for blended families during the holiday season often rob us of the bonding experience we're hoping for.High expectations, difficult emotions, and logistical complications seem to bombard everyone — particularly when it comes to managing transitions and blending traditions.In this episode, we're talking with Joneen Mackenzie and Lauren Reitsema about their personal stories of managing the holidays.  They're a mother-daughter duo who've navigated divorce and blending.  Now they offer their expert guidance to help others blend well, build genuine connections, and learn how to best support all the kids through change, loss, and grief.  Lauren is the author of In Their Shoes, where she shares her experiences of living through her parent's divorce and later their remarriages. Together,  Lauren and Joneen have co-authored a book called Relationship Essentials.  Joneen founded The Center for Relationship Education where Lauren is currently serving as well.   They both use their experience and expert knowledge to help others cultivate healthy dynamics and deeper connections in all their relationships. We're confident you'll find valuable insight from Joneen and Lauren's holiday hindsight and use it as foresight as you navigate your blended family holidays.Who knows?  Maybe you'll get to experience a little more fun as you manage transitions and merge traditions in your blended family — and enjoy a little more magic this year!You'll Discover:Firsthand experiences of divorce, remarriage, and the challenges of blending from the unique perspectives of both mother and daughter Valuable insights into the emotional struggle that kids experience around holiday transitions and traditions - and how you can helpPractical advice to help minimize stress and increase the magic around your holiday celebrationResources from this Episode:Lauren Reitsema's book:  In Their Shoes - Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of DivorceLauren and Joneen's latest book:  Relationship Essentials Episode 40:  Uncover the unspoken feelings of kids in blended families [Special Resource:  In Their Shoes]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/freesessionLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsWe would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast.  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” —we really appreciate your feedback!

Have you ever wondered how personal experiences and hardships can shape and direct someone's career path? Well, you're about to find out from our guest, Lauren Reitsema, President of The Center for Relationship Education. From the ashes of her parents' divorce, she built a career dedicated to helping relationships succeed. A keen student of interpersonal communication strategies, Lauren shares insights deeply rooted in her own experiences and academic pursuits. She divulges a lot about how she observed data and patterns that influence the outcomes of relationships during her study at TCU (Texas Christian University).Join us in a thought-provoking discussion on the role of relationship skills training in educational settings and the barriers that stand in the way. Lauren shares startling data on the rise of depression and anxiety among American teenagers and how preventative relationship skills training can be a game-changer. We also navigate the essential topic of teaching children how to recognize and express their emotions, listen, be assertive, apologize, and ask for forgiveness. It's a conversation that promises to equip parents and adults with tools and resources to better understand their feelings and needs.From Lauren's own motherhood experiences, she gives an invaluable perspective on interdependence and the importance of asking for help. But, she doesn't shy away from talking about the intricacies of parenting. Lauren shares valuable strategies on effective communication, consistency, and responsibility and how these can shape a child's future.You can learn more about Lauren's mission at myrelationshipcenter.org.  And be sure to check out her books, Relationship Essentials and In Their Shoes, too! Get a sneak peek into our new parent coaching series. If you're invested in personal growth, development, and parenting, this is one conversation you wouldn't want to miss.Join our parent community - an awesome group of parents who want the best for their families - families who aren't just settling for the status quo, but want to level up and leave a legacy of true joy and unity! Click to join!Check out our shop for tools that help kids develop healthy relationship skills, from toddler to teen. Consider  a copy of our Kids Guided Journal for those ages 6-12, too! It's a great birthday gift for those last-minute parties. This journal has been getting 5 STAR REVIEWS and you can guarantee it is wholesome material for your kiddo to engage with! SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER Each week we send out 1 email that links to our newest podcast episode and contains a FREE printable that goes with the pod topic. You'll have access to coupons and deals when you receive our email, too! WIN!Support the show

Saddle Up Segments are bite-size, bonus episodes offering one thing that our listeners can do right away to add value to their life. Lauren Reitsema shared the importance of communicating with your child(ren) about the divorce by being certain, sharing the timeline and being as specific with details of what the future will look like. Have the conversation in a neutral place, as it's a conversation that they'll remember forever. Allow your children to feel the pain and their emotions, don't sugar coat the conversation about how things will be better. She also gives some great tips on dating after divorce. You don't want to miss it! Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes and new releases every Tuesday.  Resources: Lauren Reitsema's Facebook Lauren Reitsema's Instagram In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema Lesa Koski Website Lesa's Online CoursesThe Onward app was made for divorced parents to help track, share, and split their children's expenses. Download The Onward App today for iOS or Android!

Today I am so honored to have author and communication specialist Lauren Reitsema on the show. Lauren has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to preparing children for divorce and starting a new relationship post divorce. Lauren gives wonderful advice about talking with children and what information to provide them with as you are in the beginning steps of a divorce. She also talks about the importance of taking ownership and understanding what areas you may have to work on after the divorce, even if it's just 1%. Tune in for tips on how to make a divorce a little bit easier with children.  In this episode: [2:35] Lauren shares how she came to be a communication expert in this field. [6:07] What was the path that Lauren's parents went through during their 2 year separation and what brought them to the decision to divorce? [11:26] Lauren shares her advice for parents telling their children that they are getting a divorce. [17:50] How should you make decisions about dating and introducing children to a dating relationship? [24:14] How can we find hope post divorce that our next relationship will be healthy and successful? [27:09] What does it mean to take ownership in the divorce?  Key Takeaways:  The human spirit wants peace, connection, and a world where everyone is truly being kind and loving well, but very few of us are shown resources on how to do this. Kids want to know, they want to understand what is happening, so be clear to them, give them dates and other concrete information that they can know and be aware of. Hiding it and just continuing on with life without having a conversation on the why leaves the children feeling lost and confused. In order to move forward with life post divorce and even into new relationships, take the time to find ownership in your part of the divorce, and reflect on what you can work on/improve so you are equipped to move on and have a different relationship in the future.  Quotes:  “If you can see those two relationships totally independently, I think you'll have more success. Nurture the romantic context, the romantic adult boundaries as you would, and allow the children to kind of date you as well in their own time, at their own pace, with their own language and core. Because if you immediately project that you care about them like you do for their parent, it's seen in most cases as very dishonest and a little bit presumptuous.” - Lauren Reitsema  “Look at yourself with a very objective lens. Find some people who you can hear hard things from and say, ‘what did I do that contributed to this in a way that I know I need to change before another person enters in' because the other person that you find is not gonna be the magic pill that makes your life harmonious.” - Lauren Reitsema Guest Bio:  Lauren's interest in relationship skills began when her parents divorced after almost 20 years of marriage. Seeking to understand better patterns for her own future legacy, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from TCU. Lauren is the author of In Their Shoes, a book dedicated to helping parents better understand and connect with children of divorce. Her newest book, Relationship Essentials, released November 16th, 2021 and features skills to help people feel heard, fight fair, and set boundaries in all areas of life. Lauren is the Interim President of The Center for Relationship Education, headquartered in Denver, CO, and her vocational speaking experience spans over 20 years. She teaches a variety of relationship skills to teens, adults and corporate teams. She recognizes relationships are one of life's most important assets and energizes a room to prioritize the people in their lives. Resources:  Lauren Reitsema's Facebook Lauren Reitsema's Instagram In Their Shoes by Lauren Reitsema Lesa Koski Website Lesa's Online Courses The Onward app was made for divorced parents to help track, share, and split their children's expenses. Download The Onward App today for iOS or Android!

Parentification is one thing — but Step-Parentification is unique to itself.In this episode, we'll continue our conversation with experts Ron Deal and Lauren Reitsema to discuss the challenges of Step-Parentification.   The reality is that kids whose parent has remarried are now navigating a relationship with a step-parent.  Step-relationships can be tough for everyone involved.And navigating the expectations that come with new or not-yet-established relationships in the home can make any family susceptible to inadvertently slide into unhealthy roles or misplaced boundaries.No loving parent wants that for their kids — and neither does their caring step-parent.That's why it's important for all the adults to be aware of how blended family dynamics can often set the stage for Step-Parentification to emerge.Last week we talked with Ron and Lauren about Parentification, but step-parentification is an additional element we all need to understand so that we can avoid it.We're picking the conversation up right where we left off to help you identify and define healthy step-parent/step-child roles and establish appropriate boundaries in your home.You'll Discover:What "Step-Parentification" is and what it's notThe negative impact of Step-Parentification for kids now and into their futurePractical ways to safeguard your kids and step-kids from the burdens of Step-ParentificationWhat to do if Step-Parentification is going on in your kids' other homeWhat healthy roles and appropriate boundaries look like for a blended familyResources from this Episode:Article:  Your Child Is Not Your Confidant from The Washington PostBook:  In Their Shoes by Lauren ReitsemaBook:  Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary Chapman 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/freesessionLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf 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!

Kids and adults experienced losses in their journey from first family to blended family life.  Of course, we all want to protect our kids, but the reality is those previous losses can place each of us at risk of developing relational dysfunction.This certainly isn't what any caring parent wants to hear……but it's critical for all of us to be aware of how we can inadvertently slide into unhealthy roles with our kids.  Sometimes well meaning, but misplaced boundaries can set the stage for relational dysfunction.One type of dysfunctional result has a name:  Parentification.Whether you've heard about Parentification before or you have no idea what we're talking about, you'll want to pay attention to today's essential discussion with our expert guests.Ron Deal and Lauren Reitsema are joining us in this episode to talk about what Parentification actually is, the ramifications of this dysfunction, and how to protect your kids by preserving their childhood.This is an informative conversation with deep insight that will help you identify and define healthy parent/child roles and establish appropriate boundaries in your home.You'll Discover:What "Parentification" is and what it's notThe negative impact of Parentification for kids now and into their futurePractical ways to safeguard your kids from the burdens of ParentificationWhat to do if Parentification is going on in your kids' other homeWhat healthy roles and appropriate boundaries look like for a blended familyResources from this Episode:Book:  In Their Shoes by Lauren ReitsemaBook:  Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary ChapmanEpisode 99:  3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guilt and RegretReady 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/freesessionLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsWe 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!

When complicated circumstances show up in blended families, relationship-building slows down. Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Darrell Bock about how the death of his mom when he was a teenager, a dad who traveled weekly with work, and a new stepmom with three kids created tension and uneasiness for everyone. Show Notes and Resources Blended & Blessed information and registration Get your copy of Lauren Reitsema's book, In Their Shoes. Get your copy of Building Love Together in Blended Families Buy a copy of The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning Send a tax deductible gift for FamilyLife Blended. Please email blendedquestions@familylife.com or call with a question for a future podcast at 407-826-2606.

In the United States, one in six children live in a blended home. And although it's prevalent, merging families is not easy. Lauren Reitsema will help you see divorce through your child's eyes and strengthen your blended family.

Lauren Reitsema experienced divorce first-hand when her parents separated after almost 20 years of marriage. Drawing from her own experience, Lauren will help parents and stepparents uncover common points of grief and loss for children after divorce. And, she'll offer helpful advice for building a stronger blended family. Book by guest: In Their Shoes: Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce.

Lauren Reitsema experienced divorce first-hand when her parents separated after almost 20 years of marriage. Drawing from her own experience, Lauren will help parents and stepparents uncover common points of grief and loss for children after divorce. And, she'll offer helpful advice for building a stronger blended family. Receive the book "In Their Shoes" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-daily-broadcast-product-2022-06-03?refcd=1419602 Get more episode resources: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/staying-connected-with-your-child-after-divorce/#featured-resource-cta If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Would you like your kids to hear helpful advice from several experts about their blended family struggles? This podcast is for you! Listen for yourself first, then with your child—young or old—to encourage dialogue about their feelings that can help build a bridge for long-term relationship building. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Lauren Reitsema. Get Lauren's book, In Their Shoes. Learn more about Gayla Grace. Get Gayla's book, Step Parenting with Grace. Stepfamily Therapy Providers Leave us a voicemail review; you might hear it on a show! 407-826-2606 Get the Blended & Blessed Digital All-Access Pass

The more tools we can access to improve our relationships the better. We're big fans of actionable tips that you can begin to apply to your relationship immediately. Today's episode is full of things you can implement now to start improving your relationship right away! In this episode with Joneen Mackenzie and Lauren Reitsema we discuss relationship advice topics that include: The keys to productive communication starting with how to understand what it is you need to communicate and why.  How to respond to your partner rather than react Dealing with stress and anger as you communicate The importance of committing to good intentions in your relationship How to set boundaries and why it's a key component of a successful relationship And much more! For more information on our guest, and for the episode links visit: https://idopodcast.com/341 Sign up for our 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge here: 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge Do you want to hear more on this topic? Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group here: Love Tribe Sponsors Feeld: Dating for humans. Feeld is the alternative dating platform for couples and singles, open to all genders and sexual identities. Download the app here: https://feeld.onelink.me/TRZt/Radvice Care/Of: Find the right vitamins, protein and collagen, personalized for you. For 50% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter code ido50. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that will assess your needs and match you with your own licensed professional therapist. Start living a happier life today and get 10% off  your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/IDO. Ritual vitamins contain only the nutrients you need, in forms your body can actually use. Committed to creating the purest, most effective formulations for everyday health, Ritual is offering our listeners 10% off your first three months by visiting ritual.com/ido. Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. 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

Lauren Reitsema's interest in relationship skills began when her parents divorced after almost 20 years. Seeking to understand better patterns for her own future, she earned a Bachelor in Communication from TCU. She's the author of In Their Shoes, a book dedicated to helping parents better understand and connect with children of divorce. She has been a speaker for over 15 years, teaching a variety of relationship skills to youth, adults and corporate teams. Lauren, her husband, Josh, and their three children are avid skiers, outdoor enthusiasts and Broncos' fans living in Colorado. Lauren's mom, Joneen Mackenzie, is an RN and former first lieutenant in the USAF Nurse Corps. She founded the Center for Relationship Education, which has certified more than 15,000 educators. She participates in national public health standards policy through many board memberships. She and Lauren are the co-authors of the book, Relationship Essentials: Skills to Feel Heard, Fight Fair, and Set Boundaries in All Areas of Life. In this episode of Last First Date Radio: Relationship tools from the book, Relationship Essentials How we can reconnect a world divided post-pandemic Why setting boundaries is an act of kindness How “being interested makes you interesting” Why fighting is a natural and healthy part of life Tools for handling conflict effectively http://myrelationshipcenter.org ►Please subscribe/rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts http://bit.ly/lastfirstdateradio ►If you're feeling stuck in dating and relationships and would like to find your last first date, sign up for a complimentary 1/2 hour breakthrough session with Sandy https://lastfirstdate.com/application ►Join Your Last First Date on Facebook https://facebook.com/groups/yourlastfirstdate ►Get a copy of Sandy's book, Becoming a Woman of Value; How to Thrive in Life and Love https://bit.ly/womanofvaluebook ►This episode is brought to you by Amazon Music Unlimited. For a limited time, get it for FREE for 30 days. Go to getamazonmusic.com/lastfirstdate to learn more and claim this offer. ►Want to be coached on the show? Fill out an application here: https://bit.ly/LFDradiocoaching ► FREE download: “Top 10 Reasons Why Men Suddenly Pull Away” → http://bit.ly/whymendisappear ►Join the Woman of Value Club https://lastfirstdate.com/the-woman-of-value-club/ ►Website → https://lastfirstdate.com/ ►Twitter → https://twitter.com/lastfirstdate1 ► Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lastfirstdate1/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sandy-weiner9/message

Inner Voice – a Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan on KMET 1490 AM / ABC News Radio.  In this segment- Relationship Essentials- Dr. Foojan shares the Tip of the Week about receiving, experiencing, and expressing love. She chats with Lauren Reitsema and Joneen Mackenzie, the co-authors of “Relationship Essentials – Skills to Feel Heard, Fight Fair, and Set Boundaries in all areas of Life”, and founders of the Center for Relationship Education. Lauren serves on the executive leadership team at CRE (Center for Relationship Education). The author of "In Their Shoes", regularly speaks to youths, adults, and corporate teams. Joneen, an RN and former 1st Lt. in the USAF Nurse Corps founded CRE, which has certified more than 15,000 educators in its REAL Essentials relationship skills curricula. She participates in national public health standards policy through numerous board memberships. www.MyRelationshipCenter.org.

When it comes to loss, our children experience a prolonged healing timeframe due to their inability to fully process the events unfolding around them. Their grief often extends into adulthood, and is something they continually revisit as they develop emotionally and cognitively. Lauren Reitsema shares how to walk with your children through their grief & how to talk to kids about divorce in ways that are appropriate for their age. She also discusses how to encourage grief and rebuild trust with a child, to help them develop strength despite the difficult things they face. Check out Lauren's book, In Their Shoes: Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce Connect with Lauren at The Center for Relationship Education What's Your Stress Style? Take the Quiz Join PlusONE Parents on Facebook and Instagram, and check out the Beloved Collective private Facebook group. Discover more at PlusONEParents.org RECOMMENDED EPISODES E98- Never Alone: Parenting in the Power of the Holy Spirit with Jeannie Cunnion E95- Raising Kids Who Bounce Back with Dr. Rhonda Spencer- Hwang

You want a happy, peaceful, fun holiday this year, right?But maybe the misunderstandings, complex calendar, or someone's attitude threatens to get in the way.Blending holiday traditions is just one of many challenges we experience in stepfamily life.In this episode, we're talking with Joneen Mackenzie and Lauren Reitsema about their personal story with blending holiday traditions.  They're a mother-daughter duo who teach the essential skills of building healthy relationships.Lauren is the author of In Their Shoes — a book where she shares her experiences of living through her parent's divorce and later their remarriages.  Lauren and Joneen share meaningful insight and practical strategies to creating more connection through the holidays - and MUCH more!You'll Discover:Firsthand experiences of divorce, remarriage and the challenges of blending from mother and daughter Valuable insights into the emotional struggle that kids experience around holiday traditionsHow to navigate transitions in a way that honors your kids — and eases tensionWhy empathy is critical to a healthy blend — especially around the holidaysPractical advice to minimize stress and increase the magic around your holiday celebrationResources from this Episode:Lauren Reitsema's book:  In Their Shoes - Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of DivorceLauren and Joneen's latest book:  Relationship Essentials - Skills to Feel Heard, Fight Fair and Set Boundaries in All Areas of LifeEpisode 40:  Uncover the unspoken feelings of kids in blended families [Special Resource:  In Their Shoes]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/freesessionSubscribe 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 PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf 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!

Today, our expert guests are Lauren Reitsema and Joneen Mackenzie. Lauren serves on the executive leadership team at The Center for Relationship Education and is the author of In Their Shoes. She's well-known for her keynote presentations across all audiences, engaging with youth, adults, and corporate teams. The Center for Relationship Education was founded by Joneen Mackenzie, registered nurse and former first lieutenant in the US Air Force Nurse Corps. She founded CRE, which has certified over 15,000 educators in REAL Essentials curriculum, and she participates in national public health standards policy. At the beginning of her journey, Joneen was shocked to learn that literature and established research on successful relationships even existed. After twenty years and four children, her marriage had fallen apart. If she had known these skills, she believes she could have prevented such a massive disruption to her family. Her daughter took that experience to college and entered into an interpersonal communications class, freshman year. She realized, then and there, that her life goal was not going to be tied to what she did with her life, but how she changed the legacy of relational health. Some of the most common relationship advice you hear is to communicate better, but talking isn't enough. Communication is complex. Joneen and Lauren have developed the “Three C's” to check that you are communicating effectively: Content: Truly understand the message you want to convey. Context: The setting you're in impacts the communication. Connection: If you're not connecting, you are failing at communicating.   Relationships can be challenging. We shouldn't be expected to get it right without tools, practice, and knowledge. Those tools are out there, it's up to us to use them.   The Biggest Helping: Today's Most Important Takeaway “The key to health and happiness is the quality of your relationships.” “We're all in this together. Every one of us has seasons of relationships that are fantastic, and the very next minute you're in a rut and wondering, How did I get here? If you have the right tools then when things go south, you just go get the tools and you fix it. Nothing's going to happen magically without getting your hands on those tools.” -- Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.   Resources: myrelationshipcenter.org Read: Relationship Essentials The Daily Helping is produced by Crate Media

We are so excited to share this week's episode, “Processing Grief with Your Children After Divorce”, with Lauren Reitsema. Lauren's interest in relationship skills began when her parents divorced after almost 20 years of marriage. Seeking to understand better patterns for her own future legacy, she earned a Bachelor in Communication from TCU. Lauren is the author of In Their Shoes, a book dedicated to helping parents better understand and connect with children of divorce. Her second book, titled Relationship Essentials, is scheduled to be released this coming November. Lauren's vocational speaking experience spans over 15 years, teaching a variety of relationship skills to youth, adults, and corporate teams. Lauren recognizes relationships are one of life's most important assets and energizes a room to prioritize the people in their lives. She and her husband, Josh, love adventures with their three children. All Colorado natives are avid skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Broncos' fans.In this episode, we discuss:Connecting with your children after divorceThe role of counseling after a divorceHow grief can manifest in your childThe role of community as you and your children healLauren's book, In Their ShoesAnd more!This podcast is available on all major podcast platforms! You can also find our podcast on our website at www.blendedkingdomfamilies.com. Be sure to subscribe to never miss an episode!! We pray that this podcast blesses you today! #blendedkingdomfamilies #restoredfamilymovementLauren's socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenreitsema/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurenreitsema/Lauren's book:https://www.amazon.com/Their-Shoes-Helping-Understand-Children-ebook/dp/B07PZVCDBY

Did you know married couples who create stepfamilies experience their honeymoon at the end of raising their blended kids? Say what? Yep! There's truth about the timing of the honeymoon!  Blended families are complex. When couples come together, the blended roadmap is fraught with unforeseen dangers!  Honeymoons can be cut short or delayed. Listen in to learn more.  Need coaching guidance right now?  Email me at hello@stepfamilypodcast.comJoin me in welcoming my entertaining guests, Mike & Kristine Stensland, to the Bluff today!What do black bears have in common with stepfamilies?“The sudden presence of a male bear can precipitate family breakup. At first, the mother is torn between her yearlings and the persistent male, but within a day after family breakup, she will chase her yearlings away whenever she encounters them." Has this happened in your blend?Becoming a blended family is a journey, not an event — blending.love creates a customized map of your blended family and connects you to practical resources to help you avoid frustrating wrong turns along your journey. Mike & Kristine are experienced blenders with 4 kiddos between them.  After launching their last blended kid off to college, they were empty nesters for 8 days before the pandemic impacted the norm and their son returned home.BIOLOGY MATTERS! Listen in to hear Mike's experience with being a 'fake dad' to his stepsons.I highly recommend this book we referenced Lauren Reitsema's Book, In Their Shoes.Hope and Healing can be found through attending Divorce Care. Details about divorce recovery 13 week program can be found here.Pastors & Church Leaders - Are you seeking guidance on how to minister to your church stepfamilies?  Email me at hello@stepfamilypodcast.com for details on establishing group programs!Looking for more resources?  Check out stepfamilypodcast.com today to find links to Masterminds, more podcasts, and coaching.

- A San Diego Charity for Trafficked Teens is Suing after the State is Refusing to License Them Because they Adhere to Biblical Views on Abortion and Gender - Male Nanny has been Charged with Molesting 17 Boys Under His Care - LAUREN REITSEMA: In Their Shoes - Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce - Why Did a Grad Student Starting Receiving Hate Mail after His Doctoral Dissertation Confirmed that 96% of Biologist Agree that Life Begins at Fertilization? - DEVON STILL: Still In The Game