We know how heartbreaking it can be when your child starts pulling away from you. It can leave you wondering if your ex is negatively influencing them behind the scenes. We’ve lived it.

In this deeply personal episode, we open up about the painful season we went through with Kim’s daughter, Annika. We talk through how to recognize the signs of manipulation, avoid common parenting missteps, and respond in ways that protect your child’s emotional well-being. All while preserving your connection.

Plus, we share the powerful strategy we call “the pebble in the shoe” and how it can shift distorted narratives over time and help your child embrace the truth.

If it seems like you're living under a black cloud, and you're feeling discouraged or defeated, there is hope. You’re not alone, and your story isn't over.

You'll Discover:

• How to identify subtle signs that your co-parent may be manipulating your child — and how you can respond effectively
• Helpful ways to communicate with a hurt, angry, rejecting, distant child.
• A powerful strategy (“the pebble in the shoe”) to gently counter misinformation without escalating conflict
• The importance of remaining steady and staying connected even when your child is distancing themselves from you

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love
• Article by Dr. Bob Evans: 17 Primary Alienation Strategies
• 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: Parenting Under Fire - How to Communicate with Your Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant Child
• Episode 195. Connecting with Kim's HARD Child - Facing the Challenges of Parental Alienation
• Episode 161. How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]
• 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 175. 8 Tips to Protect Kids From Stress and Tension When Moving Between Homes
• Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids

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

We would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts. Your review will help others find our podcast.

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

Resources

Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love

Episode 207. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules and How to Build Consistency

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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

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 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!

This one hits close to home for us.

In this episode, we’re opening up about a painful season in our parenting journey when Kim’s daughter began pulling away from our home and requesting to spend more time at her dad’s. We know how confusing, heartbreaking, and disorienting this can be, especially for blended families with limited time together.

That’s why we’re sharing 3 essential tips that can help you manage yourself in a tough parenting moment, retain connection with your child, and respond in a healthy, constructive way. You’re not alone—and there is a path forward.

You'll Discover:

• The emotional impact of watching a child distance themselves from you - and how to manage your emotions and reactions.
• How to ask powerful, curious questions that open the door to connection and uncover what's under the surface.
• Why validation can change the tone of any tough parenting conversation.
• A practical way to co-create one new action step with your child, without caving in to their requests.
• The truth about whether kids “get to choose” where they live at a certain age.

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 184. The Heart of Motherhood: Navigating Messy Moments with Empathy and Love (emotional regulation)
• Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
• Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids

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

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!

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