Small shifts in communication can change everything. Try this today:Before responding to your partner, pause and ask yourself—👉 “Am I trying to understand or trying to prove a point?” That one question can completely change how the conversation goes. Engagement Question:Which one do you tend to lean toward more (if you’re honest)? Understanding or proving your point?

I often use the phrase "alignment" when talking about parenting. It's not meant to mean agreeing on everything single thing. In fact, our differences can be our strengths. If everyone had the identical opinion, life would be boring! I'm curious what alignment looks like in your home?

What's one thing your partner does well as a parent/stepparent (or is trying to do well)? It can be something big or really small. Sometimes we move so fast into problem-solving that we forget to notice what's already working.

One of my favorite movies is The Sound of Music. As the new nanny, Julie Andrews begins to teach the children how to sing. The first line of a well-known song says, "Let's start at the very beginning" and one of the children replies, "A very good place to start." For stepparents wanting to bond with their stepchildren, the "very beginning" may feel like very surface level communication, but it is a very good place to start. When adults push for the blend too quickly, the children may shut down or rebel. A few tips for "the beginning..." - Gently lean in on topics such as the child's hobbies, sports, or other interests without being overbearing - Instead of "How was school?" - which will get you a one word answer - ask how their science test went or if they looked into joining the journalism club they mentioned an interest in - Be open to following their lead. If they aren't ready for deeper conversations, be patient and let the relationship grow. Most importantly, the type of communication you are used to may be slightly to completely different from that of your partner and his/her children. It takes time to navigate even surface -level relationships that are new. What other tips would you share with new stepcouples when it comes to communication within the family?

Communication is such a huge topic to cover and this week we're just tapping into the basics. I've observed so many couples trying to communicate well, but they aren't using both lanes on the road. They are sharing their thought or opinions, but they aren't listening well ... it's a two-way street and you have to use both sides for the conversation to be effective. LISTENING is becoming a lost art. We're so used to sound bites and text messaging with quick responses, that we aren't actually getting into the heart of the matter. Go check out "The 5 Stages of Active Listening" over in the "Communication" classroom. Afterwards, comment below which of the 5 stages resonated most with you? Are you great at #1? Practicing #4? Or Click here: https://www.skool.com/our-blended-home-7523/classroom/2c2d9e7a?md=fc0cbb0986a943e4a9fa9cde53361a92