In this episode, we're getting real about something that so many blended family parents struggle with: permissive parenting driven by guilt, fear, or insecurity.

Kim opens up about her personal journey as a single mom, how her guilt and fear led her to parent from a place of pity, and how that impacted her daughter, Annika.

We’re also diving into the difference between pity and empathy and how embracing authoritative parenting—rooted in love and limits—can shift everything for your family.

Whether you're a parent stuck in emotional reactivity or a stepparent struggling to support your spouse, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical insight, and next steps to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

You'll Discover:

• The surprising ways guilt, fear, and insecurity can lead to permissive parenting and the negative impact on kids
• How pity and empathy differ and why it matters for your child’s development
• What authoritative parenting looks like and why it's the most healthy and effective style
• Real-life examples of how blended family dynamics impact parenting decisions and often create stress
• How to begin shifting your mindset and reclaiming your parental authority so that you can be the kind of leader your kids really need

Resources from this Episode:

• CLICK HERE to continue learning and growing in your parenting journey
• Parenting Style Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?
• Episode 99. 3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret
• Episode 179. Conquer Fear and Embrace Your Blend with Confidence and Clarity
• Episode 180. Break Free from Guilt and Blend with Authenticity and Security
• Episode 209. Breaking Free from Self-Doubt: 5 Habits to Build Confidence and Trust in Yourself
• Episode 189. Bring Hope to the Realities of Grief: A Path to Understanding and Healing [with Krista St-Germain]
• 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/freesession

Subscribe or Follow the Show

Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, do that today so you don't miss a single episode.

Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Click here to follow on Spotify

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