This week, I’m joined by Bella Duncan, the inspiring voice behind A Kid With Two Homes. Bella’s parents separated when she was just three years old, and for over 20 years she’s lived the reality of growing up between two homes. Now, with degrees in law and psychology, she uses her story to advocate for kids navigating family separation and to help co-parents truly understand the child’s perspective.In this episode, Bella shares what it was like growing up with two homes and the emotional weight of not wanting to hurt either parent. She opens up about the guilt that would creep in during everyday moments—like when a kid on the playground would ask which house she liked better—and speaks candidly about what she wishes her parents had done differently so she didn’t feel caught in the middle of their divorce.This is a powerful conversation about empathy, reflection, and doing better for the next generation of kids living in blended or separated families.🔗 Connect with Bella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akidwithtwohomes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://linktr.ee/akidwithtwohomes?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f0e0d38b-9cbe-4507-95b2-1f9f5f6484d6 📲 Learn more: https://www.akidwithtwohomes.com/Follow & Support:Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbqFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/56nZsJ1M4e7NumVf/?mibextid=adzO7lFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisinghiskids?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghiskids?igsh=eG9nOXNuZTR3MjdlThreads: https://www.threads.net/@raisinghiskidsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisinghiskids?_t=8mbr7JFEBAc&_r=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RaisingHisKids?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations
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1:08:03
Co-Parenting in Harmony with Carissa
In this episode, I sit down with Carissa, the founder of Co-Parenting in Harmony, a Facebook group dedicated to helping women find peace in their co-parenting journey. Carissa is preparing to marry her fiancé and blend families with his 19-year-old twins, all while raising her 9-year-old child. We discuss the challenges of introducing a new partner to your kids, setting boundaries as a step-parent, and the emotional complexities of co-parenting with a difficult ex. Carissa shares her journey to reduce conflict in her life and helps others do the same through her support group.If you're navigating the ups and downs of co-parenting or step-parenting, this episode is for you! 📌 Check out Co-Parenting in Harmony on Facebook to connect with others seeking peace in their co-parenting relationships. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AAF5fdg64/Follow & Support Raising His Kids Here:Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbqFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/56nZsJ1M4e7NumVf/?mibextid=adzO7lFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisinghiskids?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghiskids?igsh=eG9nOXNuZTR3MjdlThreads: https://www.threads.net/@raisinghiskidsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisinghiskids?_t=8mbr7JFEBAc&_r=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RaisingHisKids?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations
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55:46
Stepping Back, Setting Boundaries and Blending with an Ours Baby or Two
Blended family life isn’t always smooth sailing, and today’s guest, Erika, knows that firsthand. In this episode, she opens up about the reality of step-parenting with a high-conflict bio mum in the mix, the challenges of co-parenting, and why she chose to disengage to protect her peace. We also talk about adding an ‘ours’ baby into the dynamic—how it shifted relationships, what she wishes she had known beforehand, and how she’s making it work. If you’re a stepmother struggling with boundaries, co-parenting drama, or just trying to find balance in it all, this episode is for you! Follow & Support:Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbqFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/56nZsJ1M4e7NumVf/?mibextid=adzO7lFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisinghiskids?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghiskids?igsh=eG9nOXNuZTR3MjdlThreads: https://www.threads.net/@raisinghiskidsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisinghiskids?_t=8mbr7JFEBAc&_r=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RaisingHisKids?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations
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1:11:02
Cyclone Alfred The Storm and the Co-Parenting Chaos
Co-parenting is already challenging, but when a natural disaster hits, everything gets thrown into chaos. In this episode, I’m joined by Bekks to unpack what it was like co-parenting through Cyclone Alfred—navigating custody changes, safety concerns, and high-stress communication with an ex while trying to keep the kids safe. We also share listener stories from parents who had to make tough calls, stand their ground, or face unexpected co-parenting conflicts when disaster struck. Because when the storm hits, the challenges don’t just come from the weather. Tune in for real talk, real experiences, and the lessons learned from co-parenting through a natural disaster.Follow & Support:Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbqFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/56nZsJ1M4e7NumVf/?mibextid=adzO7lFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisinghiskids?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghiskids?igsh=eG9nOXNuZTR3MjdlThreads: https://www.threads.net/@raisinghiskidsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisinghiskids?_t=8mbr7JFEBAc&_r=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RaisingHisKids?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorBekks: https://www.instagram.com/rebekkahlouise?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations
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38:37
Raising Her Kids The Chronicles of a Solo Mum by Choice
In this episode of Raising His Kids, I sit down with Sally, a solo mum by choice, to talk about her incredible journey from co-parenting challenges, to choosing to become a solo mum by choice and everything in between.Sally first became a mum after escaping a DV relationship and navigating a complex custody arrangement with her ex. Over the years, she’s faced financial struggles, co-parenting manipulation, and medical disagreements while working hard to protect her son’s well-being. Now, as her nearly 16-year-old son starts forming his own opinions—and potentially his first job—we dive into how this impacts visitation and their evolving dynamic.Sally also shares how she later chose to grow her family through IVF, the emotional and financial realities of solo motherhood, and the unexpected gift of connecting with her youngest child’s donor siblings. This conversation is raw, insightful, and packed with wisdom for anyone navigating solo parenting, high-conflict co-parenting, or blended family complexities.Topics we cover:🔹 The challenges of co-parenting with a manipulative and financially absent ex🔹 Managing a child’s expectations of a parent who isn’t showing up🔹 The realities of IVF and solo motherhood—costs, time, and emotional toll🔹 Navigating teen independence, first jobs, and changing visitation schedules🔹 Connecting with donor siblings and redefining what ‘family’ meansThis is an episode you don’t want to miss!👉 Listen now and let me know your thoughts! Follow & Support:Sally: https://www.instagram.com/twoboys.onegirl.andmum?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbqFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/56nZsJ1M4e7NumVf/?mibextid=adzO7lFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/raisinghiskids?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghiskids?igsh=eG9nOXNuZTR3MjdlThreads: https://www.threads.net/@raisinghiskidsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisinghiskids?_t=8mbr7JFEBAc&_r=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RaisingHisKids?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations
Co-parenting is hard, being a mum is hard, and being a stepmother is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles a woman can take on—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Welcome to Raising His Kids, the podcast dedicated to all mothers in blended families, hosted by Toni, a stepmum and bio mum.As someone who experiences blended family life from both sides—as a biological mum and a stepmum—Toni offers a unique perspective on the complexities of this roller coaster. A domestic violence survivor who’s faced the chaos firsthand, she shares raw, honest, and relatable insights into the challenges of navigating relationships with high-conflict exes, blending families, and finding balance in the midst of it all. Each week, you’ll find practical advice, real-life stories, and a supportive community that understands the highs and lows of Raising His Kids—whether that be as the bio mum or the stepmum. Toni isn’t afraid to talk about the hard stuff—because she’s lived it—and she’s passionate about empowering biological mothers and stepmothers alike to thrive and find security in their roles within the children’s lives. Whether you’re new to this life or a seasoned co-parenting mum or stepmum, grab your coffee or wine and join Toni for candid conversations about what it means to embrace blended family chaos with grace and humour. Subscribe now to Raising His Kids on your favourite podcast app, and if you love what you hear, leave a five-star review. Let’s tackle this blended family roller coaster together!
New Zealand