This week, Jyl and I dive deep into the complexities of blended family life, mental health, and health struggles. I open up about my ongoing battle with chronic pain and the decision to undergo a hysterectomy, as well as how my journey with health impacts my family dynamics. I also share a raw and honest update on where things currently stand in my relationship with lil J.We explore how life often throws unexpected curveballs and how we adjust, even when things don’t go to plan. From the highs and lows of motherhood and stepmotherhood to the importance of knowing your limits, this episode is packed with personal stories, reflection, and a whole lot of real talk.Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that will leave you reflecting on your own experiences and the chaos that is life.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_creatorJyl:https://jylbarlow.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jylbarlow?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations
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48:43
When Your (Step) Kid is Just an A$$hole
Toni and Jyl unpack the highs and lows of blended family life, sharing practical advice for step-parents, bio-parents, and anyone navigating the complexities of a blended home. They explore the importance of one-on-one time with kids, maintaining strong emotional connections, and coping with transitions—both in family and in life. Jyl also opens up about the challenges of marketing her book after the loss of her mum, and the emotional layers of her relationship with her stepdaughter. This episode offers heartfelt insight and inspiration for anyone juggling family, grief, and growth.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_creator Jyl:https://jylbarlow.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jylbarlow?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-his-kids/donations
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58:05
If Easter Felt Like a Shitshow...
Easter in a blended family isn’t always sunshine, chocolate, and matching bunny ears. Sometimes it’s tears, tension, and total exhaustion. In this solo episode, I’m sharing a voice-note-style chat straight from the heart—for anyone whose Easter felt heavy, overwhelming, or just a bit off. We’re talking last-minute plan changes, forgotten bags, overstimulated kids, being left out of family lunches, and the emotional whiplash that comes with holidays in a blended home. And if this year actually felt peaceful for you? I’m celebrating that too. Take a deep breath, pop your headphones in, and let this be the little bit of validation you didn’t know you needed.Follow & Support me 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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4:39
Through the Eyes of A Kid With Two Homes
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
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!
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New Zealand