331: Blended: Between Two Homes ~ Summer Butler

In this episode, host Lori Sims welcomes returning guest Summer Butler to discuss her newly released resource, "Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes." Aimed primarily at preteens but helpful for children as young as seven, this workbook-style guide was born out of Summer's direct experience coaching children in blended families. She shares how the book helps kids navigate loyalty conflicts, big emotions, family transitions, and communication between homes, especially in situations where one parent doesn't consent to outside help. Lori and Summer dive into common challenges for children split between homes, including feeling stuck in the middle, hiding their true emotions, and managing shifting boundaries and rules. Summer explains how the workbook includes journaling prompts and activities to help kids process their feelings, build connections with stepparents, and set healthy boundaries. They touch on the lasting impact loyalty binds can have, even into adulthood, and the importance of not putting children in the middle of parental conflict. Summer also announces her upcoming children's book for younger kids, "Mallie's Two Homes and a Deer Named Darla," which will come with a stuffed deer as a comfort object to help little ones transition between homes. Throughout the episode, Lori and Summer provide real-life examples, discuss communication tips for parents and stepparents, and emphasize the need for compassionate, child-centered approaches in blended families. Check out Summer's resources for both young children and parents seeking to foster healthier blended family dynamics. For more information and to pre-order the new book and workbook, visit: blendedbookco.com