120: My Stepkids Keep Pushing Me Away with Mindy Kyle

Do you feel like your stepkids keep pushing you away, no matter how hard you try? In this episode, we're talking about rejection, emotional distance, teenage stepkids, and the painful reality many stepmoms face when connection in blended family life feels one-sided.

I'm joined by Mindy Kyle, Certified Parenting with Purpose and Certified Stepfamily Coach, who has spent more than 16 years helping stepmoms navigate boundaries, burnout, and complicated family dynamics. Together, we unpack what's really happening during the teen years- and why forcing connection often creates even more distance.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why stepteens pull away (and why it's not always personal)

• The hidden pressure stepmoms put on themselves to "fix" the relationship

• How your emotional energy impacts connection more than constant effort

• A powerful mindset shift that helps stepmoms stop chasing connection and start building it naturally

If you've been feeling hurt, rejected, or emotionally exhausted trying to connect with your stepteen, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone, and that a healthier connection is still possible.

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• Stepfamily Circle Membership – A supportive community for stepmoms who want help navigating conversations with stepkids, partners, and exes - without losing themselves in the process. Inside, you'll find coaching, real-life examples, and space to practice these conversations so you're not guessing anymore.

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