Thanks for listening in today to my conversation with Maria Natapov, a seasoned stepparenting expert. We focus on the complex world of blending families post-divorce. Maria shares invaluable insights on navigating the ambiguity of stepparenting roles, emphasizing the importance of patience, observation, and taking cues from children. We discuss aligning with the biological parent to present a united front, fostering connections over imposing discipline, and creating an environment where children feel comfortable and authentic.

Maria also offers practical advice on introducing new partners, advocating for transparency and emotional support for children. Together, we explore the need to understand and address children’s feelings, avoiding rushed decisions in forming new family dynamics. Drawing from her personal experience and professional expertise, Maria provides a roadmap for stepparents to navigate their roles effectively while promoting stability and healthy relationships.

About the Guest:

Maria Natapov is a Stepparenting Expert and Trusted Advisor to Divorce Professionals, Financial Advisors, and Parenting Coaches. Maria offers a caring and playful coaching approach, empowering clients to blend their families with joy and confidence. As a daughter of divorced immigrant parents and a stepparent herself, she understands the unique communication challenges in blended families and the importance of innovative support systems. Using her signature 4-step energy-focused process and Rapid Resolution Therapy, Maria helps stepparents and divorced parents transition from chaos to harmony. She strengthens caregivers’ values, fosters partner alignment, and builds trust with stepchildren. Maria has supported numerous families through her VIP Stepparenting Breakthrough model and her podcast, Synergistic Stepparenting. Learn more at SynergisticStepparenting.com.

For Maria’s gift: Family Fusion: 6 Steps to Collaborative Co-Parenting https://SynergisticStepparenting.com/subscribe

To connect with Maria :

Website: https://SynergisticStepparenting.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/synergisticstepparenting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.natapov/

About the Host:

Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified High Conflict Divorce Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce.

Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test".

Connect with Mardi on Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/

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