Best Mike Brignac Podcasts (2025)

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222. Step-by-Step Guide: Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things Worse (Part 1) 24:45

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4d ago24:45

24:45

We know that pushback moments can sting. Eye rolls, refusals, accusations, or shutting down are all things kids in blended families can tend to do. It’s easy for parents and stepparents to appease, minimize, deflect, control, try to 'fix-it' or simply avoid pushback (we’ve done it too). In this two-part series, we act as your guides and name the re…

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Simple Step: What Does It Take To Build Mutual Respect with a Child 7:14

11d ago7:14

7:14

Resources Episode 221. Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. …

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221. It’s Never Too Late: Rebuilding Trust and Connection After Years of Pain [with Chad and Jdele Brignac] 1:06:47

18d ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Blended family couples often carry unprocessed pain and can slip into patterns of “autopilot", which fuels disconnection and discouragement. Chad and Jdele Brignac know this firsthand. After merging their families, they hoped for “Brady Bunch” magic. Instead, they spent 17 years in deep grief and survival mode as unexamined patterns collided. In th…

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Simple Step: Avoid Side-Stepping and Create Real Unity 7:30

25d ago7:30

7:30

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us…

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220. From Marginalized to Mainstream: How to Reclaim Confidence for Your Blended Family 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Have you ever experienced an awkward "stepfamily moment" in public? Like when someone notices that you and your child have different last names or makes assumptions about your family dynamics? We've experienced plenty of those moments in our blended family journey, and it doesn't feel very good. In today’s conversation, we address the experience of…

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Simple Step: Why Everyone Needs a Community 7:36

1M ago7:36

7:36

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Blending Together Community Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the…

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219. From Chaos to Clarity: A Proven Strategy for Leading Your Blended Family 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

Over our 24 years of blending, we’ve discovered that every couple needs a clear strategy to get unstuck and move toward the family future they really want. In this conversation, we share a proven approach to aligning around your family's goals, creating a values-based parenting approach, and avoiding the common pitfalls that lead to chaos, resentme…

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Simple Step: Building Real Partnership 7:33

2M ago7:33

7:33

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us…

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218. How to Positively Influence Your Kids' Character When Your Ex Undermines Your Values 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

If you’ve ever felt like the values you’re trying to instill in your kids get undone the moment they step into the other home, you’re not alone. We’ve been there—and we know how discouraging it can feel. In this episode, we share a powerful tool we first learned from Ron Deal called the Inoculation Strategy. It’s a simple, practical way to prepare …

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Simple Step: How does your past impact your present? 7:31

2M ago7:31

7:31

Resources Surviving & Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships by Patricia Papernow Episode 217. Feeling Overwhelmed and Powerless? How to Regain Hope with Tools that Heal [with EJ and Tarah Kerwin] Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences Episode 206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Ensure a Successful Par…

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217. Feeling Overwhelmed and Powerless? How to Regain Hope with Tools that Heal [with EJ & Tarah Kerwin] 1:03:48

2M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

If you’ve ever wondered why blending a family feels so hard—even when you're "doing everything right"—this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, we connect with EJ and Tarah Kerwin—professional therapists and co-founders of the Relationship Renovation Counseling Center—who open up about the very real and very raw struggles they faced when th…

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Simple Step: Don't Believe Everything You Think 5:16

3M ago5:16

5:16

Resources Episode 36. How to Change Your "Stories" and Grow Connection [with Mark Warren] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need s…

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216. Ten Kids, One Pandemic, and a Marriage on the Brink: Wes and Jennie’s Empowering Breakthrough 34:31

3M ago34:31

34:31

If you're feeling stuck in a blended family marriage that’s filled with constant conflict, emotional disconnection, or overwhelming stress, you're not alone—and you're not without hope. Wes and Jennie were right where you are. Ten kids, a new marriage, and the chaos of the pandemic had pushed them into survival mode. Their arguments were frequent a…

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Simple Step: Choosing Love When it Matter's Most 7:46

3M ago7:46

7:46

Resources Episode 215. Does Your Relationship Feel Hopeless? Why Giving Up Might Not Be the Answer The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Episode 155. How to Easily Enjoy Meaningful Conversations and More Connection with Your Spouse [with Jennifer Zumbiel] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer you…

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215. Does Your Relationship Feel Hopeless? Why Giving Up Might Not Be the Answer 39:24

3M ago39:24

39:24

In this important episode, we’re talking to the spouse who feels stuck, discouraged, or even ready to throw in the towel. We get it. We’ve been there too. We’re diving into a powerful resource: Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away. We’ll unpack four painful myths that keep couples stuck and explore six powerfu…

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Simple Step: Empowered Parenting 9:05

4M ago9:05

9:05

Resources Episode 214. Does Permissive Parenting Help or Hurt? Discover How to Know and Grow Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman Love and Logic Parenting Method - Love and Logic is a research-driven, whole-child philosophy founded in 1977. This authoritative approach is used by parents and leading educators worldwide. Episode 1…

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214. Does Permissive Parenting Help or Hurt? Discover How to Know and Grow 35:14

4M ago35:14

35:14

In this episode, we're getting real about something that so many blended family parents struggle with: permissive parenting driven by guilt, fear, or insecurity. Kim opens up about her personal journey as a single mom, how her guilt and fear led her to parent from a place of pity, and how that impacted her daughter, Annika. We’re also diving into t…

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Simple Step: Lightening the Load 7:29

4M ago7:29

7:29

Resource Episode 213. Discover How to Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce [with Lauren Reitsema] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some ex…

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213. Discover How to Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce [with Lauren Reitsema] 1:10:25

4M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

What a privilege to have Lauren Reitsema back on the show to dive deeper into how we can authentically bond and connect with kids who are navigating divorce and blended family dynamics. Lauren’s passion for relationship skills began in middle school after her parents' divorce, leading her to pursue Communication Studies at TCU. She’s the author of …

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Simple Step: Is Your Ex Passive-Aggressive? 6:28

5M ago6:28

6:28

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us…

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212. 3 Negotiation Strategies to Increase Collaboration and Influence in your Co-Parenting Relationship 27:12

5M ago27:12

27:12

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most emotionally charged challenges for blended families: navigating co-parenting dynamics and negotiating with an ex-spouse. Whether things are civil or you’re experiencing high levels of tension, we share the three strategies that have changed everything for us and for the couples we coach — Clarity, Com…

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Simple Step: Consider Separation Anxiety and Favoritism 7:28

5M ago7:28

7:28

Resources Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love Episode 211. 8 Warning Signs Your Ex is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and Mind Episode 6. Are Your Kids Stuck in a 'Parental Allegiance' and What Can You Do About It? Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or an…

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211. 8 Warning Signs Your Ex is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and Mind 40:21

5M ago40:21

40:21

We know how heartbreaking it can be when your child starts pulling away from you. It can leave you wondering if your ex is negatively influencing them behind the scenes. We’ve lived it. In this deeply personal episode, we open up about the painful season we went through with Kim’s daughter, Annika. We talk through how to recognize the signs of mani…

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Simple Step: Avoid Competition and Negativity Traps 7:42

6M ago7:42

7:42

Resources Episode 210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love Episode 207. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules and How to Build Consistency Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Jus…

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210. Is Your Child Pulling Away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and Love 45:42

6M ago45:42

45:42

This one hits close to home for us. In this episode, we’re opening up about a painful season in our parenting journey when Kim’s daughter began pulling away from our home and requesting to spend more time at her dad’s. We know how confusing, heartbreaking, and disorienting this can be, especially for blended families with limited time together. Tha…

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Simple Step: A Positive Approach to Building Trust 6:05

6M ago6:05

6:05

Resources Episode 129. What does it take to build and maintain trust in your relationship? Episode 119. 6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your Marriage Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them Epis…

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209. Breaking Free from Self-Doubt: 5 Habits to Build Confidence and Trust in Yourself 34:27

6M ago34:27

34:27

If you've ever wrestled with second-guessing yourself, feeling stuck in past mistakes, or wondering if you can truly trust yourself again, you're not alone. In this episode, we open up about the very real struggles with self-doubt that we’ve faced personally and that we often see in the blended couples we coach. Together, we're exploring five power…

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Simple Step: Building Respect with Teens 9:07

6M ago9:07

9:07

Additional Resources Episode 178. Suriving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [with Dr. Michael Bradley] Episode 124. How to Effectively Parent Through Each Stage of Development - and Reduce Painful Interactions (Part 1) Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answ…

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208. The Transfer of Power: A Smart Strategy for Stepparents Left in Charge 32:43

7M ago32:43

32:43

In this episode, we share a practical and powerful strategy to help step-parents confidently navigate solo time with their stepchildren. Whether you're a biological parent or a step-parent, this episode is for you! You'll discover how preparation, communication, and teamwork can transform tension into opportunities for connection. The key? A simple…

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Simple Step: Helping Kids Navigate Change 8:11

7M ago8:11

8:11

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us…

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207. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules and How to Build Consistency 46:46

7M ago46:46

46:46

Parenting in a blended family can be tough — especially when your ex has completely different rules and expectations. Today, we're tackling a common source of frustration: navigating household differences. We'll uncover the four biggest myths that keep blended couples stuck and reveal the counteractive truths that bring clarity, confidence, and col…

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Simple Step: Co-Parenting Pitfalls 5:46

7M ago5:46

5:46

Resources Episode 135. How to Set Appropriate Boundaries and Negotiate Well with your Ex-Spouse Episode 188. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress Episode 153. How to Empower Organization, Improve Communication and Create Peace Between Your Kids Two Homes Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parent…

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206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Ensure a Successful Partnership 41:20

8M ago41:20

41:20

Does it ever feel like you are miles apart as a couple when it comes to leading your blended family? In this episode, we dive into the most common partnership pitfalls that couples face. From feeling unheard and untrusted to navigating misaligned parenting expectations, we unpack the challenges that often create disconnection, stress and conflict. …

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Simple Step: Effective Consequences 8:15

8M ago8:15

8:15

Resources Episode 74. How to Develop Appropriate and Effective Consequences that Empower Responsibility Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support?…

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205. 4 Facets of Parenting: What Bio Parents Need to Know to Achieve Best Outcomes (Part 2) 39:52

8M ago39:52

39:52

We know firsthand that parenting in a blended family isn’t the same as parenting in a first family. A biological parent's role is crucial in helping kids adjust to change, supporting step-relationships, and keeping things running smoothly. But here’s the challenge—many bio parents either hold too tightly to their old parenting patterns or step back…

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Simple Step: A Stepparent's Role in Creating Enjoyment 7:00

8M ago7:00

7:00

Resources Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension Episode 149. How to "Blend" Holiday Traditions and Create Meaningful Connection This Season Episode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to dis…

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204. 4 Facets of Stepparenting: Defining Appropriate Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1) 38:13

9M ago38:13

38:13

Stepparenting raises many questions: What’s my role? How involved should I be? What if my stepkids don’t accept me? It’s easy to make wrong turns without even realizing it. In this episode, we’re delving into four key facets of parenting: meeting practical needs, providing support, teaching life lessons, and delivering discipline. We'll uncover the…

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Simple Step: Managing Tension 5:06

9M ago5:06

5:06

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us…

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203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team 1:02:53

9M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

In this episode, we’re delving into a common challenge for blended family couples: decision-making and problem-solving. Whether managing kids’ expectations, negotiating with an ex, or facing the pain of being a “trapped teammate” or “stranded stranger,” disagreement and differing perspectives can create tension and keep you stuck. We’ve been there …

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Simple Step: The Pitfalls of Perspective Pushing 6:44

9M ago6:44

6:44

Resources Episode 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal] Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some…

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202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal] 1:16:12

9M ago1:16:12

1:16:12

No one enjoys being in conflict with their spouse. But the reality for every couple is that conflict is unavoidable. We all experience disagreement that leads to conflict. But there's a big difference between doing conflict well versus spiraling into unproductive patterns where we say and do things that at best aren't helpful and at worst erode lov…

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Simple Step: Redefining Simple Fun 4:09

10M ago4:09

4:09

Resources Episode 139: The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra support? We all …

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201. Step Up Enjoyment and Safeguard Your Relationship by Taking FUN Seriously [w/Rich & Christa Clark] 1:16:17

10M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

How serious are you about creating enjoyment and fun in your relationship (and in your home)? You probably started off your relationship experiencing lots of enjoyment as you were getting to know each other and falling in love. But as the busyness and stress of blended family life set in, maybe your enjoyment started to wane a bit. The truth is, if…

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Simple Step: Holiday Announcement 2:34

10M ago2:34

2:34

Resources Episode 151. What has the potential to steal your joy and how can you hold onto it? (Part 1 of 2) Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share Ready for some extra supp…

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Simple Step: Relational Growth 8:46

11M ago8:46

8:46

Resources Episode 200. A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting Love Episode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life? Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just click here: https://w…

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200. A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting Love 1:11:50

11M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Can you believe it? We’ve made it to our 200th episode! 🎉 We’re so thankful for your support and excited to celebrate with a heart-to-heart conversation. Today, we’re diving into the topic of marriage wellness and how generosity can create a foundation for lasting love. Throughout our candid conversation, we openly assess our marriage and identify …

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Simple Step: Helping Kids Solve Social Problems 7:05

11M ago7:05

7:05

Resources Article by Big Life Journey: 7 Effective Ways to Help Children Overcome Social Anxiety Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know! We've made it easy. Just clic…

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199. 6 Simple Ways to Help Your Kids Build Social Confidence and Connection 34:41

11M ago34:41

34:41

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for every parent—social wellness for kids and step-kids. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to guide your children through the ups and downs of friendships, bullying, or personal boundaries, you’re not alone. We’ve been there, too, and we’re sharing some of our own experiences—bot…

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Simple Step: Creating Healthy Sleep Habits 5:06

12M ago5:06

5:06

Resources: Episode 198. How do sleep habits impact the health and wellness of your kids? [with Jessica Bryant] Reach out to Jessica for a Free 15-minute sleep Audit if you have questions about sleep The Better Sleep Counsel Episode 178. Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [With Dr. Michael Bradley] B…

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198. How do sleep habits impact the health and wellness of your kids? [with Jessica Bryant] 1:14:54

12M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Are your kids ever irritable, anxious, or just "off"? Maybe they aren't getting enough sleep. You might be surprised how inadequate or inconsistent sleep habits can negatively impact your kid's ability to focus, tolerate stress, and manage relationships. Lack of sleep increases fatigue, affects mood, and decreases overall wellness. In fact, our gue…