Dating after divorce reshapes far more than your love life, it affects your children, your co-parenting dynamic, and the emotional foundation of your next chapter.

In this continuation of the Family Disappeared conversation, Lawrence Joss and family systems practitioner Stephanie Sternes, LMFT, LCPC, NCC explore what it really takes to begin dating again with awareness of its impact on children and family systems. They unpack how children of different ages respond to new relationships, why loyalty conflicts can surface even in stable homes, and the importance of slow, intentional integration when new partners enter the picture. The discussion also touches on the role of step-parents, the value of communication, and when additional support like therapy can help families adjust in healthier ways.

This conversation offers grounded insight for anyone navigating dating after separation, blending families, or rebuilding life after divorce, where emotional awareness matters as much as new beginnings.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Multiple household family systems
• Loyalty versus love in family relationships
• The role of therapy and outside resources
• Step-parenting best practices and challenges
• Impact of conflict and high tension on children
• Developmental stages and attachment in stepfamilies
• Wedding day and family transition challenges
• Long-term attachment and family cohesion

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Navigating Complex Family Dynamics
04:01 - Understanding Loyalty vs. Love in Families
08:43 - The Role of Step Parents in Co-Parenting
16:11 - The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Family Dynamics
22:10 - The Love Loyalty Paradox
28:04 - The Journey of Step Parenting and Building Relationships

Support & Community:

Parental Alienation Anonymous (PAA): Join our free 12-step support group with 16 online meetings weekly for parents, grandparents, family members, and previously alienated individuals seeking healing and recovery.

PA-A.org: Parental Alienation Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering education, advocacy, and support for individuals grappling with the distressing impact of parental alienation, estrangement, erasure, and family disconnection.

All our services are free and sustained by grants and community donations. Your support helps us continue offering these vital resources.
Donate here: https://pa-a.mykajabi.com/donations-for-the-12-step-program

Connect with Us:
Email your questions or insights: familydisappeared@gmail.com
Like, share, and comment to help us reach more families in need.

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - familydisappeared@gmail.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

To learn more or connect with Stephanie, you can visit:
https://www.stephsternes.com

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- familydisappeared@gmail.com