Lawrence sits down with Stephanie Sternes, LMFT, LCPC, NCC to explore what happens when parents begin dating again after divorce, estrangement, or parental alienation. Together they examine how new relationships can impact children, family roles, and the emotional balance of an already changing family system.

Drawing on family systems principles, attachment, and lived experience, the discussion explores loyalty conflicts, belonging, emotional safety, and the challenges many families face when introducing a new partner. The result is a grounded conversation about creating healthier transitions for both parents and children. Living fully while navigating parental alienation is not giving up, but an act of love and integrity.

Key Takeaways

• How dating after divorce affects children and family dynamics
• Why new relationships can trigger loyalty conflicts
• Understanding the hidden challenges of blended families
• How attachment wounds influence parenting and partnership
• Why timing matters when introducing a new partner
• Supporting children through major family transitions
• The importance of emotional healing before dating again
• How co-parenting impacts future family relationships
• Navigating insider-outsider dynamics in stepfamilies
• Creating stability and connection in a blended family

Chapters

00:00 - Navigating Dating, Divorce & Family Change
02:44 - Understanding Healthy Co-Parenting Relationships
05:58 - Why Blended Families Can Feel So Challenging
08:40 - The Emotional Work to Do Before Dating Again
11:47 - How Children's Ages Shape Their Reactions
14:57 - When Therapy Can Help Stepfamilies Thrive
17:42 - Insider vs. Outsider Dynamics in Blended Families
20:49 - Loyalty Conflicts, Loss & New Relationships
23:50 - Developmental Stages and Family Transitions
26:54 - Recognizing Attachment Wounds Early
29:48 - Building Trust Through Open Communication
32:38 - Reflections on Growth, Healing & Family Change

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