In this enlightening episode, host Jamie Newton-Knight sits down with special guest Akeda to explore the transformative power of building a supportive village in the co-parenting journey. They delve into the importance of extending the co-parenting circle beyond biological parents to include friends, family, mentors, and community members who contribute to a child's growth and well-being.

Jamie and Akeda share personal stories and insights on how embracing a broader support network can alleviate the challenges of co-parenting, foster resilience, and create a nurturing environment for children. They discuss practical strategies for cultivating these relationships and the profound impact they can have on both parents and children.

💛 What You’ll Hear:

• The significance of expanding your co-parenting circle beyond the biological parents
• Personal anecdotes highlighting the impact of a supportive village
• Strategies for building and maintaining a strong support network
• The role of grace and understanding in co-parenting dynamics
• Encouragement for parents feeling isolated in their parenting journey

🌟 Tip of the Week:

📣 Support the Show:

• Leave a review on Apple or Spotify
• Share this episode with fellow parents or caregivers
• Join the email list for early access, giveaways & more → [Insert link]

🔗 Connect with Jamie:

Instagram: @blendedblackfamily

💬 Join the Conversation:

If this episode resonated with you, share your thoughts and experiences on social media. Tag Jamie and use the hashtag #TheCoCoBlendPodcast to connect with a community of supportive co-parents and caregivers.

In this deeply personal solo episode, host Jamie Newton-Knight opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of co-parenting — from the early days filled with fear, control, and guilt to the healing journey of setting boundaries, practicing grace, and rewriting the narrative.

Whether you're a mom navigating high-conflict communication, a bonus mom learning to coexist with bio parents, or a parent doing the best you can with what you have — this episode will speak directly to your heart.

💛 What You’ll Hear:

• The emotional truth about starting a co-parenting journey
• What “putting the child first” really means (and what it doesn’t)
• How to communicate clearly even when it’s hard
• Jamie’s journey to peace with her son’s bonus mom
• Why grace is essential — not just for others, but for yourself

🌟 Tip of the Week:

📣 Support the Show:

• Leave a review on Apple or Spotify
• Share this episode with a fellow co-parent or bonus mom
• Join the email list for early access, giveaways & more → Here

In this deeply powerful conversation, Jamie sits down with mental wellness advocate and mother Christina "Chrissy" Massey to talk about the emotional layers of co-parenting, healing childhood wounds, and raising emotionally aware kids in blended families.

Together, they unpack what it really means to co-parent while breaking generational patterns, how to hold space for your healing while nurturing your children, and why setting boundaries isn’t just necessary — it’s an act of love.

Whether you're navigating a high-conflict parenting situation, learning to re-parent yourself, or seeking more peace in your blended family journey, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Hear:

• Chrissy’s journey from trauma to intentional parenting
• How to set co-parenting boundaries without guilt
• The power of vulnerability as a mom
• Why healing is a continual process (and how to give yourself grace)

Tip of the Week:

Resources & Links:

• Follow Chrissy Joy: https://linktr.ee/GHBC16
• Join The CoCo Crew Email List for updates + giveaways

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Instagram: @blackblendedfamily
• Leave a Review & Subscribe on Apple or Spotify

In this heartfelt Mother’s Day Weekend + birthday special, Jamie Newton-Knight returns to the mic to relaunch The CoCo Blend Podcast — a space for real, raw, and refreshing conversations about co-parenting, motherhood, and blended family life.

In this solo episode, Jamie shares the honest story behind why she paused the podcast, what’s changed, and why this relaunch means more than ever. If you're navigating life as a bonus mom, co-parent, or simply trying to raise children while healing yourself, this is the episode to start with.

💛 What You’ll Hear:

• Jamie’s personal journey into co-parenting and podcasting
• Why “grace” is the foundation of The CoCo Blend
• New podcast updates: episodes, community, and future merch
• Encouragement for moms in blended families and bonus roles

🌟 Tip of the Week:

🎁 Want to Celebrate with Jamie?

To celebrate the relaunch, Jamie’s birthday, and Mother’s Day Weekend — we’re giving away a special CoCo Care Kit to one lucky listener!
🎉 Details inside the episode and on IG: @blackblendedfamily

🙌🏾 Support the Podcast:

If you love the message and want more conversations around blended motherhood, co-parenting with grace, and healing while parenting:

1. Leave a review on Apple or Spotify
2. Share this episode with a mama or bonus mom who needs it
3. Join the CoCo Crew for updates, giveaways & episode drops → https://crafty-hustler-4023.kit.com/eeab03175b

🔗 Connect with Jamie:

• Instagram: @blackblendedfamily
• Email List & Updates

**This week's episode makes reference to sexual abuse. It does not go in depth, but it is mention**

In this week's episode, I talk to Frances about the many challenges that come with co-parenting when you're transitioning through a separation from your spouse while co-parenting 5 children; 1 of whom has special needs.

In this very candid conversation, Frances shares exactly how things have been going and how she navigates the challenges of communication, boundaries and discipline while also learning valuable co-parenting lessons along the way. She pulls no punches as she shares her strong views on how her children should be disciplined and PLEASE don't touch her kids hair..... LOL

Some of ya'll know what I'm talking about!

And if you still haven't downloaded The Blend Roadmap, go back and listen to the other episodes & download your own copy of the roadmap at: www.thecocoblend.com

About my guest:

Frances Martinez is a 31 y/o bio mom of 5 children; 1 who has special needs. She is co-parenting with her husband, whom she is no longer with. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading a good book. Frances' favorite color is punk and she enjoys listening to music to calm her down during stressful times.

She is also the Moderator of The Love Talk Podcast w/Shonte Murchinson, on Facebook.

Follow her on social:

https://instagram.com/_queenrican28_

https://www.tiktok.com/savageequeen28

Check her out on The Love Talk Podcast with Shonte Murchinson, on Facebook.

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Disclaimer: Our guests generously share their personal stories, thoughts, and opinions. Please note that their experiences are their own and do not reflect the views of Blended Black Family or The CoCo Blend. We do not take responsibility for the accuracy or outcomes of the information shared. Listeners are encouraged to consider multiple perspectives and seek professional advice where necessary.

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Our host, Jamie, is the married mother of 4 (bio children), a speaker, author and co-parenting coach for moms. She is the CEO/Founder of Blended Black Family & The Cooperative Co-parenting Blend where she empowers moms of faith to redefine motherhood on their own terms, balance their families and co-parent with ease.

Be sure to:

Follow this podcast

Like & share this episode if you found it helpful and

Leave a review

Stay connected: Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/blendedblackfamily⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://tiktok.com/@blendedblackfamily⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://Facebook.com/blendedblackfamily⁠

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

YouTube: ⁠https://YouTube.com/@blendedblackfamily⁠

Website: ⁠www.thecocoblend.com⁠

And "Thank you" our sponsor, The Motherhood Mastery Rest Retreat for your support.

Register Now! www.thecocoblend.com/moms-retreat