Are blended family conflicts unavoidable? Naja Hall joins Laterras to offer hope in the storm. After detailing how she fell in love fast with a divorced dad of three, Naja unpacks the mental health impacts and anxiety triggering events stemming from high conflict with her husband's ex. From boundary setting tips to a revelatory distinction between child-centered marriages and divorces, Naja provides vulnerable testimony and hard-won wisdom so others might walk an easier path. Ultimately Naja issues a gentle challenge—can we break cycles of generational trauma and instead choose generational healing? The possibility of blossoming in the ashes exists, but we must commit to do the work.
[00:00 – 07:37] – The challenges and importance of amicable co-parenting
[07:37 – 15:22] – How Naja and her husband met
[15:22 – 20:18] – Early relationship challenges around blended family dynamics
[20:18 – 34:00] – An incident revealing the severity of conflicts
[34:00 – 37:09] – Coping with anxiety from conflict
[37:09 – 41:23] – Establishing personal boundaries
[41:23 – 50:31] – Perspectives on causes of conflict
[50:31 – 01:03:29] – Tips for mitigating blended family conflicts
[01:03:29 – 01:10:20] – Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
Key Quote:
"I've seen 0% of child centered marriages work. I've seen 100% of child centered divorce divorces work." – Naja Hall
Connect with Naja:
Naja Hall IG – https://www.instagram.com/thenajahall/
Blended and Black – https://www.blendedandblack.com/
VIP Stepmom – https://www.vipstepmom.com/
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