Episode 19

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Published on:

30th Nov 2021

Doing Divorce Different Episode 23 with Smart Step Families' Ron Deal and host Attorney Lesa Koski

Wondering about divorce, dating and step-parenting and how it all affects your children.  Today's episode will help you learn how to have a successful step family; how this will help your kids and what to stay away from even in the beginning stages of dating.  There is so much good learning going on in this episode.  I was delighted by Ron's advice when you have kids date with both eyes open wide.  (He also stated when your married keep one eye shut :)-Great idea!).  

First, Ron walks us through some red and yellow lights when dating with kids.  Because you are a package deal you want to be extra careful on how dating can impact kids.  Next he discusses how being a blended family is hard work and worth it.  When children are part of a high functioning step family it can mitigate the negative effects of divorce.  This being said, never date someone to try to find a parent for you child; you would be marrying a step dad.  Having a safe loving health home is what benefits kids the most; whether they have two parents or one.

A thought that really hit home with me was this, "When you live in fear of being hurt you tend to do things that lead you to being hurt."  Ron asked, "are you going to be a victim of pain or feel it and push through it?"  This is completely in line with my coaching through the divorce process.  I will definitely share the insight with future clients that the presence of fear of another break up predicts whether people will have a good or bad marriage 93% of the time.

Find Ron Deal and all his amazing books and more information on blending families at:

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MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST:

After 18 years of Elder Law and Family Law, Lesa Koski brings extensive experience to the complex area of Mediation.  In truth, Lesa Koski Mediates wherever she shows up.  She is fully equipped with the communication skills that bring a taste of peace to the nastiest discrepancies.

Lesa's mission is to offer compassionate, complete, competent services while maker her life such that it blesses humankind.  This mission is palpable when you shake Lesa's hand.  Clients love working with Lesa because she is trustworthy and capable.  Above all, Lesa Koski is a brilliant communicator, bar none.

Website:  https://www.familyandcivilmediation.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/koskilaw/

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesakoski/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediationspecialists1/


Mentioned in this episode:

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About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski
Divorce, co-parenting & midlife comebacks for women over 40
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—this podcast is your guide to a healthier, faith-filled life transition.

Hosted by family law attorney, mediator, and life coach Lesa Koski, each episode is designed to take the fear out of major life change and guide you toward peace—whether you’re facing separation, navigating a divorce, working to strengthen your relationship, or rebuilding your life in midlife.

You’ll get heart-centered legal clarity, emotional support, and practical tools to help you heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

Topics include:

Peaceful divorce strategies and mediation support

Co-parenting help and parenting plans that actually work

Prenups, postnups, and how to protect what matters most

Emotional healing, mindset shifts, and confidence after a hard season

Menopause, health changes, and how midlife affects mood, marriage, and motivation

Wellness basics that make a real difference: rest, nutrition, movement, strength, and community

This is more than a show about endings—it’s about becoming the woman who rises stronger, steadier, and clearer on the other side.

About the Host:
Lesa has spent over 25 years helping families through mediation and family law, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. She’s also a breast cancer survivor, wellness advocate, cowgirl at heart, and follower of Jesus who believes your hardest season can become your greatest comeback.

If you’re craving practical guidance, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about rebuilding life after 40, you’re in the right place.

Website: https://www.lesakoski.com/

About your host

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Lesa Koski