How Your Stepkids Really Feel According To Research with Dr. Todd Jensen
From Permission with Jamie Scrimgeour by Jamie Scrimgeour
June 15, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 290
About this episode
Dr. Todd Jensen discusses his research on stepfamily dynamics and the feelings of stepchildren.
Dr. Todd Jensen, the founder of THRIFT (Thriving Through Family Transitions Research Lab), joins Jamie on The KICK-ASS Stepmom Podcast to share his research on stepfamily dynamics from the perspective of stepchildren. Jamie and Todd dive deep into loyalty binds, the responsibility parents should feel to supporting and nurturing the stepfamily dynamic, 'ambiguous gain' in step families, why authenticity is so important when building a relationship with your stepkid, and creating a sense of safety in your home. Learn more about Todd's research: https://toddmjensen.com/ Subscribe to Jamie's Substack: https://jamiescrimgeour.substack.com/ Get The Stepmom Rebrand: www.stepmomrebrand.com Work With Jamie www.jamiescrimgeour.com/coaching Episode Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Go to www.cozyearth.com and use the code COZYJAMIE for 20% off your order. Metabolic Reset Program | Get $350 off with the code JAMIE350 at https://www.jentherhn.com LMNT | My Go To Electrolyte Drink. Head to www.drinklmnt.com/kickassstepmom to get a free sample pack with any drink mix purchase.
People in this episode
Host: Jamie Scrimgeour
Guest: Dr. Todd Jensen
Topics covered
- stepfamily dynamics
- loyalty binds
- authenticity in relationships
- supporting stepfamilies
- creating safety in homes
Keywords
- stepchildren
- family transitions
- relationship building
- ambiguous gain
- parenting
- stepmom
- family dynamics
Sponsors
Cozy Earth, Metabolic Reset Program, LMNT
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: THRIFT
More episodes of Permission with Jamie Scrimgeour
- Using Human Design To Better Understand My Marriage, Business, Stepmom Stress With Erin Claire Jones · July 6, 2026 · 55 min
- Unpopular Advice for Stepmoms (That Might Be Exactly What You Need to Hear) · June 29, 2026 · 35 min
- Using AI To Make Stepmom Life Easier · June 22, 2026 · 31 min
- How to Improve Your Stepfamily Life in 30 Days (Without Changing Anyone Else) · June 8, 2026 · 30 min
- Creating A Pinterest Board Summer (And It's Not What You Think) · June 1, 2026 · 35 min
- Why Your Husband Won't Set Boundaries With His Ex · May 25, 2026 · 41 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Permission with Jamie Scrimgeour podcast page.