Jason Thomson -

Something entirely unexpected happened in my role as co-host of Parents Canada Talk Radio: I became a much better dad. I’m more patient and collaborative, better at anticipating mental health issues and report card meltdowns. We’re in the late stages of the pandemic, yet my crew at home is happier and healthier than ever.

There’s no way to sugar-coat this: In the high wire act that is parenting, blending a family can be one of the trickiest manoeuvres you’ll face. I should know, I’ve attempted it twice. And trust me when I say it wasn’t always pretty. I burned through all the parenting blogs, books and podcasts I could, but when real moments happened, there were twists and conversations I simply didn’t expect. That’s why this article exists.