Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Butler.
Hi Summer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really begins when I was thirteen years old. My parents’ divorce left me feeling lost and alone, unseen and unsure of where I belonged. I didn’t have the language to explain what I was feeling, and no one ever sat me down to ask how the changes were affecting me. I learned early how to adapt, how to avoid, and how to move between two homes without naming the grief, confusion, or loyalty conflicts I carried with me.
That experience stayed with me into adulthood and ultimately shaped the path I chose. I went on to earn degrees in both psychology and counseling and have spent over two decades working in the mental health field. But no matter how much professional experience I gained, I kept coming back to that younger version of myself – the child who needed someone to help.
That is what drives my work today. I help children navigating life between two homes, not by speaking for them, but by helping them find their own voice. My services don’t just give children of divorced homes and blended families a place to be heard; they teach them the words to use with that voice. Words to express emotions safely. Words to set boundaries. Words to communicate needs without fear of hurting one parent or disappointing another.
I do this work because I once was that child and because no child should have to navigate family change feeling invisible, confused, or alone.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a business centered around child and family dynamics, especially divorced and blended families, comes with both personal and professional challenges.
On a personal level, this work often brings me face-to-face with my own story. Supporting children through emotions I once carried requires ongoing self-awareness and intentional healing. You can’t do this work well without first doing it honestly.
Professionally, one of the biggest struggles has been helping adults understand that children don’t always have the words to tell us when they’re struggling, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. There’s still a common belief that kids are “fine” as long as they’re functioning, and shifting that mindset takes patience, education, and advocacy.
Despite the challenges, every obstacle has reinforced why this work is necessary. The struggles didn’t derail the mission, they refined it. They taught me to slow down, listen deeply, and build something rooted in purpose
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Blended Book Co. ?
Blended Book Co. and my coaching practice exist to support children and families navigating divorce, separation, remarriage, and life between two homes.
I specialize in working with children from divorced and blended families, My work focuses on emotional literacy, communication skills, boundaries, loyalty conflicts, and identity – areas that are often overlooked in traditional support models for families experiencing life changes.
What sets my work apart is that it’s child-centered and language-focused. I don’t speak for children, and I don’t position them as the problem to be fixed. Instead, I give them tools, scripts, and emotional vocabulary so they can safely express needs, ask questions, and navigate complex family dynamics with confidence. This approach helps reduce conflict, strengthen parent-child relationships, and create emotional safety across households.
Blended Book Co. extends this mission through books, workbooks, and resources designed specifically for children living between two homes. Each has been intentionally created to reflect real family experiences while offering comfort, validation, and practical language children can use in everyday life.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes — I primarily rely on my own children’s books and workbooks, available on my website, Amazon, and wherever books are sold.
Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes is a workbook for children ages 6 and up, offering practical exercises rooted in the real challenges of living between two homes.
And our newest release, Mallie’s Two Homes and a Deer Named Darla, introduces a little girl with big emotions and her constant companion, Darla — a story paired with a comfort stuffy to help younger children feel safe, seen, and understood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blendedbookco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoachforkids
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerfrederickbutler
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@changeforgoodpodcast
Image Credits
Christie Gare Photography
