In today's episode, I am getting on my "stepmom soapbox" to address the common and unhelpful statement made to stepmoms that they "knew what they were signing up for." I knew my partner had a child; I did NOT know everything that entailed. No parent—especially a stepparent—can truly know the challenges of parenting until they experience it firsthand. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierJ...

As a stepmom, I've faced my fair share of challenges, but the struggle with control has been one of the toughest. I know how it feels to be at the mercy of custody schedules and co-parenting dynamics that don't always align with our own preferences. But I'm here to tell you, my fellow stepmoms, that there is hope! In today's episode, I'm sharing three instant gratification tips that can help create a more peaceful stepmom life—from cutting ties with toxic triggers to carving out sacred daily ...

In this episode, I share how becoming a mom has impacted my role as a stepmom. I discuss the challenges and benefits of balancing these two identities, and how it has transformed my relationship with my stepdaughter. I'll also answer your most burning question... "Do I love my biological child more than I love my stepchild?"Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierJoin our stepmom small group coac...

In today's episode, Tammy J and I discuss the myths surrounding disengaging as a stepmom. It's a conversation you really can't miss! We explain that disengaging is not about disappearing or failing, but rather an opportunity for stepmoms to step back, reflect, and grow in order to be their best selves and support their families. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of giving space for everyone in the blended family to learn their roles and redefine relationships in a healthy way. T...

In today's episode, I am sharing the single biggest barrier to thriving as a stepmom. In order to create a stepmom life you love, you must first grieve the loss of the life you thought you would have. Holding onto unmet expectations will only lead to ongoing frustration and disappointment, so give yourself permission and space to mourn the loss of the vision and plan you had for your future. You deserve a stepmom life you love! Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Wa...

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Mindy Kyle, and we are delving into the complexities of loyalty binds and betrayal blindness in blended families. Mindy defines loyalty binds as emotional conflicts where children feel compelled to side with one parent over another. Why do our stepchildren feel this way, and what we can we do about it? We talk about all this and more!Mindy is an LCS Certified, Positive Parenting Certified, and Blended Family Certified life coach with over 15 years of expe...

In order to be a happy, successful stepmom, you MUST stop acting like you are in a nuclear family. In today's episode, I'm making my case with 5 specific reasons: 1) Your role and position in the family are often unclear, unlike in a nuclear family. 2) Stepfamilies lack the time to develop shared norms, rules and culture. 3) Not all parents in a stepfamily back each other up. 4) Stepchildren don't need another original parent; as a stepmom, you should find a unique role.&n...

I have learned a LOT of lessons the hard way as a stepmom. And today, we're shaking this up a bit from the typical episode. I'm sharing five of those lessons with you. Through my personal stories, I hope to validate and normalize the full range of emotions and struggles that stepmoms face, providing comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone on this journey.Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/h...

Co-parenting with someone who is chaotic, uncooperative, and/or high-conflict can be challenging, to put it lightly. Today, I'm joined by fan-favorite Naja Hall, and we are sharing personal experiences and insights on how to maintain peace and find solutions, when co-parenting just won't work! We're discussing why parallel parenting is a positive alternative to co-parenting, including the impact on everyone's mental health. You deserve a stepmom life you love, stepmom.Naja is the founder of V...

In today's episode, Kristen and guest Jessica Frew discuss the harmful habit of "shoulding" on ourselves as stepmoms, and provide practical steps to overcome this by reconnecting with our intuition, setting boundaries, and taking small actions to prioritize our own needs. Jessica shares her personal journey of rediscovering herself after nearly losing her sense of identity in stepmotherhood, emphasizing the importance of belonging to ourselves first before trying to belong in our families. Th...

Welcome to Season 3 of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast! In today's episode, I'm sharing five red flags to watch for when dating someone with kids. Stepmomming and being in a blended family can be immensely fulfilling when it's done with the right person. Avoid these pitfalls, and set yourself up for success!Links Mentioned:Grab the full Red Flags When Dating Someone With Kids download here: https://stepmomming.myflodesk.com/redflagsReady to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GU...

Sometimes as a stepmom, you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. And a big reason for that, is because of the double standard between moms and stepmoms. There is an underlying—often misguided—prejudice in our society that stepmoms are less than "real" moms, and today, we're going to break this double standard wide open. Stepmoms are not less than "real" moms, or anyone else. This is an archaic notion, and it's time for us to rewrite the narrative! Ready to create a stepmom life...

When I first became a stepmom, I felt like everyone else (my partner, my stepdaughter, and my partner’s ex-wife) had more control over my life than I did, and it drove me WILD. Today, I’m happy to report, I have firmly taken back control and am happier than ever, and I want the same for you, stepmom. So, here are 3 very tangible ways to take back control as a stepmom! Links Mentioned: Listen to EP 28: Why I Think “Keep the Peace” is S****y Advice:...

Stepparenting is not hard because you're doing it wrong. Stepparenting is hard because it's an entirely different family structure and dynamic than we've experienced before. Today, I'm joined by arguably the foremost expert on stepfamily dynamics, Dr. Patricia Papernow, to discuss 5 challenges stepfamilies face. We're normalizing the challenges you struggle with and talking all about what works and what doesn't work! Dr. Patricia Papernow is an internationally recognized expert on...

Transition Day can be SO challenging for stepmoms! Stepchildren often have a difficult time making the switch from one house to another, and act out in emotional ways. It makes stepmoms around the world dread transition day! In today's episode, I'm sharing 3 tips to make transition day easier! Set yourself and your stepchildren up for success with these tips, and you'll find that transition day isn't one to dread anymore! Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways...

One of the biggest, most challenging transitions that stepmoms can make is adding a baby to their blended family. Today, Kimberly King joins me to discuss her experience and best tips for stepmoms who are preparing to add an "ours baby" to the family! We're answering all of your burning questions, like: How do you prepare your stepchildren for adding a baby to the family?Do you need to tell the ex you're expecting?Did your love for your stepchildren (or perception of that love) change after...

So many stepmom clients I work with have tried therapy before coaching, and the advice they get from well-meaning therapists who aren't trained in blended families actually does more harm than good. Maybe you've heard this advice before too, or maybe you'll be just as shocked by some of it as I was. Regardless, I want you to know that you deserve a stepmom life you love. This is a safe space for stepmoms. I want you to feel validated and comforted here. Ready to create a stepmom life you...

Stepmom, today we are chatting with fellow stepmom and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, Megan Hunter! If your stepchild's other parent is high-conflict, then this is a discussion you can't afford to miss! We're chatting all about practical, tangible tools to use when dealing with someone high-conflict and answering your most burning questions like: What traits define a high-conflict person?What are best practices for communicating with a high-conflict co-parent?Do you need to...

Have you ever felt like stepmomming has taken over your life? Like the main part of your identity is now “stepmom” and everything else has taken a backseat? I remember feeling like this pressure to be the perfect stepmom was the most important thing in my life, and I needed to be successful. I stopped doing many of the things I loved doing before meeting Kevin and Krista. I let stepmomming become all that I am. But it was suffocating. One day, I looked in the mirror and hardly recognized...

Two of the largest factors that can make an already-complicated role like stepmom even harder are blending two families and stepparenting when the children have lost their other parent. Today's guest, Rachel, shares all about her experience doing both, and how she navigated these challenges with intentionality, grace, and empathy. Even if you don't fit into either of those categories, you can learn SO much from her! Rachel G. Scott is a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, and Ohio native. She...

When my stepdaughter asked to call me "Mom," feelings of validation, warmth, and love overcame me. They were immediately followed by alarm bells. I refused to allow it. It felt disrespectful to the irreplaceable relationship she shares with her mom and the relationship I'd share with my future child.  In today's episode, I share the heartwarming solution we came up with, and when I think it's okay for stepchildren to call a stepmom "Mom!" As I always say, no two stepfamilies are...

You don't know what you don't know... And that is never more true in blended families than when it comes to the critical importance of setting and discussing expectations with your partner! Today, I'm joined by fellow coach, Amy, who is tackling this huge topic with me! Together, we're giving you our very best tips for how to recognize your expectations for your role, home, relationship, and the ex, and how to get aligned with your partner on those things! This is a doozy of a conversation,...

If you struggle with insecurities because your partner experienced some of their firsts with someone else, you're definitely not alone! Being Kevin's second wife brought out insecurities in me I didn't even realize I was capable of. In today's episode, I'm normalizing the experience and giving you some of my BEST tips to reset your mindset and be more confident and present in your irreplaceable relationship. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a...

You are in for such an incredible conversation today, stepmom! I'm chatting with Ashley Machele, a mom who shares long-distance custody of her oldest daughter. She'll share her perspective co-parenting with a stepmom and asks how she can validate and empathize with her daughter's stepmom—a perspective she references as life-changing. We discuss boundaries her daughter's stepmom crossed, how she understands the positive intention behind those actions and appreciates the stepmom regardless, and...