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...

So many of my coaching clients complain they’ve sacrificed too much—some feel they’ve sacrificed everything—for their partners to get everything they want. But stepmomming shouldn’t be sacrificial. In today's episode, we're talking about the difference between sacrificing and compromising, how to set boundaries, and the importance of communicating your needs and desires to your partner. Links Mentioned: Sarah Knight, F*ck No book (aff): https://amzn.to/4603ecC "Hey Stepmom, It's Okay to...

When I first became a stepmom, I felt like I struggled to keep my head above water. I was overwhelmed in so many ways, and the more I struggled, the more ashamed of those struggles I became. Stepparenting is genuinely one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, but with the right skills, I've found lasting peace and happiness in my marriage and family. If I could go back, here are 5 things I'd do now if I became a stepmom today: Find a stepmom friendGet to know Krista without being...

Hey, stepmom! Does your partner's guilt because of their separation and sharing custody affect their parenting? If so, this episode is for you! Today, I'm chatting with Tracy Poizner about the causes of guilty parenting syndrome, the effect it has on the children and the stepmom, and what you, as the stepmom, can do to empower your partner instead! It's a great interview full of valuable info you won't want to miss! Tracy Poizner has been a stepmom for over 15 years and launched the...

Holiday custody schedules can be brutal. When your stepchildren are at their other home for the holidays, it can exacerbate thoughts and feelings that your stepfamily is different from the one you always envisioned. It probably feels really unfair. You might feel lonely or miss them. That's a totally normal and natural response. But in today's episode, I'm sharing my BEST tips to make the most of the holidays before, during, and after, when you won't have your stepchildren on a special...

Resentment is pretty much a universal experience for stepmoms. If you've struggled with feeling resentful on your journey, you're definitely not alone! In today's episode, Beth McDonough and I discuss why resentment is so common for stepmoms and the reason why, steps you can take to identify your triggers, and how to overcome resentment in order to be fully present and engaged in your stepfamily! Beth is a Certified Stepparent Coach, Co-CEO of Stepfamily Magazine, Co-Founder of The Stepmom...

The holiday season is incredibly overwhelming for many stepmoms. In today's episode, I'm giving you permission to focus first on your peace of mind. Don't feel obligated to do more than you want to do.  Say "yes" when you want to, let go of traditions that no longer serve you, and be more present by letting go of expectations of perfection. You deserve a joyful holiday season, stepmom! Ready to set boundaries this holiday season? Grab my FREE GUIDE Basics of a Boundary:...

Calling all stepmoms struggling with picky eaters! Today, we're chatting with dietitian, Jenny, all about how to take the frustration out of mealtime with picky eaters! I am excited to share with you everything I learned in this interview about the causes of picky eating, ways to discuss food and mealtime to ease the struggles, setting boundaries with extended family members around your child's food choices, and SO much more! Jenny is full of great insight and tangible tips to put some fun...

Hey, stepmom! You're allowed to say no to the ex! And in today's episode, I'm giving you 3 clear ways to do that, with sample scripts! You are completely entitled to your own boundaries and needs, and I want to empower you to use your voice to take back control from the ex. Ready to learn how to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GUIDE Basics of a Boundary: https://stepmomming.com/boundaries-basics-guide/ Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/ Join our...

You're a stepmom for one reason, and one reason only: your partner! Ensure that your relationship is as strong and healthy as it can possibly be by mastering effective communication practices. Today, Keisha Williams, a Gottman Method trained counselor, joins me on the podcast to share her BEST tips for combatting defensiveness in communication with your partner, how to communicate better during disagreements, and MORE.  Keisha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Texas,...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again: stepparenting is not intuitive. Learning how to navigate this tricky role can be SO challenging! Before defining my role and finding my pacing as a stepmom, I made a lot of missteps. Today, I'm sharing 5 WRONG ways to be a happier stepmom.   I have done every single one of these thinking it would make me happier, but that happiness was fleeting. Thankfully, today I’ve learned much better skills for giving me lasting happiness as a...

Overcoming parental alienation from a co-parent is one of the most challenging obstacles stepmoms can face. Today, Anita Inglis joins the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast to chat about what parental alienation is, what it isn't, and how we can help our stepchildren overcome it. You'll absolutely love the validation and practical advice offered in this episode! Anita is a step/mum to 7, aged from teens to adults. After over a decade of navigating family life in a high conflict situation, she...

The school year is in full swing for many of us! One of the most common questions I receive from stepmoms this time of year is, "Should I attend the parent-teacher conference?". My answer isn't the same for every stepmom, but in today's episode, I'll give you some helpful insight into boundaries to set about being involved in your stepchild's education and questions to ask yourself to help you make the right decision about this year's parent-teacher conference.  Ready to create a stepmom...

Stepmom, you are in for a treat today! I'm chatting with No Guilt Mom's JoAnn Crohn all about the sources of guilt, and how to rewire years of conditioning that make it such a powerful motivator. If you suffer from guilt in your stepfamily, you definitely won't want to miss this interview! JoAnn Crohn, M. Ed is a parenting educator and life coach who helps moms feel confident in raising empowered, self-sufficient kid while pursuing their own goals & passions. She’s an accomplished...

Oftentimes, stepmoms and their partners work to keep the peace with their stepchild's other home. But at what cost? If trying to keep the peace outside of the home has cost you the peace inside your home, then you do not want to miss today's episode! Perhaps it's an unpopular opinion, but I truly believe "Keep the peace" is really s****y advice for stepmoms and their partners stuck in situations where it's impossible to have peace within your home AND with your stepchild's other...

Hey stepmom! Welcome back to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast!! I've missed you this summer!! I have so many incredible episodes lined up for you this season. I thought we knocked it out of the park with season 1, but somehow season 2 is EVEN BETTER.  Get ready, because it all starts on October 3rd! LIVE CLASS: Tired of feeling like an outsider in your own home and family? Join me October 12th for my live class, Outsider to Insider:...

Hey, stepmom! Summer break is quickly approaching, and with it, stress and overwhelm for many stepmoms. In today's episode, I share with you my three main tips for how to navigate summers as a stepmom: 1. Manage your schedules 2. Manage your energy 3. Manage your boundaries Plus, I answer some of your questions about summer! If you're stressed about the kids being home for a couple of months, then this episode is for you! Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways...

Hey, stepmom! Mini-wife (or husband) syndrome is something many stepmoms are combatting in their households. Today's guest expert, Maarit Miller of Blended Family Frappe, is talking about what it is, how to deal with it, and how to communicate with your partner about your uncomfortable feelings! It's a GREAT conversation you won't want to miss! Maarit is a writer, artist, and former single mama turned stepmama who literally wrote the book on disengaging. Today, she supports struggling...

Hey, stepmom! In today's episode, we're hearing the final installment of our "Let's hear from our partners!" series. In this episode, we're hearing from our partners about the stepmom's role and involvement, and what our partners would change if they could. I think you'll find their answers to these questions SO interesting: If you got a do-over in your current relationship, what would you do differently?What is something your partner does (or has done in the past) that makes your life more...

Mother's Day is often one of the hardest days of the year for stepmoms. It's a day that highlights for many stepmoms how the role mirrors the mom role but is still dramatically different in certain ways. If you're concerned about the upcoming holiday, here are 5 tips and reminders for you: 1. This is only 24 hours. Don't let this one day define your worth. 2. Separate your facts from your feelings. 3. Share your expectations for the day with your partner. 4. Stay off social media for 24-48...

Hey, stepmom! It's time for the second installment of our partners series! This time, our partners are answering critical questions like: What’s one thing you want your partner to know about your struggles as a divorced/separated parent?What are you insecure about in stepfamily life and how can your partner make you feel more secure?What worries do you have about stepfamily life in the future and how can your partner support you?What is your biggest fear as a divorced/separated...

Hey there, stepmom! My parents divorced when I was 2, and I had a few different stepparents throughout my childhood. Today, I'm sharing what I learned from that experience and how I use that intel to be the best stepmom I can possibly be! We've heard from the partners; now, let's get the stepchild's perspective! Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together:...

You are in for such a treat today, stepmom! We’ve spent some time talking about our partners’ perspectives, but now let’s hear it directly from them! In today’s episode, a panel of partners is answering some of your most burning questions, including: Is your current situation any less special than the relationship with your child(ren)'s parent?How have lessons from your past relationship impacted your current one?When your partner is feeling insecure about their role in your life, what’s...

Hi, stepmom! If you are ready to ditch the guilt and show up confident and purpose-filled in your stepmom role, then today's episode is for you!  Don't love your stepchildren? Dreading seeing the ex at your stepson's baseball practice? Feeling guilty for not showing up in the same role the ex did? Disappointed in yourself for not being able to figure out this stepmom stuff on your own and needing some guidance and support along the way? All TOTALLY normal! Tune in to learn more about how to...

Hi, stepmom! Have you ever struggled to understand your partner's perspective and why they seem to have such a different experience in your family than you do? Today, we're exploring why! You and your partner have different lenses through which you view your family, and once you understand the differences, it can explain so much! Ready to set boundaries with the ex to protect your peace? Grab my FREE GUIDE Basics of a Boundary: https://stepmomming.com/boundaries-basics-guide/ Let’s work...