In the “The Unspoken Stressors of Being a Stepparent” episode, children’s book author, Jennie Guay, helps us break down the complexities of being a step-parent. Being intentional about creating healthy spaces as a step-parent is the basis of the relationship. Every parent and step-parent has their unique set of parenting tactics; however, all tactics must benefit and protect the child.  Having open discussions on the role you’ll play and the dynamic of each parent is vitally important to the continued success of any step parent journey. Not only is communication important for all adults involved, but it is essential to create a space for the child to communicate their feelings.  Learning how to manage your frustrations connected to parenting starts with healthy communication. It’s imperative to understand if you have trouble managing your own emotions, you will struggle as a stepparent. You will need to find ways and tools to manage your stress on a daily basis.    SPONSORED BY: Dating Well AF Course, visit to learn more: http://datingwellaf.com   KEY POINTS: Deciding what you agree “bad” parenting looks like is a great place to start when coming into agreement on parent styles with multiple parents. If you can get on the same page as to what you agree is bad, ensuring there are no negative implications on the children, then you can get on board with each other. If you all agree on the wrong way then that's a strong position to start from. Identify the parenting methods that are not acceptable for your family unit, agree on those as a unit, and consistently reinforce those with your child(ren). You cannot tell children what to think, but you can teach them how to think. If you have trouble managing your own emotions, you will struggle as a stepparent. You will need to find ways and tools to manage your stress on a daily basis.  Knowing how to teach your child instead of telling them what to do will benefit them most in the future.    QUOTABLES: “There is no right way to parent, but there is a wrong way.”  “It is important to allow children to have choices and avenues to communicate their feelings.” Children go on feeling, not just the title of mom and dad.  “You cannot tell children what to think, but you can teach them how to think.” “Sometimes our own coping mechanisms can work against the connection with our children.” “It can be challenging to be a better person for a child you may not have had otherwise.”   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Jennie Guay LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennie-guay-77720219 “Howie Blend - Playdate Adventures with Family & Friends” Book: https://www.amazon.com/Howie-Blend-Playdate-Adventures-Friends-ebook/dp/B099GRSWKM   CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS: Alechia Reese For coaching visit: http://gotvaluenation.com Instagram | instagram.com/alechiareese LinkedIn | linkedin.com/alechiareese Dani Bourdeau For coaching visit: http://danifostercoaching.com Instagram.com/thedanibourdeau   RESOURCES: For more info, visit: http://triggeredafpodcast.com   Like what you're hearing? Follow Triggered AF and share the love! IG: instagram.com/triggeredafpc Twitter: twitter.com/triggeredafpc FB: facebook.com/triggeredafpc YouTube: youtube.com/channel/@triggeredafpodcast   Triggered AF Podcast is produced by Triggered Media Group.