Stepmomming Made Easy (Kristen Skiles)

In this first episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I'm sharing my story of growing up in my own big blended family and forming one as an adult with my husband and stepdaughter. Being part of a blended family can get challenging at times. I struggled as a stepmom, but I did the inner work to redefine my role, ditch the guilt, and stop letting stepmomming control my life. I pivoted my insecurities to strength and now help hundreds of stepmoms find peace, harmony, and control in their stepfamilies through one-on-one and couples coaching, small group coaching, live classes, and courses. 

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hey, stepmom! I know becoming a stepmom is a massive change and comes with challenges, but you are not alone. In this episode, I'm diving into 3 common struggles stepmoms face. I'm sharing my experience on how I overcame these challenges and my tips on how you too can thrive and create a stepmom life you love.

Ready to take the first step? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier 

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I am excited to share how you can become happier overnight. I wish I knew about these tips sooner myself. Stepmomming is a wild ride, but you don't have to go it alone anymore. Start with these 3 small shifts and see an immediate impact.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hey, stepmom! If you've been playing by the rules of a first family because that's all you've ever known (and I totally get it) it's time to stop now. A stepfamily has different dynamics than a first family and requires a different approach. In today's episode, I'm sharing my top three tips on how to set expectations and get everyone on the same page in order to thrive as a stepfamily. 

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hey, stepmom! Naja Hall is joining us for today's episode of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast and I couldn't be more delighted! This is such an incredible conversation; I know you’re going to get so much out of it!

Naja is the founder of  VIPStepmom and Blended and Black. As a Certified Coach and Educator, she understands that the family is THE MOST influential entity of human development, and her work centers around helping individuals, couples, and families navigate some of life’s toughest transitions. As the host of the popular podcast, I know I’m Crazy with Naja Hall and author of the Amazon best-seller Girl, Bye! Book series, Naja’s life’s work is to teach empathy, accountability, and emotional intelligence through the art of story-telling and genuine human connections. She’s a Stepmom of 3.

Naja and I talk about so many great topics, including:

•What it means to be an unbothered stepmom (& the exact steps to get there).
•The problem with expectations in a stepfamily.
•The one person we, as coaches have decided, has the potential to be a deal breaker.
 
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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Links mentioned:

https://www.vipstepmom.com
https://najahallbeauty.com
Stepmom Magazine (affiliate): https://www.stepmommag.com/shop/subscribe-today/annual/?aff=8
Unbothered Red Lipstick: https://najahallbeauty.com/products/seriously-matte-12-hour-lipstick?variant=44011640422715

Happy New Year, stepmom! Are you ready to create a stepmom life you love in 2023? My new year's resolution for you is to find freedom and control in your blended family, especially from the ex. In this episode, I share 3 specific ways to make it happen!

Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Apply for stepmom support coaching: https://stepmomming.com/stepmomming-coaching-application/

Hey, stepmom! Amelia Lane is joining me for today's episode of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast. We had a fascinating conversation about her experience moving into the home her partner shared with his ex and my experience with the ex moving in with us. You don’t want to miss it!

We talk all about: 

1. A stepmom's perspective when the ex is figuratively or literally in your home (Literally for me, when Krista's mom moved in for 3 months & figuratively for Amelia when she moved into the home her husband used to share with his ex).
2. How she made the house feel like a safe space and more like her home.
3. The importance of feeling and communicating your emotions, and the power of validation.

Amelia is a {second} wife, mom of two, and stepmom of one. She and her husband have been together for 12 years and married for 7. 

After overcoming her own stepfamily challenges: insecurity, shame, and what felt like endless frustration, Amelia made it her mission to help stepparents just like her! In 2020 she became a certified stepparent coach and opened Lane Stepfamily Coaching. In addition to her specialized education, Amelia’s biggest asset to coaching is her lived experience. Not only is she a stepmom, but a child of divorce too. This allows her to offer clients many different perspectives when helping them work through, and learn to cope with their unique challenges.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Links mentioned:

https://lanestepfamilycoaching.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amelia.lane.stepfamilycoach/

Nearly every stepmom I've ever met has felt like an outsider in her stepfamily at some point. In today's episode, I'm sharing my 3 best tips for overcoming outsider syndrome to build a stepmom life you love.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Additional reading: https://stepmomming.com/outsider-syndrome/

When I was first dating Kevin, I was consumed by thoughts of his ex and constantly questioning if our relationship was as special as theirs had been. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 reminders that helped me to get out of my head and recognize how uniquely special our relationship truly is. You deserve freedom from your insecurities too, my friend.

1. You are the only one thinking about the ex all of the time.

2. Your partner has been shaped by their previous relationship.

3. You are worth the risk.

4. It is different, but it is not less special.

5. You are not version 2.0.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Additional reading:

https://stepmomming.com/lessons-learned-role-second-wife/

https://stepmomming.com/second-wife-syndrome/

https://stepmomming.com/lies-second-wives-tell-themselves/

Stepmomming is uniquely challenging. Unless you've been one yourself, you'll likely never understand a stepmom's perspective. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 things stepmoms want their partners to know: 

1. I had no idea what I was signing up for.

2. Some days I need a break, and that needs to be okay.

3. My role is different.

4. There is so much pressure on me as the stepmom.

5. You are in the middle (of me/your ex, of me/your kids, etc.).

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hi, stepmom! Barb Goldberg is joining us for today's episode of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast, and I'm so honored! Barb is one of the most fun, creative, and insightful people I've ever met. You're going to LOVE this conversation!

Barb Goldberg is the author and owner of The Evil Stepmother Speaks website, blog and book. As the stepmother to three children and the biological mom to one son, Barb has been through the trenches and understands the challenges of stepmother life. Now, her children are grown and she can look back and teach practical solutions while keeping you laughing along the way.

Barbara has a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, a Master’s degree in Business Administration and is a certified Dr. Martha Beck life coach. She holds Stepmom Retreats every year and also coaches stepmoms.

Barb and I chat about so many important stepmom issues, including:

• The different feelings (& "distance") you feel as a stepmom and as a mom

• Reclaiming control as a stepmom (& Barb's truly unique way of doing it)

• Adult stepkids and stepgrandkids

• The power of doing nothing

Links mentioned:

Barb's book, The Evil Stepmother Speaks (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3XXj6sv

https://www.theevilstepmotherspeaks.com

http://stepmomsanctuaryretreat.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEvilStepMotherSpeaks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evilstepmom/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stepmomspeaks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stepmomspeaks/

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hey, stepmom! If you've been struggling in your role, you're definitely not alone. Stepmomming isn't challenging because you're not good enough or not cut out for it. It's just plain tough! In today's episode, I'm sharing three aspects of the stepparent role that make it so challenging.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hey, stepmom! Today, we have a special guest, my friend Beth McDonough of The Inclusive Stepmom! We discuss a tendency for some stepmoms to "stepsmother" their stepkids and what you should do instead! We also chat about feeling jealous of your stepkids, the shame you may experience around those feelings, and what we can do to resolve it!

Beth is a Certified Stepparent Coach, Co-CEO of Stepfamily Magazine, Co-Founder of The Stepmom Summit, and owner of The Inclusive Stepmom, where she takes stepmoms from hopeless to happy.

Beth specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, resentment, being a childless stepmom, infertility, dealing with the ex in a small town, and strengthening stepfamilies through focusing on your relationship with your partner.

The Inclusive Stepmom blog was named one of the best stepmom blogs of 2020 by Healthline. Her work has been featured in Good Morning America, NPR, Stepfamily Magazine, Stepmom Magazine, SheKnows Parenting, Bustle, Romper, TravelZoo, BabyCenter, Stepmomming, and ParentMap.

Links Mentioned: 

The Inclusive Stepmom: https://theinclusivestepmom.com

Stepfamily Magazine: https://www.stepfamilymagazine.com

Stepfamily Circle (affiliate): https://stepmomming--stepmomsummit.thrivecart.com/stepfamily-circle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinclusivestepmom/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinclusivestepmom/

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Stepmom, you're in for a treat, today! I'm joined by Joslynn Flowers of The Daily Stepmom, and we chat about all things full-time stepparenthood, adding an ours baby to the family, and race dynamics in stepfamilies. Joslynn is an absolute delight, and I know you're going to love this conversation!

Joslynn is a full time mom of 4, (the older 3 being her stepkids) and a certified stepmom coach, who resides in California. Joslynn has a serious passion for helping others succeed in life! In her time as a stepmom she has experienced the many struggles that can come along with being a stepmom and blending of a family. 

She is Co-Founder of The Stepmom Collective, a community based app with the intent to help Stepmoms build community, grow in their role, feel supported and understood on their journey of being a stepmom. She also recently co-hosted the first ever, in person Stepmom Collective Conference which was held in Santa Barbara, CA. 

Joslynn created and hosts a chart topping podcast called The Daily Stepmom Podcast, and has been a featured speaker for The Stepmom Summit and The Ultimate Step Family Summit. She was named one of the Top 10 NEW Podcasts in 2022 by SHE Magazine and has been interviewed by Raise Parenting Magazine. 

Joslynn is a lover of wine, coffee and all things sports! She loves to travel, read, despises laundry and has recently become a fan of the show Outer Banks. More than anything she loves to connect with others via her instagram account so find her at Dailystepmom (https://www.instagram.com/dailystepmom/).

Joslynn's website: www.thedailystepmom.com

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hi, stepmom! One of the BIGGEST stressors that many stepmoms face in their stepfamilies is their partner's ex. The ex may be overtly high-conflict, or they may be more subtle with their distrust or dislike of you. Even though it can feel *really* personal, it's entirely possible you didn't do anything wrong to cause them to dislike you. In today's episode, I'm diving into 4 reasons why the ex may not like you, even when you did nothing wrong! 

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 together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Stepmom infertility is like salt in the wound. Raising another woman’s child while struggling to have your own is a uniquely painful experience. For my fellow stepmoms battling infertility as a stepmom, I'm sharing 4 big tips for coping with those feelings before they turn to resentment!

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hi, stepmom! I want to talk about CONTROL! As stepmoms, we feel like we don't have any, we crave it, we need it... and yet, sometimes we inadvertently give it away! Today, I'm sharing 4 ways we unintentionally give away control as a stepmom: 

1. You're not empowering your partner to make decisions.
2. You're answering texts or emails as they come in.
3. You're not setting boundaries to protect your peace.
4. You're planning your life around the custody schedule.

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/

Join our life-changing signature program, Control Freak Collective: https://stepmomming.thrivecart.com/control-freak-collective/ 

Hi, stepmom! In today's episode, Erin Careless, PhD and I are chatting about all things stepping back! If you've noticed that your role needs a refresh and you want to learn how to take a step back from tasks and triggers that disrupt your peace in your stepfamily, you don't want to miss this talk!

Erin Careless, PhD is a Certified Stepparent Coach and writes under the name, Steplife. Two stepkids and two "ours babies" keep life busy for Erin and her husband, Matt. A stepchild herself, Erin experienced divorce, remarriage, and step-siblings within her own family. This experience adds to her ability to coach and support stepmoms in diverse situations. 

Erin specializes in topics such as stepmother identities and roles, mothering work, parenting styles, stepping back, and ours babies. Her work has been featured in StepMom Magazine, Stepparent Magazine, Huffington Post, DivorceForce, The Divorce Magazine, and Erin has presented her research at various academic conferences. 

Links Mentioned: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steplife.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinsteplife/

For Erin's course, 6 Steps to Stepping Back, email steplife@yahoo.com.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

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 together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 ditch the guilt and feel better aligned as a stepmom!

Quotes Mentioned:

"Don't set yourself on fire trying to keep others warm." - Penny Reid

"Guilt, shame, and criticism are some of the most damaging forces in your life." - Jen Sincero

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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:

1. Is your current situation any less special than the relationship with your child(ren)'s parent?
2. How have lessons from your past relationship impacted your current one?
3. When your partner is feeling insecure about their role in your life, what’s one thing you’d like them to know?

I think their answers might surprise you! Tune in for the first installment of this new series on the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast!

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Hey, stepmom! It's time for the second installment of our partners series! This time, our partners are answering critical questions like:

1. What’s one thing you want your partner to know about your struggles as a divorced/separated parent?
2. What are you insecure about in stepfamily life and how can your partner make you feel more secure?
3. What worries do you have about stepfamily life in the future and how can your partner support you?
4. What is your biggest fear as a divorced/separated parent?

Their answers are so insightful. I know you're going to love this episode!

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 hours to avoid getting triggered.

5. Stepmother's Day is the Sunday after Mother's Day.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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:

1. If you got a do-over in your current relationship, what would you do differently?
2. What is something your partner does (or has done in the past) that makes your life more difficult or has been counterproductive with your ex or your kids?
3. What is the role that you want your partner to fill, and how has that perspective changed over time?

Are you 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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 stepparents as they navigate their way through dating, marriage, raising stepkids, and dealing with the ex. You can find her online at blendedfamilyfrappe.com or on Instagram @blendedfamilyfrappe.

Links Mentioned: 

https://blendedfamilyfrappe.com/mini-wife

Stepmonster book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3IvF9AT

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

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 to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 alike!

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 shitty 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 family.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 writer, author, podcast host of the No Guilt Mom podcast, and speaker, appearing in national media and founder of the company, No Guilt Mom.  Her specialty is helping moms form deeper & more supportive relationships with their kids & other adults,  while finding what lights them up in No Guilt Mom’s Balance program. 

JoAnn is a former elementary school teacher with a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a National Board Certified Teacher in Middle Childhood Education.  She’s a mom to 2 kids - ages 14 and 10.

Links Mentioned: 

JoAnn's “Stop Doing” Checklist: https://www.noguiltmom.com/stop-doing

Website: https://www.noguiltmom.com

Facebook: facebook.com/noguiltmom

Instagram: instagram.com/noguiltmom

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

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: https://stepmomming.com/boundaries-basics-guide/

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 stepmom.

If you’re guilty of 1 (or more) of these wrong ways to be happier stepmom, you’re in good company. But trust me, it’s never too late to course-correct and overcome discontentment in your stepmom life. You can still build a foundation for a stepmom life you love!

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 now works with families, couples, and individuals around the world. She's passionate about people finding their joy and creating connections, even when the odds are stacked against that outcome.

Links Mentioned:

http://richardagardner.com/Pas_Intro

https://karenwoodall.blog

https://drcraigchildressblog.com

Divorce Poison book by Dr. Richard Warshak (aff): https://amzn.to/3qtJSx5

https://step-familydynamics.com/

https://www.facebook.com/StepFamilyDynamicscom

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 myself. Today, I want to talk about that identity crisis I experienced–and that I know many of you experience.

In this episode, I describe and validate the experience for stepmoms who feel like they've lost themselves in the role, and provide valuable tips for reclaiming your identity. Stepmomming is what you do, not who you are.

Ready to learn how to start setting life-changing, marriage-saving boundaries? 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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!

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 MUCH more! I'd consider this episode a can't-miss conversation for any stepmom whose stepchild has two homes.

Ashley is the founder of Our Splendid Life. She has provided resources and support for blended families since 2013. She is a certified stepfamily specialist and is finishing her Bachelor's Degree in Family Studies from BYU-Idaho. After struggling for years after her divorce, she felt inspired to do things differently. She has spent the past 15 years trying unconventional techniques to improve her situation, focusing on creating change from the inside out. She is passionate about sharing these tools with other families who are struggling in similar situations because they have truly changed her life!

Links Mentioned:

www.ashleymachele.com

www.instagram.com/ashleymachele/

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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, Florida and Washington State. She specializes in couples counseling but her experience also includes treating behavioral health disorders, family issues, self-esteem barriers, career counseling, and much more.

Her clinical approaches include Gottman Couples Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Christian Counseling. She is passionate about serving people. Using an integrated model, she seeks to meet you where you are. 

As a Jesus follower, His influence guides and empowers her work, bringing healing and restoration and hope to individuals and couples. She believes you were uniquely created and we are not meant to do life alone. Being seen by your partner matters. Your relationship matters. It is her honor and mission to help couples move from fighting with one another to fighting together for the sake of their union. 

Links Mentioned: 

1. Interested in becoming Keisha's client? Book a free consultation: https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration?therapistId=61C6BD9002AF4B3582849F8A5E41F8CC

2. Interested in learning more relationship tips? Follow Keisha on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083863911937&mibextid=LQQJ4d

3. Interested in booking Keisha for a speaking engagement? Call or email me at 253-366-3016 or keisha@thejourneytobetter.com

4. Read more about Keisha and her work here:  www.thejourneytobetter.com 

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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:

1. How do you prepare your stepchildren for adding a baby to the family?
2. Do you need to tell the ex you're expecting?
3. Did your love for your stepchildren (or perception of that love) change after having a baby of your own?
4. Did you ever feel territorial over your baby?
5. When you had a baby of your own, how did your stepmom role shift?

It's a great discussion that will help you feel better prepared for the exciting next chapter in your family!

Kimberly King is a multifaceted entrepreneur and owner of Honestly Mum (www.honestlymum.com). She is bonus mum to 2 girls, and bio mum to 2 boys.

After meeting her husband in 2016, Kimberly dove right into the deep end of step motherhood without a life vest and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Just 5 years into our marriage, the family has moved quite a bit. They lived in the Caribbean for several years and now reside in her husbands home state of Pennsylvania. 

As a biracial woman, raised in the inner city of Los Angeles, Kimberly, who is also a first generation American, specializes in Interracial + Intercultural stepfamilies, peeling back the layers of race and ethnicity. We work on identifying how these differences are helping or hurting your overall stepfamily dynamic and how to improve on your current situation. As a once expat herself, she is also well versed in overcoming struggles relating to relocation and all the hard parts of doing that with another new “ours baby” in tow. Her practice focuses on keeping marriage first and all facets of building confidence in your role as a stepparent.

When Kimberly isn’t working with stepfamilies, the stay at home mom moonlights as a chef creating beautiful home cooked dishes.

Links Mentioned:

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlykamish.king/

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 Summit, and owner of The Inclusive Stepmom, where she takes stepmoms from hopeless to happy.

Beth specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, resentment, being a childless stepmom, infertility, dealing with the ex in a small town, and strengthening stepfamilies through focusing on your relationship with your partner.

The Inclusive Stepmom blog was named one of the best stepmom blogs of 2020 by Healthline. Her work has been featured in Good Morning America, NPR, Stepfamily Magazine, Stepmom Magazine, SheKnows Parenting, Bustle, Romper, TravelZoo, BabyCenter, Stepmomming, and ParentMap.

Links Mentioned: 

The Inclusive Stepmom: https://theinclusivestepmom.com

Stepfamily Magazine: https://www.stepfamilymagazine.com

Stepfamily Circle (affiliate): https://stepmomming--stepmomsummit.thrivecart.com/stepfamily-circle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinclusivestepmom/

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 day!

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 Take Up Space" article: https://stepmomming.com/okay-to-take-up-space/

Ready to set boundaries this holiday season? 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 Essential Stepmom facebook group about 6 years ago. Her podcast of the same name has over 100 episodes, many of them geared towards problems facing the dads such as parental alienation, bringing a new wife or baby into the family and difficulties asserting authority or enforcing household rules. She hosts a separate podcast specifically dedicated to the challenges of post-divorce fatherhood called UnDeletable Dad.

Links Mentioned: 

essentialstepmom.com

info@essentialstepmom.com

undeletabledad.com

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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:

1. Find a stepmom friend
2. Get to know Krista without being in a parent role
3. Do the hard work on my second spouse insecurities
4. Have a conversation with Kevin about expectations and core needs
5. Start setting boundaries

Ready 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 back in mealtime.

Jenny Friedman, MS RD is a dietitian who helps families overcome extreme picky eating and pediatric feeding challenges. Known for her playful and approachable style, Jenny is the author of Stories of Extreme Picky Eating: Children with Severe Eating Challenges and the Solutions that Helped Them. Jenny lives in Philadelphia with her family.

Links Mentioned: 

JennyFriedmanNutrition.com or FeedingPickyEaters.com

Instagram: @feedingpickyeaters

Jenny's book, Stories of Extreme Picky Eating: Children with Severe Eating Challenges and the Solutions that Helped Them (affiliate): https://amzn.to/46cm0xB

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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, but it's absolutely a can't miss for any stepmom!

Get ready to meet Amy Ambrozich, M.A., blended family coach and strategist.  As a down-to-earth coach, Active Parenting workshop facilitator, dynamic speaker, and SMART Stepfamily Therapy Provider, Amy has dedicated her career to supporting blended parenting couples in building a stronger parenting partnership. With her practical approach and expert guidance, Amy empowers couples to create a solid foundation, fostering a stronger bond and effective teamwork in their parenting journey.

Whether you're navigating the challenges of a blended family or seeking to enhance your parenting dynamics, Amy is here to provide the support and strategies you need. Join her as she shares her wisdom, insights, and relatable stories on podcasts, offering valuable tools for creating more harmony in your home. 

Learn more about Amy's transformative coaching services at www.daretoparent.com and get ready to embark on a journey towards a stronger and more connected parenting partnership.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 is also the author of the upcoming book, Taking the 5 Leaps, which releases March 2024. As founder of the I Can’t Come Down Movement, speaker, and podcast host, she desires to inspire believers to walk in their purpose and assignment as they boldly take leaps of faith. 

Links Mentioned:

RachelGScott.Com

BetterThanBlended.com

Taking the 5 Leaps Book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3PTBTCh

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 stepfamilies. She teaches all over the U.S. and the world about best practices for meeting stepfamily challenges integrating the now considerable research with her own four-plus decades of clinical work. She loves putting this good information into the hands of people in stepfamilies!  

Patricia has written dozens of articles and book chapters and has authored the leading books in the field: Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships: What Works and What Doesn’t, and, with Karen Bonnell, The Stepfamily Handbook: From Dating to Getting Serious to Forming a “Blended Family.” 

She is the recipient of awards for Distinguished Contribution to Family Psychology from the American Psychological Association and the award for Distinguished Contribution to Family Therapy Theory and Practice from the American Family Therapy Academy.

Links Mentioned:

stepfamilyrelationships.com

Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships: What Works and What Doesn’t Book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3PLSuYk

The Stepfamily Handbook: From Dating to Getting Serious to Forming a “Blended Family” Book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/48IKC2y

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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:

1. What traits define a high-conflict person?
2. What are best practices for communicating with a high-conflict co-parent?
3. Do you need to respond to every communication from a high-conflict co-parent?
4. What can we do when the co-parent is lying in court about us?
5. How can we de-escalate high-conflict situations?

It's an honor to have Megan on the podcast sharing her in-depth knowledge on this topic. I know you're going to walk away from this episode feeling validated and empowered with better tools!

Megan Hunter, MBA, is an expert on high conflict disputes. She is co-founder of the High Conflict Institute along with author and speaker, Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. who developed the high-conflict personality theory. Megan developed the concept of the Institute after 13 years in policy, legislation and judicial training with the Arizona Supreme Court and 5 years with the Dawes County Attorney’s Office in Nebraska. She is founder and publisher of Unhooked Books, a U.S.-based media company.

Megan has trained business, workplace, government, public service, legal, mental health, leadership groups, non-profits, universities and other professionals across much of the U.S. and 7 countries. Megan holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Business and Economics degree from Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska. She has served as President of the Arizona Chapter of the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts, the Arizona Family Support Council and Nebraska Child Support Enforcement Association. She served 5 years on the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, and currently serves on the board of Stepfamily Magazine.

Links Mentioned:

The High Conflict Institute: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com

New Ways for Families: https://www.conflictplaybook.com/NWFF

Live Lab: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/bookstores/live-lab

BIFF for Coparent Communication book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/45D9vKq

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 Shitty Advice: https://stepmomming.com/ep-28-why-i-think-keep-the-peace-is-shitty-advice/

Join Control Freak Collective: https://stepmomming.thrivecart.com/control-freak-collective-april-24/

Ready 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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/redflags

Ready 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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. This is a conversation you absolutely can't miss!

Jessica Frew is a wife, ex-wife, mom, stepmom, and BOLD action taker.  She believes that we find true peace, connection and confidence by making the next right decision.  Jessica helps you make clear, confident, and concise decisions to lead a BOLD life that feels in alignment with who you were created to be through her Triple B Decision Making Method. You can find Jessica on Instagram @heyjessicafrew and on her podcast “Your Next Best Decision”.

Links Mentioned:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/

Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-next-best-decision/id1464470280

Website: heyjessicafrew.com/quiz

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 VIPStepmom and Blended and Black. As a Certified Coach and Educator, she understands that the family is THE MOST influential entity of human development, and her work centers around helping individuals, couples, and families navigate some of life’s toughest transitions. As the host of the popular podcast, I know I’m Crazy with Naja Hall and author of the Amazon best-seller Girl, Bye! Book series, Naja’s life’s work is to teach empathy, accountability, and emotional intelligence through the art of story-telling and genuine human connections. She’s a Stepmom of 3. 

Links Mentioned:

blendedandblack.com

VIPStepmom.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vipstepmom

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@vipstepmom

Girl, Bye! book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3WF7F9b

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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. 

5) Your partner has different emotional layers and feelings compared to a nuclear family. 

I share personal stories and client examples to illustrate these points, emphasizing the need for stepmoms to reframe their mindset and approach, to create the stepmom life they deserve.

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 experience specializing in the stepmom experience. Having become a stepmom to four at the age of 24, Mindy understands the unique challenges and complexities that come with the role. Drawing from her own personal struggles and her specialized education, Mindy is dedicated to helping other stepmoms navigate their journey, offering them tools and insights to move beyond their struggles.

Links Mentioned:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindykylecoaching/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindykyle.coaching

Website: https://www.mindykylecoaching.com/

Ready 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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. 

Tamara Johnson, aka Tammy J, resides a few minutes outside of Detroit, Michigan with her husband, their 7-year-old son, and her 16-year-old stepson. After saying "I do" in 2013, Tammy began her journey in the world of step-parenting. 

Juggling the struggles of being a step mommy with the pressures of blended family life, Tammy J was ready to step away from it all, including her marriage. However, with the help of personal therapy, marriage counseling, prayer and newfound confidence, Tammy J found the strength to continue on in her truth. While healing and re-discovering herself, Stepmom Goals was unleashed. 

Focused on helping other stepmothers and bonus moms in their own escapades, Tammy is determined to help these brave women to adjust their crowns daily. 

As a Stepmom enthusiast, Tammy J's mission is to help stepmoms and bonus moms to chase away the clouds of perfection as they step deeper into their God-given purpose.

Links Mentioned:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepmomgoals_/

Ready 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

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/happier

Join our stepmom small group coaching program, Serenity + Sisterhood: https://stepmomming.com/stepmomming-coaching-application/

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 connection time with your partner.

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! Apply now: https://stepmomming.com/stepmomming-coaching-application/

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/happier

Join our stepmom small group coaching program, Serenity + Sisterhood: https://stepmomming.com/stepmomming-coaching-application/

I'm thrilled to share this conversation with Brenda Ockun, the founder of Stepmom Magazine, who has been a wealth of knowledge and support for stepmoms worldwide for 15 years. Brenda and I dive into the common struggles stepmoms face, including the complex relationship with the ex and the tendency to lose oneself in the role... and we answer the one question every new stepmom asks herself, "Does it EVER get better?!"

Brenda Ockun is Founder & Publisher of StepMom Magazine—the how-to guide for any woman who dates, lives with, or is married to someone who has kids.

Written by licensed therapists, published authors and stepfamily experts, StepMom Magazine is a monthly, online publication in its 15th year and is read by stepmoms in more than 20 countries. The magazine addresses important topics like: Co-parenting, Disengaging, Loyalty Binds, Outsider Syndrome, Parental Alienation and Bonding with Stepchildren.

Brenda leveraged a degree in communications and 20 years as a marketing executive to launch StepMom Magazine, creating the resource she wished was available when she met her husband. Brenda’s been a guest on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” “Good Morning America” and the “Steve Harvey Show”—and she’s been quoted in “The Washington Post,” “USA Today,” “The Huffington Post” and other major publications.

A stepmom of two, ages 28 and 31, Brenda lives in Upstate New York with her husband Gregg and their Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Lilly and Moose. A champion to causes that matter to stepmoms the world over, Brenda says that “even when stepfamily life is good, it’s complicated!”

Links Mentioned:

Website: StepMomMagazine.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepmom_magazine/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepMomMagazine/

Ready 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 FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Calling all childless stepmoms! In today's vulnerable and heartfelt conversation, childless stepmom Lauren shares her struggles with infertility and how it impacted her role as a stepmom. She opens up about the resentment, guilt, and loss of identity she experienced, as well as the strategies that helped her maintain hope. Lauren provides invaluable advice for other childless stepmoms navigating this complex journey, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community, and redefining one's identity beyond the stepmom role. This episode offers a safe space for childless stepmoms everywhere to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Lauren is a stepmom of seven years and a proud mom to an 18-month-old. When she first stepped into the world of blended families, she searched for resources that specifically supported childless stepmoms—only to come up empty-handed. Determined to fill this gap, she created Blooming Stepmom, a platform dedicated to empowering stepmoms who often feel misunderstood or undervalued in their roles.

Over the past five years, Lauren has become a passionate advocate for childless stepmoms, helping them navigate the unique dynamics of their families while finding confidence and fulfillment in their lives. From addressing the challenges of co-parenting to embracing a role that doesn’t include being a biological parent, Lauren has supported countless women in redefining what it means to be a stepmom.

Now, as the co-host of a weekly podcast, Lauren extends her mission to a broader audience, sharing relatable stories, actionable advice, and encouragement for stepmoms everywhere. Through candid conversations and heartfelt advocacy, she’s creating a community where stepmoms can thrive and feel truly seen.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomingstepmom

Lauren's Podcast: Raising His Kids

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

In today's episode, I welcome back Anita Inglis to share her expert advice on navigating tough conversations with your partner as a stepmom. We discuss common communication challenges and strategies for effective dialogue. Anita provides valuable insights on preparing for difficult talks, handling defensive responses, and recognizing abusive relationships. This is a must-listen episode packed with actionable tips.

Links Mentioned:

https://step-familydynamics.com/

https://www.facebook.com/StepFamilyDynamicscom

Join Core State Curation: https://anitainglis.ezycourse.com/stepmomming-landing-page

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: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ainsley Keller from The Stepcollective to talk all things holidays! From managing expectations and navigating traditions to tackling tricky schedules, we cover it all. Ainsley also shares her powerful holiday mantra: Connection Over Perfection—a game-changer every stepmom needs this season.

If the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed, this episode is your reminder that joy is within reach. Tune in and let’s make this holiday season one to truly enjoy!

Ainsley supports stepparents and future stepparents helping them to embrace their role with intention, resilience and a deeper understanding of themselves and their families.  She has first-hand experience of life as a step parent coupled with decades of experience as a corporate director and executive leadership coach. Ainsley combines a passion for nurturing and developing individuals with positive change to harness healthy & empowered family relationships.  She is proud to be accredited as an Associate Credentialed Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), trained in restorative communication as well as group coaching. Ainsley also holds an MBA from Bayes Business School in London, UK.

Links Mentioned: 

https://www.instagram.com/the.stepcollective/

https://thestepcollective.co.uk

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: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Today, I'm joined by guest Michelle Dempsey-Multack, and we are discussing the unique challenges and perspectives of stepparenting and co-parenting. As a stepmom, biological mom who shares custody of her own daughter, and someone who grew up with stepparents, Michelle shares valuable advice on building healthy relationships, managing family dynamics, and prioritizing the needs of the children. The discussion covers common misconceptions, the importance of empathy, and strategies for creating a supportive environment for blended families.

Michelle Dempsey-Multack, MS, CDS is a Certified Divorce and Co-Parenting Specialist, bestselling author, educator for divorce coaches, and top 1% podcaster known for her ability to inspire and empower moms through their divorce and co-parenting journeys.

Michelle’s passion for “putting the child first” in the divorce process while helping everyone she reaches feel supported and empowered, makes her a sought after coach by clients as well as divorce industry professionals from around the globe.

Michelle’s unique perspective on divorce and co-parenting has helped thousands of women find the permission to move on confidently after divorce as they move towards a more intentional and holistic co-parenting experience – one that their kids can be proud of one day.

Michelle solidified her place as a thought leader in the divorce space with the recent publication of her bestselling book, Moms Moving On: Real Life Advice on Conquering Divorce, Co-Parenting Through Conflict, and Becoming Your Best Self from Simon and Schuster.

Links Mentioned: 

Instagram: @themichelledempsey & @movingonmethod 

https://michelledempsey.com

Moms Moving On book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3BONJKW

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: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy