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 ...
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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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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/StepFam...
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 ide...
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 ...
In today's episode, I am getting on my "stepmom soapbox" to address the common and unhelpful statement made to stepmoms that they "knew what they were signing up for." I knew my partner had a child; I did NOT know everything that entailed. No parent—especially a stepparent—can truly know the challenges of parenting until they experience it firsthand. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierJ...
As a stepmom, I've faced my fair share of challenges, but the struggle with control has been one of the toughest. I know how it feels to be at the mercy of custody schedules and co-parenting dynamics that don't always align with our own preferences. But I'm here to tell you, my fellow stepmoms, that there is hope! In today's episode, I'm sharing three instant gratification tips that can help create a more peaceful stepmom life—from cutting ties with toxic triggers to carving out sacred daily ...
In this episode, I share how becoming a mom has impacted my role as a stepmom. I discuss the challenges and benefits of balancing these two identities, and how it has transformed my relationship with my stepdaughter. I'll also answer your most burning question... "Do I love my biological child more than I love my stepchild?"Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierJoin our stepmom small group coac...
In today's episode, Tammy J and I discuss the myths surrounding disengaging as a stepmom. It's a conversation you really can't miss! We explain that disengaging is not about disappearing or failing, but rather an opportunity for stepmoms to step back, reflect, and grow in order to be their best selves and support their families. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of giving space for everyone in the blended family to learn their roles and redefine relationships in a healthy way. T...
In today's episode, I am sharing the single biggest barrier to thriving as a stepmom. In order to create a stepmom life you love, you must first grieve the loss of the life you thought you would have. Holding onto unmet expectations will only lead to ongoing frustration and disappointment, so give yourself permission and space to mourn the loss of the vision and plan you had for your future. You deserve a stepmom life you love! Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Wa...
In today's episode, I'm chatting with Mindy Kyle, and we are delving into the complexities of loyalty binds and betrayal blindness in blended families. Mindy defines loyalty binds as emotional conflicts where children feel compelled to side with one parent over another. Why do our stepchildren feel this way, and what we can we do about it? We talk about all this and more!Mindy is an LCS Certified, Positive Parenting Certified, and Blended Family Certified life coach with over 15 years of expe...
In order to be a happy, successful stepmom, you MUST stop acting like you are in a nuclear family. In today's episode, I'm making my case with 5 specific reasons: 1) Your role and position in the family are often unclear, unlike in a nuclear family. 2) Stepfamilies lack the time to develop shared norms, rules and culture. 3) Not all parents in a stepfamily back each other up. 4) Stepchildren don't need another original parent; as a stepmom, you should find a unique role.&n...
I have learned a LOT of lessons the hard way as a stepmom. And today, we're shaking this up a bit from the typical episode. I'm sharing five of those lessons with you. Through my personal stories, I hope to validate and normalize the full range of emotions and struggles that stepmoms face, providing comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone on this journey.Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/h...
Co-parenting with someone who is chaotic, uncooperative, and/or high-conflict can be challenging, to put it lightly. Today, I'm joined by fan-favorite Naja Hall, and we are sharing personal experiences and insights on how to maintain peace and find solutions, when co-parenting just won't work! We're discussing why parallel parenting is a positive alternative to co-parenting, including the impact on everyone's mental health. You deserve a stepmom life you love, stepmom.Naja is the founder of V...
In today's episode, Kristen and guest Jessica Frew discuss the harmful habit of "shoulding" on ourselves as stepmoms, and provide practical steps to overcome this by reconnecting with our intuition, setting boundaries, and taking small actions to prioritize our own needs. Jessica shares her personal journey of rediscovering herself after nearly losing her sense of identity in stepmotherhood, emphasizing the importance of belonging to ourselves first before trying to belong in our families. Th...
Welcome to Season 3 of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast! In today's episode, I'm sharing five red flags to watch for when dating someone with kids. Stepmomming and being in a blended family can be immensely fulfilling when it's done with the right person. Avoid these pitfalls, and set yourself up for success!Links Mentioned:Grab the full Red Flags When Dating Someone With Kids download here: https://stepmomming.myflodesk.com/redflagsReady to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GU...
Sometimes as a stepmom, you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. And a big reason for that, is because of the double standard between moms and stepmoms. There is an underlying—often misguided—prejudice in our society that stepmoms are less than "real" moms, and today, we're going to break this double standard wide open.Stepmoms are not less than "real" moms, or anyone else. This is an archaic notion, and it's time for us to rewrite the narrative!Ready to create a stepmom life you lov...
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-...
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...
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 Be...
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 ...
