Stepmomming Made Easy

In today's episode, I sit down with Mia Wisinski of Playful Heart Parenting to talk about one of the most underrated tools in your stepmom toolbox: play. We explore what it means to "activate play mode" in everyday moments, how playfulness helps sidestep power struggles and build real connection with your stepkids, and why you don't need to be creative or schedule fun for any o...

In today's episode, I'm setting aside the research and the action plans to speak directly to the stepmom who is barely holding it together right now. If you have ever felt like you are damned if you do and damned if you don't, like you are expected to love like a parent but treated like an outsider, this episode is for you. I want you to know that your struggle is not a reflection o...

In today's episode, I sit down with life coach Michelle Zunter to talk about what it really looks like to go from part-time to full-time stepmom, overnight and without warning. We explore the resentment, survival mode, and identity loss that can come with suddenly holding the bag, and why finding something that's just yours is the key to staying afloat. If you've ever felt unseen, e...

In today's episode, I sit down with internationally recognized anxiety expert, author, and 16-year stepmom Wendy Tamis Robbins to talk about the evolving journey of stepfamily relationships. We explore why stepfamily life triggers our fight-or-flight response, how to stop playing the victim and start showing up with agency and healthy boundaries, and why less is often more when it comes to co...

In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy , I sit down with Todd Jensen, PhD, MSW to unpack what research really says about building strong stepfamily relationships—especially when pre-teen and teen stepchildren are involved. We talk about why authenticity matters more than perfection, why discipline may not be your domain, and how to create connection without forcing it. If you’ve ever wondered ho...

In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with certified marriage and stepfamily life coach Heidi Farrell to unpack one of the most common challenges stepmoms face—parenting differences. We explore why discipline and household expectations can feel so personal, and how communication, empathy, and boundaries can rebuild connection with your partner. Heidi introduces her Communicate, Moti...

In this episode, I sit down with stepfamily coach and licensed counselor Rachel Dunne to talk about grief, loss, and healing as a stepmom. We dive into how stepfamily life is built on loss and why acknowledging that truth is the first step toward peace. Rachel shares how to process grief, release shame, and give yourself permission to feel all the emotions that come with stepmom life. If you’ve ev...

So many stepmoms I meet feel underappreciated. In this episode, I kick off season four by naming and unpacking the invisible load so many stepmoms carry behind the scenes. I explore the mental and emotional labor of keeping everyone and everything together, and how unspoken expectations and a desire for appreciation can lead to resentment and burnout. I’ll help you check your motivations, set heal...

In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a critical challenge for stepmoms: living life beyond the custody schedule. Drawing from a chapter in my upcoming book Stepmomming Made Easy , I share personal insights on how custody arrangements shouldn't dictate your entire life.  I explore how constantly planning around your stepchild's schedule can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed op...

In this powerful episode, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout , dives deep into the unique challenges stepmoms face. She explores critical concepts like human giver syndrome, the stress response cycle, and how stepmoms can prevent burnout.  Amelia shares her personal stepmom journey, offering compassionate, science-backed strategies to help stepmoms navigate complex family dynamics while maintain...

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...

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 reminde...

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...

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 navigat...

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, &q...

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 ste...

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...

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 GUID...

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 s...

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....

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...

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) Step...

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 stepmo...

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, includi...

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 stepmo...