Getting along with your stepkid’s mom is a blessing and a privilege—and I know it’s not the reality for most. While I realize my experience may not resonate with everyone, I hope to share the positivity and happiness I feel in my unique situation. My past experiences around divorced parents and co-parenting weren’t positive. They…
As I sit here in a coffee shop, staring at a blank page and trying to draw inspiration from my list of stepparenting topics, I find myself distracted by a conversation unfolding nearby. A grandmother is firmly lecturing her daughter on how to manage her kids’ schedules: making sure they get to school on time,…
A nuclear family consists of a mom, dad, and their direct dependent children—one cohesive unit. I don’t want to speak for all stepfamilies or stepparents, but I often don’t feel like we’re a “family” in the traditional sense. Some days it looks and feels like a family, but most days, it’s different. I grew up…
So, you’ve taken on the role of stepmom and parent. Congratulations! Now, here’s a short list of essentials you’ll need to survive this rollercoaster ride: Kids are messy—like, really messy. You’ll notice everything is sticky: walls, handles, light switches, seatbelts—everything. Imagine them eating a Nutella-filled cookie with a runny nose, wiping their face with their…