The co-parenting mental shift is this beautiful thing that happens when you start seeing things through your child's perspective.
Sleep is uber important for both physical health and mental health. Read on to find out the effects on your health if you're losing sleep.
Shared parenting post-divorce is not one size fits all. Further, what works for you today may not work next month. Weigh your options and do what's best for your child by understanding the differences between co-parenting and parallel parenting.
Co-parenting seems like the goal for blended families, but when it's not possible, there's another option: parallel parenting!
As stepparents, what’s the best way we can support our partners (and protect ourselves) when they’re stuck co-parenting with a narcissistic ex?
The other day someone asked me if I hide my blog from my stepchildren's mom.
Stepmoms often find themselves saying, "I wish my partner understood..." and it's valid! This life is challenging, and it requires an understanding partner.
Take a minute for self-reflection and review the examples provided to see if you're contributing to the tension. Is it possible you're a high-conflict stepmom?
A stepmom bares her soul in this touching personal poem, "Stepmom in the Shadows." Find your light and let it shine, stepmom!
I once thought I'd never be able to see the ex without feeling sick to my stomach, but I was wrong! Here's how to see the ex without breaking a sweat!
Stepmom can be a lonely role. But your husband can support you, you just may need to ask. Here are six things that every stepmom needs from her husband.
When change is looming, it can be hard for children to manage their feelings. It's imperative we teach child coping mechanisms to help them navigate change.
It's so important to keep our power. You may be giving yours away and not even realize it. Read on to find 7 common ways we give our power away.
Who comes first in a stepfamily? Your stepchildren already have a great example of a failed relationship - it's up to you to show them how to do it right!
I’m going to switch things up a bit for this post and answer a question that was sent to me earlier this month!
In the April 2019 issue of StepMom Magazine: Parental Alienation. Loneliness. Erasing Family. Jealousy. Problem Stepkids. Special Events. Visitation Issues.
In the April 2019 issue of StepMom Magazine: Parental Alienation. Loneliness. Erasing Family. Jealousy. Problem Stepkids. Special Events. Visitation Issues.
Introducing a planner for co-parents designed specifically to help you get you blended family life organized! The Busy Mama Co-parenting Planner...
Hey, stepmom! Are you falling into these same bad habits? These are the biggest stepmom mistakes I made in my early days before I knew better!
Are you committing co-parenting sabotage? See if you recognize anything you may be doing to "sabotage" you and your ex's co-parenting potential.
Learn how to reinterpret your rude co-parent's actions to understand it's not you; it's his/her problem. It's not intentional, don't take it personally.
As we gear up for a summer full of road trips and cottage weekend, I'm reminded something an acquaintance said to me last year, after I told her about an upcoming road trip with my daughter and husband.
Dealing with spiteful acts in co-parenting? A co-parent who does something not in the best interest of the child just to spite you? Here's how to deal!
"Dear Husband. Love, Your Second Wife." Elena shares what she wants her husband to understand from her perspective as a second wife.
Blending two families is not for the faint of heart. There are many conflicts and bumps along the way as you navigate how to blend two separate families into one. In Episode 74, Daniel and Christina interview Ron Deal, the leading national expert and the most widely read and viewed author on blended families in
Self-care is so important. What's stopping stepmoms from getting the self-care they need? Read on to find out and what you can do about it.
Is your will written yet? It's time to start estate planning! Here are 3 things about blended family wills you need to know (sooner rather than later)!
Are you committing co-parenting sabotage? See if you recognize anything you may be doing to "sabotage" you and your ex's co-parenting potential.
Hi, I’m Mackenzie: Deb’s stepdaughter. I’ve seen a lot of blogs and Pins about the difference between parallel parenting and co-parenting; I thought it would be a good idea for me to write about my experiences in parallel parenting. My parents have been divorced since I was 5, and my dad married Deb when IContinue reading "What is Parallel Parenting Like for a Stepchild?"
Caring for another woman's child when you're incapable of conceiving is nearly unbearable. Jennifer shares her story and how she learned to cope.
Nuclear families are all we know, but your blended family will never look or feel the same. Today, we're shattering 3 myths about stepparenting!
Here's why no matter what had happened in the past, I suggested we change the custody schedule. Yep, me. The stepmom. I raised my hand and suggested change.
When you become a stepparent, you may think it will be easy. It's usually not... Here are 8 of the most common stepmom struggles!
I want to save her the jealousy and pain. I don't want my daughter to grow up to be a stepmom. I want her to have the fairy tale I couldn't have.
I had no idea what I was signing up for, and I'm thankful to be able to share the many lessons learned along the way to becoming a stepmom.
To the stepmom who’s feeling ashamed because she doesn’t love her stepchild, I want to assure you this does not make you a bad stepmom.
Marrying a man with kids is no walk in the park. Whether you knew or are just finding out, these blended family marriage tips will help you!
What's a stepparent's role look like after disengaging? Here are 4 non-parenting ways you can still be a supportive stepparent.
When you become a stepparent, you may think it will be easy. It's usually not... Here are 8 of the most common stepmom struggles!
The co-parenting mental shift is this beautiful thing that happens when you start seeing things through your child's perspective.
There's always room for improvement, right? Here are 5 ways to be a better stepparent, especially if you're a new stepmom!
What are you supposed to do when your husband finds his wedding ring from his first marriage? Read my story here.
2 out of 3 second marriages will end in divorce, and I refuse to be part of that statistic! I'm sharing the 4 C's to successfully stepcouple and help your marriage survive in spite of daunting statistics.
Do stepparents have a double standard when it comes to stepkids vs. bio kids? They do and they should, but it’s not the kind of double standard you’re thinking. Sometimes, taking a more flexible approach to parenting is ultimately the fairest answer.
Hi, I’m Mackenzie: Deb’s stepdaughter. I’ve seen a lot of blogs and Pins about the difference between parallel parenting and co-parenting; I thought it would be a good idea for me to write about my experiences in parallel parenting. My parents have been divorced since I was 5, and my dad married Deb when IContinue reading "What is Parallel Parenting Like for a Stepchild?"
The way I approach being a stepmom has changed a lot throughout the years, but none more-so than when all four became teenagers.
Stepmoms often find themselves saying, "I wish my partner understood..." and it's valid! This life is challenging, and it requires an understanding partner.
It’s true no two stepfamilies are alike, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Let’s discuss strategies for your unique family dynamics. Learn from my mistakes, my ... Read more
