Have you ever felt like an outsider in your stepfamily? This is fairly common, especially when you’re just starting to adapt and learn where you fit in with your new family. These feelings can be exacerbated when the stepchild acts as if he or she is the mom (or dad, take note, this can happen no matter the gender of the children or parents) of the family, a predicament known as Mini Wife ... Read the Post
About Kristen
Disneyland Dad: Is it Really that Bad?
I grew up with a Disneyland Dad and lived to tell the tale.Dad’s weekends were full of Happy Meals, swimming at the pool, and learning how to ride a bike. We played together and enjoyed our time, not worried about rules, bedtime, or balanced nutrition.Mom’s house, on the other hand, was far stricter. There were chores, rules, bedtime, screen time restrictions, and school expectations. ... Read the Post
The Reason Stepparenting is So Challenging
Stepparenting: it's just like parenting except it's a bajillion times harder, you receive a fraction of the support, and you're not the one calling most of the shots.When I first became a stepmom, I imagined what my role would look like: my husband and I would be co-decision makers of our home, my stepdaughter and I would immediately hit it off, her mom would recognize my good intentions and ... Read the Post
What are Boundaries in a Relationship?
When I first became a stepmom, I didn't know what a personal boundary was. When my stepdaughter's mom moved in with us, I kept receiving the advice to set very clear boundaries, but I was completely lost. What are boundaries in a relationship? How do you decide what that personal boundary should be? What if the other person doesn't like or respect your wishes?I didn't know much about ... Read the Post
Third Wheel Stepmom: How to Overcome Feeling Like an Outsider
I've heard becoming a stepmom likened to picking up the controller and pressing play on a paused video game. Learning to adapt to norms, defining your role and determining where you fit in, and building relationships are just a few of the adjustments to prepare for in this next chapter. As part of that process, you may experience outsider syndrome, when you feel like an outsider in your own ... Read the Post