My sister asked, “Can you come over and hang out with us next Thursday?” and I immediately replied, “I’m not sure, let me check our custody schedule and see if Krista will be home!” Several variations of this conversation occurred throughout my first couple of years dating a man with kids.I didn’t attend events, didn’t go out with my friends, didn’t visit my family, or do things alone, if we ... Read the Post
About Kristen
Why I Won’t Allow My Stepdaughter to Call Me “Mom”
I was saying my goodbyes to my sweet almost-stepdaughter as she prepared to catch her flight to the wedding destination, where we'd be reunited in just a couple of days. She hugged me extra tight, told me how excited she was, and assured me she would miss me until I saw her again.I told her I loved her and couldn't wait to officially be her stepmom—before we knew it, we'd officially be a family! ... Read the Post
10 Things White Stepmoms can do for Social Justice Right Now
I don't feel comfortable posting stepparenting content this week when there are much bigger issues to address right now. I even feel uncomfortable publishing another white voice in this moment of minority empowerment, but I've seen so many of you asking in our private Facebook community what you can do, wanting to learn, wanting to do better, and I'm right there with you.There are ... Read the Post
6 Tips for your First Mother’s Day as a Stepmom
I vividly remember my first Mother's Day as a stepmom. I felt left-out, unappreciated, and disappointed.It seemed entirely unfair that I would help to raise my stepdaughter and wouldn't receive recognition for that contribution from so many in my life. I could perform many of the same tasks as a "real mom," but still, Mother's Day was reserved for them instead of me.Even though I can ... Read the Post
When the Ex Won’t Stop Bad-Mouthing You
"Love your kids more than you hate your ex!" It should be a logical conclusion instead of a desperate plea, and yet, here we are.Some stepmoms find themselves stuck in a co-parenting dynamic with an ex who won't stop bad-mouthing the stepmom and/or her partner to the kids, the in-laws, online, or to anyone who will listen.So, what's a stepmom to do? Can you correct the bad-mouthing? Is it ... Read the Post