I’m an achiever and a recovering perfectionist, and I’ve found those qualities to be severely evident in my stepparenting journey. I’ve sought to prove my value as a life partner, to establish credibility as a trustworthy co-parent, and to earn my stepdaughter’s trust and admiration. I wanted to hit that next mark to slide up the scale just a little bit closer to the perfect stepmom with the ... Read the Post
About Kristen
To the Stepmom Who’s Ashamed She Doesn’t Love her Stepkids
There’s so much pressure as a stepmom. Pressure to be a great wife, an influential parental figure, a peaceful co-parent, a perfect daughter-in-law… you get the idea. But the one expectation that sets many stepparents up to fail? To love their stepchildren like their own. For some, the love connection with their stepchildren is easy. For others, there are a plethora of reasons why it’s more ... Read the Post
Why we Hosted a Joint Birthday Party at a Hotel (Feat. Gaylord Texan)
Can I be honest and share that every year when Krista’s birthday rolls around, I get a little nervous? Should we do a joint party or separate? Will whichever choice we prefer be the same her mom prefers? Who will host? Will it be awkward? Will I feel left out? Will Krista feel like she has to pick sides? After my momentary freakout, I take a step back, take three deep breaths, and talk ... Read the Post
Experiencing an Identity Crisis as a Childless Stepmom
I had sold my home to move in with my then-fiance/now-husband and his daughter in his hometown, a town I was unfamiliar with about 30 minutes away. Logistically, it made sense for our family. Krista wouldn’t have to change schools, and it was closer to the building Kevin and I worked in. Emotionally, I was distraught. I had worked so hard to be able to purchase my first home. I decorated ... Read the Post
You don’t need to be the teacher, stepmom!
I was meeting with a stepmom coaching client a few days ago, and she expressed her concerns about sending her stepchildren back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. She didn't want to homeschool or orchestrate virtual learning for her stepchildren during her partner's custodial time, but she felt cornered. Her partner thought it would be safer for the children to stay home than return to the ... Read the Post