"I wish my Mommy and Daddy were still together. You and my stepdad could be like my aunt and uncle, but I just wish Mommy and Daddy lived together."My heart broke in that moment, but maybe not for the reason you'd expect.I hugged her a little tighter, and through the tears, I whispered back, "Me too, baby."I wish things could be simpler for her. I wish she could have a "normal" family ... Read the Post
Second Wife Syndrome: Comparison is the Killer of Joy
Have you vacationed there with her? Was that your picnic basket you used as a family? Is that somewhere you had date night with her? I used to think (and ask!) about his ex-wife all the time. I didn't want to replicate any memories he had with her because then I had the ability to pale in comparison. I didn't want to feel second best and thus, didn't want to ever do something for the second time. ... Read the Post
3 Myths of Stepmomming Shattered
When I first started dating a single dad, I was an appropriate mix of excited and scared. I hadn't wanted an instant family, but I was great with kids, and he was such a good man, it actually seemed kind of appealing. Skip the years between and jump straight to the loving family I knew I wanted in the future.Super simple and romantic in theory. Wild, complicated, and a little messier in ... Read the Post
Stepmomming 2019: Year in Review
If I had to choose one word to sum up 2019 for the Stepmomming blog, it would be growth.Opportunities like being featured on the Today Show and interviewed for some of the top stepparenting podcasts have contributed to our growth in influence and followers. This year, our incredible lineup of guest writers contributed to the growth in the variety of philosophies and perspectives provided. ... Read the Post
20 Things to Stop Worrying About in 2020
Stepmomming ain't easy. Can I get an amen? This life is tough stuff. But I've found that it's exponentially MORE difficult if you don't have the right frame of mind. When you can look past some of the situations that aren't deserving of your attention, you'll save yourself peace of mind and happiness. Wouldn't it be a dream come true if you found true peace in your stepmom role in 2020? If you're ... Read the Post
Am I a stepmom if I’m not married?
When I started dating my now-husband, I was challenged in ways I never expected.Having an ex around was a new concept to me. Having an ex around who made decisions that impacted my life was hard. Just having to constantly see her or hear about her was hard. Seeing how she made my boyfriend feel was hard. But that was just the start of it all…On top of that, I was developing relationships ... Read the Post