The Stepmom Unfiltered Podcast is your go-to space for unapologetic, unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and everything in between of stepmotherhood. Join hosts Adrienne and Amelia as they navigate the complexities of blended family life with humor, empathy, and real talk. From taboo topics to expert insights, each episode offers a candid exploration of the joys and challenges of being a stepmom. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this podcast provides a supportive community where stepmoms can hear about relatable experiences, find solidarity, and discover practical solutions. Tune in for laughter, tears, and empowering conversations that remind you: you're not alone in this journey. This is The Stepmom Unfiltered Podcast – where real stories meet real support.
In this episode Adrienne and Amelia dive into the bittersweet experience of watching kids grow up and become adults. They discuss the emotional challenges of letting go, the complexities of blended families, and the reality of navigating milestones in the late teen and adult years. They share personal insights about their own parenting journeys, including struggles with insecurity, ego, and maintaining composure in front of stepchildren. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on what's within your control and accepting that not all relationships will be ideal. HIGHLIGHTS: Letting Go: The difficulty of transitioning from a hands-on parenting role to one of support as children become more independent. Blended Family Dynamics: Navigating family events and milestones in a blended family setting, including the challenges of making everyone feel included despite different family dynamics. Personal Reflections: Both hosts share their personal struggles with managing their roles, the impact of insecurity and ego, and the importance of focusing on the relationships they can control. Realness in Parenting: The conversation highlights the value of showing vulnerability and authenticity, especially with stepchildren, and the importance of letting go of the need for everything to be perfect. RESOURCES & LINKS: Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
This episode continues the conversation from Episode 18, as Adrienne and Amelia dive deeper into the unique challenges that stepmoms face. Based on valuable feedback from listeners, they explore new strategies and insights to help you navigate your role with confidence and grace. Join them as they uncover the importance of understanding emotional triggers and how this awareness can transform your interactions with your stepchild and family. They'll share practical tips for building a stronger bond with your stepchild, including finding common ground and creating cherished moments together. HIGHLIGHTS: Understanding Your Emotional Triggers: Recognizing and understanding your emotional triggers can help you respond more effectively to challenging situations as a stepmom. By identifying what specifically sets you off, you can take proactive steps to manage your reactions and communicate more effectively. Building a Stronger Bond with Your Stepchild: Strategies to build trust and foster a genuine relationship, such as finding common interests and spending quality one-on-one time together. Effective Communication with Your Partner: Techniques to improve dialogue with your partner, including active listening, setting boundaries, and ensuring that both partners feel heard and respected. Dealing with the Other Parent: Strategies for managing interactions with your stepchild's other parent. This included setting healthy boundaries, maintaining a neutral stance, and focusing on the well-being of the child rather than past conflicts or personal feelings. Empowering Stepmoms to Find Their Place: Empowering stepmoms to embrace their unique role within the family unit and how to overcome feelings of insecurity or jealousy and find a sense of belonging by embracing your individuality and strengths. RESOURCES & LINKS: Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
In this episode of The Stepmom Unfiltered Podcast, Adrienne and Amelia reflect on their decades of experience as stepmoms and discuss what they would do differently if given the chance. They dive into the nuances of stepparenting, the challenges of balancing roles, and the lessons learned from their past mistakes. From setting boundaries to understanding the differences between parenting and stepparenting, they share insights and advice for navigating the world of blended families. Tune in to hear about the importance of building strong foundations, recognizing the impact of personal history on present relationships, and the critical role of communication and boundaries. HIGHLIGHTS: Understanding the Stepmom Role: The importance of recognizing stepparenting as a distinct role, with its own challenges and nuances. Boundaries and Balance: How setting boundaries sooner could have made a difference in managing relationships and ensuring personal well-being. Reflecting on Past Experiences: Personal stories and insights into the mistakes made and lessons learned in the early days of being a stepmom and the importance of seeking help and advice early on. Personal Growth and Self-awareness: The realization of how personal history and past experiences can impact current relationships and parenting styles. Emphasizing the journey of self-awareness and growth in becoming a better stepmom and partner. RESOURCES & LINKS: Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
This week we dive into the complex and often emotional process of blending physical spaces in a stepfamily. Hosts Amelia and Adrienne share their personal experiences, from moving into a home with a history to creating new memories and making a space feel truly yours. Listen in as they discuss the unexpected challenges, emotional hurdles, and practical solutions for making a blended family home a place of comfort and belonging. HIGHLIGHTS: Personal Experiences: Amelia shares her journey of moving into a home her husband bought with his ex-wife and the unexpected emotional challenges that arose. Emotional Hurdles: The struggle of dealing with the physical reminders of a partner's past and how it can impact a stepmom's sense of belonging. Practical Solutions: The importance of creating new memories, making changes to the home, and the significance of communication in navigating these challenges. Building Together: The benefits of working together to make a house feel like a home, including purchasing new items and making joint decisions. Grace and Understanding: Encouragement to give yourself grace during this process and the reminder that it's okay to feel uncomfortable and take time to adjust. RESOURCES & LINKS: Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/livinginhisexwifeshouse https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/livinginhisexwifeshouse Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Hosts Amelia and Adrienne talk about what they feel have been some of the hardest parts of being a stepmom. They share their personal experiences, from dealing with different parenting styles in blended families to managing relationships with stepchildren. The conversation highlights the importance of ego, acceptance, and understanding in navigating the complexities of stepparenting. This candid discussion aims to provide stepmoms with insights, support, and the realization that they are not alone in their journey. HIGHLIGHTS: Hardest Part of Being a Stepmom: Amelia discusses the challenge of not having control over how children are parented in different homes. Emphasis on accepting different parenting styles and trusting that other parents love the kids equally. Adrienne talks about the role of ego and the importance of recognizing that different ways of parenting are not necessarily wrong, but different. Ongoing Journey and Self-Reflection: The hosts highlight the continuous nature of stepparenting, emphasizing that there's no final destination. Easiest Part of Blended Families: Both hosts reflect on the surprisingly smooth blending of their families. RESOURCES & LINKS: Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
This week Adrienne and Amelia take a look at stepmom self-talk and the narratives we tell ourselves. From challenging beliefs to identifying thought patterns, this episode offers practical insights and actionable strategies for navigating the ups and downs of stepfamily life. HIGHLIGHTS: Identifying Beliefs: Exploration of how our beliefs shape our actions and perceptions, and learn techniques for uncovering and challenging limiting beliefs. The Power of Perspective: The impact of shifting perspectives and reframing situations Tools for Self-Reflection: Learn practical tools for examining and addressing negative self-talk, including questioning assumptions and seeking alternative explanations. Real-Life Examples: Hear personal anecdotes and experiences that illustrate the importance of self-awareness and intentional communication in stepfamily dynamics. RESOURCES & LINKS: Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom Blog: Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Join Amelia and Adrienne as they explore the often-overlooked aspect of stepmoms having more control than they realize. From defining roles within the family dynamic to navigating boundaries with ex-partners, they provide valuable insights and practical advice for stepmoms seeking clarity and empowerment. HIGHLIGHTS: Defining your role: Understand what responsibilities you're comfortable with and establish boundaries in collaboration with your partner. Navigating societal narratives The importance of open and honest discussions with your partner to align expectations and parenting strategies. Recognize that you have the right to make decisions within your household, independent of your partner's ex. Importance of a parenting plan: Establishing clear guidelines early on can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts in the future, providing stability for everyone involved. RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/stepfamilyhappiness Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
In this episode, we tackle a crucial and relatable topic: how to balance supporting your child's dreams while being realistic about their goals. Inspired by a personal experience with Amelia's son and the overwhelming response from an Instagram poll, we chat through the complexities of parental encouragement. We discuss the impact of teachers and parents on children's aspirations, the importance of perseverance, and how to handle disappointments and setbacks. Whether you're a stepmom, mom, or dad, this episode offers valuable insights on fostering a supportive yet realistic environment for your kids' dreams. HIGHLIGHTS: How a teacher's discouraging words about making it to the NHL sparked a broader conversation on supporting kids' dreams. The benefits of encouraging children to pursue sports and other activities they love. The valuable life skills kids learn from being involved in sports, such as perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. How to be honest with your kids about the odds of achieving their dreams without crushing their spirit. RESOURCES & LINKS: Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
In this episode we sit down with Megan Jerrelle, a dedicated mom, and wellness coach, to explore her expert insights on navigating the complexities of single-mom life. Megan shares her personal journey and offers practical tips on prioritizing self-care, establishing healthy habits, and creating connections with your children. Learn how small changes in your daily routine can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with sleep, overwhelmed by commitments, or looking to improve your co-parenting dynamics, Megan's advice will inspire and empower you! HIGHLIGHTS: Learn Megan's personal sleep routine: early bedtime and natural waking Self-Care Strategies such as walking to boost mood and reduce loneliness Handling extracurricular activities when co-parents have different levels of involvement Megan's practice of keeping Sundays free for spontaneous family activities Megan's experience with learning new activities alongside her children Avoiding negative talk and focusing on factual, supportive communication CONNECT WITH SPECIAL GUEST: Website: www.meganjerrelle.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/megan.jerrelle RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/toxic-tongues Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
This week we dive into the balancing act of navigating different parenting styles within blended families. Join us as we discuss the various parenting approaches and how they can impact family dynamics. We explore the challenges and benefits of co-parenting both within your home and with your exes. Learn practical tips for finding common ground, setting boundaries, and fostering respect among all parents involved. Whether you're a stepmom struggling with guilt or a parent trying to blend different family traditions, this episode offers valuable insights to help you create a harmonious family environment. HIGHLIGHTS: The impact of family history and guilt on parenting decisions. Balancing different parenting styles within your own home and with your partner. Strategies for co-parenting with exes and navigating multiple households. The importance of establishing rules gradually. Challenges of parenting "ours babies" versus children who go between homes. Effective communication with children and the importance of explaining the "why" behind rules. RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/stepfamily-benefits-of-having-rules-and-expectations Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Amelia and Adrienne are talking about “transition day,” the time when children move between homes in a blended family. They explore the emotional and logistical challenges that come with these transitions, offering insights and practical tips to make the process smoother for everyone involved. The discussion covers the evolution of transition day dynamics as children grow, the impact on different family members, and strategies for creating a supportive environment. Whether you're a stepmom struggling with the back-and-forth or looking to better understand your stepchildren's experiences, this episode is packed with valuable advice and heartfelt stories. HIGHLIGHTS: Discussion on the dynamics of children moving between homes and how different household roles affect them. Insight into the different roles children assume in blended families and how these roles change in various households. Reflection on the compounded stress of different rules, schedules, and environments during transitions. Addressing stepmom insecurities and the importance of empathy towards stepchildren during transitions. Practical tips on maintaining a structured routine and creating a welcoming environment for children. RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/stepmomtipsfortransitionday Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
In this episode of the Stepmom Unfiltered Podcast, hosts Adrienne and Amelia dive into the complexities and unique challenges of planning a wedding as a second wife. They share their personal stories and contrasting experiences, providing insights into the emotional rollercoaster of wedding planning while navigating insecurities and family dynamics. They discuss the significance of including children and extended family in the wedding ceremony, balancing personal desires with familial expectations, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with heartfelt moments, practical advice, and plenty of laughter. HIGHLIGHTS: Personal Stories of Wedding Planning: Adrienne and Amelia share their unique experiences of planning a wedding as a second wife, highlighting the emotional challenges and differences in their approaches. Navigating Insecurities: The hosts discuss how insecurities can influence wedding planning decisions and the importance of staying true to personal desires instead of trying to "one-up" previous relationships. Including Children and Family: Tips on how to involve children in the wedding ceremony and create special moments for blended families. Balancing Expectations: Strategies for balancing personal wedding dreams with the expectations and dynamics of extended family members, including divorced parents and step-parents. Lessons Learned: Reflecting on the lessons learned from their wedding experiences, Adrienne and Amelia emphasize the importance of doing what feels right for you and not letting insecurities drive the planning process. Heartfelt Moments: Emotional and touching moments shared by the hosts, including family members coming together and special dances with fathers and stepfathers. RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/powerofcommunicationinstepfamilies Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Join Adrienne and Amelia as they dive deep into the complexities and significance of names in blended families. From the nicknames stepchildren use to address their stepparents to the decisions surrounding last names, Adrienne and Amelia share personal anecdotes and insightful perspectives on navigating these sensitive topics. The conversation looks at both emotional and practical considerations involved in choosing what stepchildren call their stepparents, exploring the organic evolution of these relationships and the impact on family dynamics. Adrienne reflects on her experience of hyphenating her last name against her husband's wishes to maintain continuity for her children, sparking a conversation about ego, insecurities, and the freedom that comes with letting go of unnecessary concerns. They explore the societal biases and practicalities associated with sharing last names in blended families, highlighting the simplicity and convenience it brings to various aspects of family life. Throughout the episode, Adrienne and Amelia emphasize the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and flexibility in navigating the complexities of blended family life. HIGHLIGHTS: Personal Experiences: Adrienne and Amelia share their personal experiences with stepchildren calling them by nicknames, reflecting on the organic evolution of these relationships. Complexities of Last Names: The discussion explores the significance of last names in blended families, touching on legal implications, emotional considerations, and societal biases. Perspective Shift: Amelia's perspective shift regarding her husband's ex-partner's decision to retain his last name prompts a deeper reflection on ego, insecurities, and the freedom that comes with letting go of unnecessary concerns. Impact on Children: The importance of considering the impact on children's sense of belonging and inclusion within the family unit is highlighted, emphasizing the role of open communication, mutual respect, and flexibility in navigating these complexities. Humor and Warmth: The conversation concludes on a lighthearted note, acknowledging the evolving nicknames parents receive from their children over time, highlighting the humor and warmth that permeate family dynamics. RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/powerofcommunicationinstepfamilies Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
In this insightful episode, Adrienne and Amelia explore the complexities of communication within stepfamilies with special guest, Blended Family coach, Amy Ambrozich. Together, they discuss the challenges stepfamilies face due to varying relationship starting points and differing communication styles between households. Amy shares valuable insights on building trust, connecting before correcting, and fostering open communication between partners, as well as practical strategies like scheduling dedicated "talk time" and using a whiteboard parking lot to address concerns, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and collaborative problem-solving as essential tools for healthy stepfamily communication. HIGHLIGHTS: Exploring unique communication challenges in stepfamilies due to varying relationship starting points. Building trust and fostering open communication between partners. Practical strategies like scheduling dedicated "talk time" and using a whiteboard parking lot to address concerns. Emphasizing empathy, understanding, and collaborative problem-solving for healthy stepfamily dynamics. Importance of setting boundaries and being on the same page as co-parents regarding technology use for children. Personal experiences shared by hosts Adrienne and Amelia in navigating technology use within their families. CONNECT WITH SPECIAL GUEST AMY AMBROZICH: Website: daretoparent.com Instagram: @amyambrozich_stepfamilycoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dare-to-parent-llc/ RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/powerofcommunicationinstepfamilies Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Join Adrienne and Amelia as they navigate the complexities of Mother's Day celebrations and gift-giving traditions in blended families. They take a look at the differing perspectives on whether stepmothers should be honored on Mother's Day, and offer insights on fostering inclusivity and balance between biological parent and stepparent bonds. HIGHLIGHTS: Recognizing the importance of celebrating and appreciating all caregivers in children's lives, including stepmothers. Navigating the allocation of time on Mother's Day based on individual family dynamics and schedules. Emphasizing to teachers the importance of allowing children the freedom to make gifts for all caregivers to avoid feelings of exclusion. Shifting the focus of gift-giving towards gratitude and thoughtfulness rather than monetary value. Establishing boundaries as a stepparent while still supporting children's relationships with their biological parents. Validating the complex emotions experienced by both mothers and stepmothers on Mother's Day due to the intricacies of blended family dynamics. RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/navigatingmothersdayasastepmom Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Adrienne and Amelia tackle the art of mastering stepfamily conversations. Drawing from their own journeys, they delve into the evolution of their communication styles, reflecting on past challenges and transformative insights. From navigating accusatory approaches to embracing patience and empathy, they offer practical tips for fostering healthy dialogues within blended families. By emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and continuous growth, Adrienne and Amelia empower listeners to approach communication as a skill that evolves over time. HIGHLIGHTS: The evolution of communication styles and lessons learned from past conflicts Impact of childhood experiences on adult communication patterns Strategies for fostering empathy, patience, and trust in stepfamily dynamics Practical tips for improving communication, including prioritizing face-to-face conversations and modeling healthy behaviors for children Key takeaways: permission to take time before addressing conflicts, approach communication as a skill, prioritize self-reflection and growth RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/powerofcommunicationinstepfamilies Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Join hosts Amelia and Adrienne for a lively discussion on the art of stepping into your role as a stepparent in blended family dynamics! In this episode, they unveil a dynamic 5-step process for navigating when to lean in and when to take a step back. From assessing personal impact to evaluating the involvement of other parents, they provide actionable strategies for finding your footing in this complex terrain. With a sprinkle of humor and a heap of wisdom, the hosts stress the importance of empathy, humility, and self-care in the journey. Tune in and embark on your path to confident stepparenting! HIGHLIGHTS: Define clear roles and responsibilities for parenting within your home through open communication. Use a 5-step process to determine when to get involved that considers direct impact and other parents' handling of situations. Understand different perspectives by viewing situations from your partner's and ex's point of view. Choose peace in your home over needing to be heard, right, or involved in every situation. Do personal work like the "why game" to address underlying issues driving emotions and reactions. RESOURCES & LINKS: Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/transformativepowerofsteppingback Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
From the initial pang of jealousy to the weight of unspoken frustrations, discover how Adrienne and Amelia have confronted and coped with these feelings on their own stepmom journeys. But it doesn't stop there – tune in as they uncover the transformative power of gratitude in reshaping their perspective and strengthening their marriages. With candid insights and practical tips, this episode is a beacon of hope for stepmoms navigating the rollercoaster of emotions. Whether you're struggling with resentment or seeking a path to gratitude, this episode offers a roadmap for finding peace, connection, and joy in your stepmom role. HIGHLIGHTS: Resentment is common for stepmoms due to feeling unappreciated for their efforts. Difficult relationships with stepkids or exes often lack reciprocation of feelings. Assess sources of resentment through self-reflection and taking inventory of responsibilities. Communicate feelings of resentment and needs for change to your partner. A gratitude practice can help shift perspectives and overcome resentment over time. Start small with gratitude by focusing on just one positive thing each day. Take control of your thoughts and don't let resentment consume you. RESOURCES & LINKS: Gratitude Journal: Grab your copy here! Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
While there is no one size fits all, join hosts Adrienne and Amelia as they delve into the delicate question: when is the right time to introduce a new partner to your children post-separation or divorce? Drawing from their own experiences, they candidly share insights on navigating this crucial step in their stepmom journeys. From considering the ages of the children to assessing the time since the split and the level of trauma involved, the hosts offer practical advice on making the introduction comfortable and fostering open communication. This enlightening conversation provides valuable perspectives for any parent facing the challenge of blending families, offering reassurance and guidance along the way. HIGHLIGHTS: Consider individual circumstances like the children's ages, how long it's been since separation, and how difficult the separation was. Meet on neutral ground like a park for the initial introduction. Have an activity planned so the meetup is not awkward. Give children context about the new partner beforehand. Heal and move past the separation yourself before introducing a new partner. Co-parent effectively by introducing new partners to each other and the children. Be mindful of children's feelings and make the experience less awkward for them. There is no single right way, do what feels best for your unique family situation. RESOURCES & LINKS: Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach
Join hosts Adrienne and Amelia in the inaugural episode as they peel back the curtain and dive into their own stepmom stories. From navigating the blending of families to weathering the highs and lows of stepmotherhood, nothing is off-limits in this raw and candid conversation. Whether you're a seasoned stepmom, a newbie, or simply curious about the stepmom experience, this episode is your invitation to join our community, embrace the messiness, and find strength in solidarity. RESOURCES & LINKS: Website: theartofblendedchaos.com YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered FOLLOW: The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach