Tiny Pep Talks for Stepparents

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!)I’m not here to armchair diagnose anyone or water down the word ‘narcissist’ — which is an actual diagnosable mental disorder — but I do want stepparents and their partners to be aware when they’re involved in a dysfunctional co-parenting situation that goes way beyond the realm of standard post-divorce stuff.So here’s some signs you’re probably co-parenting with a narcissist… or at the very least, a toxic and/or high conflict ex:Nothing is ever their fault;

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!)I used to shy away from using the word “stepmom” like it was a dirty word. But “bonus mom” squicks me out even worse so… “stepmom” it is. 🤷🏻‍♀️I got to wondering, why am I so uncomfortable with that word? Introducing my stepkid as my step kid shouldn’t seem like an insult — it's a fact. That is our legal relationship to each other.I finally figured out, it’s really society’s preconceptions around stepparents that make us second guess using that title. And I’ve

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!)I used to kind of go off on Dan when I thought his kid was being kinda shitty to him & taking advantage of his generosity. And he’d just let her get away with it. UGH.Dan's sweetness & generosity of spirit are qualities I LOVE about him, so I get a little wild when anyone plays him for a sucker. (By “anyone” I mostly mean his kid and his ex.) And then I end up mad at him because I think he should have better boundaries and more self-respect.Many

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!)Stepparenting guilt can lead you one of two ways: down into a vicious shame spiral, where you end up silent, scared, and paralyzed. OR you can let that guilt propel you upwards, forgive yourself for your mistakes, and keep growing.Just like regular parents, stepparents mess up sometimes. Just like regular parents, stepparents are making this shit up as we go. And just like regular parents, perfection isn't possible.Today, please try to let go of all those