show episodes
 
Is stepmomming the most challenging thing you’ve ever done in your life? If so, you’re in the right place! Welcome to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast, where your host, Certified Stepparent Coach Kristen Skiles will ensure you never feel alone on this stepmom journey again. We’ll never be able to predict every stressor or struggle you could anticipate as a stepmom, but each week, you’ll learn new tools and techniques to prioritize your peace. Tune in for your weekly dose of validation, insp ...
  continue reading
 
I’m Jill Coil, the author of the book and docuseries “No One Dies from Divorce.” But with the mental, emotional, financial, physical, and spiritual toll that divorce takes on people, the scope is so big that I decided to create a podcast, so this can be an ongoing conversation.Divorce sucks. I know because I’m a divorce attorney and have divorced hundreds of clients at this point. I also went through a separation myself with my husband. Though our journey ultimately did not end in divorce, i ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Watch this episode on Youtube Today, I'm catching up with past guest Coach Ralphiel Toulon, MCPC, SuperMom, Certified Life Coach, and Personal Trainer. It’s been two years since Coach Ralph and I first spoke, and during that time, she has experienced some significant life changes. When we first spoke, Coach Ralph was in the midst of her marriage, n…
  continue reading
 
Co-parenting with someone who is chaotic, uncooperative, and/or high-conflict can be challenging, to put it lightly. Today, I'm joined by fan-favorite Naja Hall, and we are sharing personal experiences and insights on how to maintain peace and find solutions, when co-parenting just won't work! We're discussing why parallel parenting is a positive a…
  continue reading
 
In today's episode, I'm chatting with Mindy Kyle, and we are delving into the complexities of loyalty binds and betrayal blindness in blended families. Mindy defines loyalty binds as emotional conflicts where children feel compelled to side with one parent over another. Why do our stepchildren feel this way, and what we can we do about it? We talk …
  continue reading
 
In order to be a happy, successful stepmom, you MUST stop acting like you are in a nuclear family. In today's episode, I'm making my case with 5 specific reasons: 1) Your role and position in the family are often unclear, unlike in a nuclear family. 2) Stepfamilies lack the time to develop shared norms, rules and culture. 3) Not all parents in a st…
  continue reading
 
I have learned a LOT of lessons the hard way as a stepmom. And today, we're shaking this up a bit from the typical episode. I'm sharing five of those lessons with you. Through my personal stories, I hope to validate and normalize the full range of emotions and struggles that stepmoms face, providing comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone o…
  continue reading
 
In this video, I’m diving deep into the challenges of blended family co-parenting and offering practical coparenting, step-parenting, and relationship advice. I’ll be answering real DMs from you guys and tackling common issues found in online discussions, from managing different parenting styles to handling difficult ex-partner dynamics. Whether yo…
  continue reading
 
Join me in this milestone episode of my podcast as I dive deep into the complexities of MY blended family dynamics, share exciting new adventures on the horizon, and give you a sneak peek into what's coming next. Whether you're part of a blended family or just curious about the journey, this episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and fu…
  continue reading
 
In today's episode, Kristen and guest Jessica Frew discuss the harmful habit of "shoulding" on ourselves as stepmoms, and provide practical steps to overcome this by reconnecting with our intuition, setting boundaries, and taking small actions to prioritize our own needs. Jessica shares her personal journey of rediscovering herself after nearly los…
  continue reading
 
Welcome to Season 3 of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast! In today's episode, I'm sharing five red flags to watch for when dating someone with kids. Stepmomming and being in a blended family can be immensely fulfilling when it's done with the right person. Avoid these pitfalls, and set yourself up for success! Links Mentioned: Grab the full Red Fla…
  continue reading
 
Sometimes as a stepmom, you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. And a big reason for that, is because of the double standard between moms and stepmoms. There is an underlying—often misguided—prejudice in our society that stepmoms are less than "real" moms, and today, we're going to break this double standard wide open. Stepmoms are not le…
  continue reading
 
When I first became a stepmom, I felt like everyone else (my partner, my stepdaughter, and my partner’s ex-wife) had more control over my life than I did, and it drove me WILD. Today, I’m happy to report, I have firmly taken back control and am happier than ever, and I want the same for you, stepmom. So, here are 3 very tangible ways to take back c…
  continue reading
 
Stepparenting is not hard because you're doing it wrong. Stepparenting is hard because it's an entirely different family structure and dynamic than we've experienced before. Today, I'm joined by arguably the foremost expert on stepfamily dynamics, Dr. Patricia Papernow, to discuss 5 challenges stepfamilies face. We're normalizing the challenges you…
  continue reading
 
Transition Day can be SO challenging for stepmoms! Stepchildren often have a difficult time making the switch from one house to another, and act out in emotional ways. It makes stepmoms around the world dread transition day! In today's episode, I'm sharing 3 tips to make transition day easier! Set yourself and your stepchildren up for success with …
  continue reading
 
One of the biggest, most challenging transitions that stepmoms can make is adding a baby to their blended family. Today, Kimberly King joins me to discuss her experience and best tips for stepmoms who are preparing to add an "ours baby" to the family! We're answering all of your burning questions, like: How do you prepare your stepchildren for addi…
  continue reading
 
So many stepmom clients I work with have tried therapy before coaching, and the advice they get from well-meaning therapists who aren't trained in blended families actually does more harm than good. Maybe you've heard this advice before too, or maybe you'll be just as shocked by some of it as I was. Regardless, I want you to know that you deserve a…
  continue reading
 
Stepmom, today we are chatting with fellow stepmom and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, Megan Hunter! If your stepchild's other parent is high-conflict, then this is a discussion you can't afford to miss! We're chatting all about practical, tangible tools to use when dealing with someone high-conflict and answering your most burning quest…
  continue reading
 
Have you ever felt like stepmomming has taken over your life? Like the main part of your identity is now “stepmom” and everything else has taken a backseat? I remember feeling like this pressure to be the perfect stepmom was the most important thing in my life, and I needed to be successful. I stopped doing many of the things I loved doing before m…
  continue reading
 
Two of the largest factors that can make an already-complicated role like stepmom even harder are blending two families and stepparenting when the children have lost their other parent. Today's guest, Rachel, shares all about her experience doing both, and how she navigated these challenges with intentionality, grace, and empathy. Even if you don't…
  continue reading
 
When my stepdaughter asked to call me "Mom," feelings of validation, warmth, and love overcame me. They were immediately followed by alarm bells. I refused to allow it. It felt disrespectful to the irreplaceable relationship she shares with her mom and the relationship I'd share with my future child. In today's episode, I share the heartwarming sol…
  continue reading
 
You don't know what you don't know... And that is never more true in blended families than when it comes to the critical importance of setting and discussing expectations with your partner! Today, I'm joined by fellow coach, Amy, who is tackling this huge topic with me! Together, we're giving you our very best tips for how to recognize your expecta…
  continue reading
 
If you struggle with insecurities because your partner experienced some of their firsts with someone else, you're definitely not alone! Being Kevin's second wife brought out insecurities in me I didn't even realize I was capable of. In today's episode, I'm normalizing the experience and giving you some of my BEST tips to reset your mindset and be m…
  continue reading
 
You are in for such an incredible conversation today, stepmom! I'm chatting with Ashley Machele, a mom who shares long-distance custody of her oldest daughter. She'll share her perspective co-parenting with a stepmom and asks how she can validate and empathize with her daughter's stepmom—a perspective she references as life-changing. We discuss bou…
  continue reading
 
So many of my coaching clients complain they’ve sacrificed too much—some feel they’ve sacrificed everything—for their partners to get everything they want. But stepmomming shouldn’t be sacrificial. In today's episode, we're talking about the difference between sacrificing and compromising, how to set boundaries, and the importance of communicating …
  continue reading
 
When I first became a stepmom, I felt like I struggled to keep my head above water. I was overwhelmed in so many ways, and the more I struggled, the more ashamed of those struggles I became. Stepparenting is genuinely one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, but with the right skills, I've found lasting peace and happiness in my marriag…
  continue reading
 
Hey, stepmom! Does your partner's guilt because of their separation and sharing custody affect their parenting? If so, this episode is for you! Today, I'm chatting with Tracy Poizner about the causes of guilty parenting syndrome, the effect it has on the children and the stepmom, and what you, as the stepmom, can do to empower your partner instead!…
  continue reading
 
Holiday custody schedules can be brutal. When your stepchildren are at their other home for the holidays, it can exacerbate thoughts and feelings that your stepfamily is different from the one you always envisioned. It probably feels really unfair. You might feel lonely or miss them. That's a totally normal and natural response. But in today's epis…
  continue reading
 
Resentment is pretty much a universal experience for stepmoms. If you've struggled with feeling resentful on your journey, you're definitely not alone! In today's episode, Beth McDonough and I discuss why resentment is so common for stepmoms and the reason why, steps you can take to identify your triggers, and how to overcome resentment in order to…
  continue reading
 
The holiday season is incredibly overwhelming for many stepmoms. In today's episode, I'm giving you permission to focus first on your peace of mind. Don't feel obligated to do more than you want to do. Say "yes" when you want to, let go of traditions that no longer serve you, and be more present by letting go of expectations of perfection. You dese…
  continue reading
 
Calling all stepmoms struggling with picky eaters! Today, we're chatting with dietitian, Jenny, all about how to take the frustration out of mealtime with picky eaters! I am excited to share with you everything I learned in this interview about the causes of picky eating, ways to discuss food and mealtime to ease the struggles, setting boundaries w…
  continue reading
 
Hey, stepmom! You're allowed to say no to the ex! And in today's episode, I'm giving you 3 clear ways to do that, with sample scripts! You are completely entitled to your own boundaries and needs, and I want to empower you to use your voice to take back control from the ex. Ready to learn how to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GUIDE…
  continue reading
 
You're a stepmom for one reason, and one reason only: your partner! Ensure that your relationship is as strong and healthy as it can possibly be by mastering effective communication practices. Today, Keisha Williams, a Gottman Method trained counselor, joins me on the podcast to share her BEST tips for combatting defensiveness in communication with…
  continue reading
 
I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again: stepparenting is not intuitive. Learning how to navigate this tricky role can be SO challenging! Before defining my role and finding my pacing as a stepmom, I made a lot of missteps. Today, I'm sharing 5 WRONG ways to be a happier stepmom. I have done every single one of these thinking it would …
  continue reading
 
Overcoming parental alienation from a co-parent is one of the most challenging obstacles stepmoms can face. Today, Anita Inglis joins the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast to chat about what parental alienation is, what it isn't, and how we can help our stepchildren overcome it. You'll absolutely love the validation and practical advice offered in this…
  continue reading
 
The school year is in full swing for many of us! One of the most common questions I receive from stepmoms this time of year is, "Should I attend the parent-teacher conference?". My answer isn't the same for every stepmom, but in today's episode, I'll give you some helpful insight into boundaries to set about being involved in your stepchild's educa…
  continue reading
 
Stepmom, you are in for a treat today! I'm chatting with No Guilt Mom's JoAnn Crohn all about the sources of guilt, and how to rewire years of conditioning that make it such a powerful motivator. If you suffer from guilt in your stepfamily, you definitely won't want to miss this interview! JoAnn Crohn, M. Ed is a parenting educator and life coach w…
  continue reading
 
Oftentimes, stepmoms and their partners work to keep the peace with their stepchild's other home. But at what cost? If trying to keep the peace outside of the home has cost you the peace inside your home, then you do not want to miss today's episode! Perhaps it's an unpopular opinion, but I truly believe "Keep the peace" is really shitty advice for…
  continue reading
 
Hey stepmom! Welcome back to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast!! I've missed you this summer!! I have so many incredible episodes lined up for you this season. I thought we knocked it out of the park with season 1, but somehow season 2 is EVEN BETTER. Get ready, because it all starts on October 3rd!저자 Kristen Skiles
  continue reading
 
Hey, stepmom! Summer break is quickly approaching, and with it, stress and overwhelm for many stepmoms. In today's episode, I share with you my three main tips for how to navigate summers as a stepmom: 1. Manage your schedules 2. Manage your energy 3. Manage your boundaries Plus, I answer some of your questions about summer! If you're stressed abou…
  continue reading
 
Hey, stepmom! Mini-wife (or husband) syndrome is something many stepmoms are combatting in their households. Today's guest expert, Maarit Miller of Blended Family Frappe, is talking about what it is, how to deal with it, and how to communicate with your partner about your uncomfortable feelings! It's a GREAT conversation you won't want to miss! Maa…
  continue reading
 
Do you feel stressed out, bewildered, emotionally compromised, or overwhelmed with navigating your divorce? Today we are talking with author Andy Heller about how to deal with high-conflict divorces and co-parent effectively. Through his own divorce and life experience, Andy has outlined a pathway for how to manage emotional, logistical, and financ…
  continue reading
 
Hey, stepmom! In today's episode, we're hearing the final installment of our "Let's hear from our partners!" series. In this episode, we're hearing from our partners about the stepmom's role and involvement, and what our partners would change if they could. I think you'll find their answers to these questions SO interesting: If you got a do-over in…
  continue reading
 
Samantha Boss spent years in and out of court, fighting to modify a poorly crafted divorce decree. This experience inspired Samantha to begin coaching others through the divorce process in order to help more parents avoid the pitfalls of parenting plans. Join us on this episode as we talk about the need for a solid, perfectly tailored parenting pla…
  continue reading
 
Mother's Day is often one of the hardest days of the year for stepmoms. It's a day that highlights for many stepmoms how the role mirrors the mom role but is still dramatically different in certain ways. If you're concerned about the upcoming holiday, here are 5 tips and reminders for you: 1. This is only 24 hours. Don't let this one day define you…
  continue reading
 
Divorce is hard on everyone. Between Mediation, decrees, lawyer fees, court dates, parent-time, and more, the divorce process can create a lot of chaos. Often the children of divorce get lost in the conflict, and their voices are not heard. Today we are talking with Grace Casper, a young woman who was a child of divorce. Grace is sharing her perspe…
  continue reading
 
Hey, stepmom! It's time for the second installment of our partners series! This time, our partners are answering critical questions like: What’s one thing you want your partner to know about your struggles as a divorced/separated parent? What are you insecure about in stepfamily life and how can your partner make you feel more secure? What worries …
  continue reading
 
Shelly Anderson is passionate about life's journey and the stages we grow through. At times that includes loss, divorce, and death. Join us as we discuss how grief isn't just a single stage, and that trauma becomes a part of who we are. Time does not heal all wounds; time allows the body to absorb the wounds and create space so we can mourn the lif…
  continue reading
 
Hey there, stepmom! My parents divorced when I was 2, and I had a few different stepparents throughout my childhood. Today, I'm sharing what I learned from that experience and how I use that intel to be the best stepmom I can possibly be! We've heard from the partners; now, let's get the stepchild's perspective! Ready to create a stepmom life you l…
  continue reading
 
If you're divorced and dating or dating a divorcee, then this episode is for you! Listen in as Naja Hall tells it like it is. Blended families are difficult under the best of circumstances, but marrying someone with a High-Conflict divorce comes at a cost. It will test you mentally, emotionally, and financially, and test your relationship with your…
  continue reading
 
You are in for such a treat today, stepmom! We’ve spent some time talking about our partners’ perspectives, but now let’s hear it directly from them! In today’s episode, a panel of partners is answering some of your most burning questions, including: Is your current situation any less special than the relationship with your child(ren)'s parent? How…
  continue reading
 
Regardless of where you're at in your marriage or divorce process, there are a few key things to consider before choosing to stay or go. Divorce coach Kate Anthony talks about the importance of doing the emotional work which can guide you to finding joy and/or exit with grace. She says, Happiness is an inside job and it begins with making the choic…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

빠른 참조 가이드