Host: Dr. Tara Egan

During this week's episode, Tara is solo because there is no way Anna can be included in an episode about stepmothers and not risk offending her own stepmother. So, she's sitting this one out. She'll be back next week.

Research tells us that stepmotherhood is fundamentally different from stepfatherhood; in fact, it's much more challenging. We have a rep for being "evil," mainly due the messages sent by the media. And I'm a stepmother of FOUR, y'all.

Reasons why stepmotherhood is challenging:

1) it's not what you expected
2) everyone comes with emotional baggage, including the kids
3) dad and stepmother didn't start off their parenting life together/at the same time, so they have developed two different parenting styles 
4) managing ex-partners 
5) the biological connection to a child you've raised since birth/adoption is different than the connection to a child who has two other primary parents 
6) there isn't enough support for stepmothers
7) stigma / statistics aren't on your side 

Five characteristics of EMPOWERED STEPMOTHERS:
1) They recognize their power.
2) They seek support from other stepmothers who surround themselves with positivity and hopefulness.
3) When struggling, they seek support from a professional even if their spouse isn't on  board. 
4) They foster a sense of inner well-being.
5) They refuse to compare themselves to others.

We spoke about a new resource that I'm offering specifically for stepmothers called THE EMPOWERED STEPMOTHER (http://www.drtaraegan.com/the-empowered-stepmother). It's a support group comprised of 1 parent coach (me) and 10 stepmothers. It begins on January 26, 2021 at 7:00pm EST. We'll gather for 8 weekly sessions via Zoom, 90 minutes each session. EARLY BIRD PRICING is available until January 16, 2021.

Find out more at www.drtaraegan.com/the-empowered-stepmother.