In this compelling episode of Raising His Kids, hosts Toni and Lauren explore the theme of 'The Past Infecting the Present.' As stepmothers, they understand the challenges rooted in past experiences that can influence present relationships. Past relationships can impact us in the present more than we know it or even going as far back as childhood experiences can ooze trauma infecting our present day. The hosts also feature listener stories and questions, creating a space for the community to share and connect. Tune in for practical tips on consciously shaping present relationships without letting the past dictate every move. Join the conversation and discover valuable insights to navigate the complexities of blended family life.

Your favourite Stepmother podcast hosts are back with their first official recorded episode of the year. Technically it's the second episode of the year, but it is titled 'You Good Sis?' The hosts are catching up for the first time since before Christmas & they are diving into the aftermath of the holiday season, sharing not only their own experiences but also checking in with their listeners.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee or wine as Lauren and Toni reflect on their post-holiday feelings, recount their Christmas celebrations, spill the beans on their NYE celebrations, and share their experiences from New Year's Day & the week that followed.

In a special segment, they share a captivating story from a stepmom who wrote it after navigating a tricky Christmas situation, courtesy of unclear language in her husband's agreement with the BM. The narrative unfolds with a hint of pettiness, Christmas Eve gifts, and unexpected reactions from the other party.

As always, the hosts bring you the scoop on listener responses, ranging from the hilarious to the dramatic, detailing how their Christmases unfolded. So, the burning question remains: Are you good, sis? Tune in to discover the post-holiday vibes on this episode of Raising His Kids!

Kick off the New Year with Toni and Lauren in the first episode of 2024 as they embrace the spirit of the new year. The hosts kick off the episode by sharing their personal affirmations and resolutions, setting a positive tone for the discussions ahead. Listeners open up about their experiences, offering heartfelt affirmations and resolutions related to the challenges and joys of blended family life. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, support, and a renewed sense of community in the world of "Raising His Kids."

Merry Christmas, Stepmamas! 🎄 Join Lauren & Toni for this Christmas Day special, as we unwrap stories from our incredible stepmother community. From the joy of starting new traditions to the challenges of navigating custody during the festive season, our listeners share their successes and, yes, a few disasters too!

In this episode, we celebrate the resilience of blended families, highlighting the triumphs and lessons learned along the way. Discover how one family is finding balance this Christmas Day during their first Christmas with a newborn ‘ours baby’, or the journey of transforming strained relationships with in-laws into cooperative partnerships. And, of course, we dive into the real talk – standing up for your role as a parent and facing the complexities of high-conflict situations.

As we share these stories, we want you to feel the warmth and support in our stepmother community. From our hearts to yours, may this Christmas Day be filled with love, understanding, and beautiful moments. Keep raising his amazing kids, and we'll be back in the new year with more insights and shared experiences.

Wishing you a Very Merry Blended Christmas and a joyous holiday season from two stepmothers who are Raising his kids.

Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more in the new year!

Join hosts Lauren and Toni on a festive journey in this special episode of "Raising His Kids." Dive into the world of blended family celebrations during the magical holiday season with a sleigh-full of stories, tips, and festive laughs.

In this episode, Lauren and Toni tackle the challenges many stepfamilies face during the holidays, offering valuable insights on managing traditions, coordinating with co-parents, and ensuring the warmth of the season reaches every member of your blended family. From Elf on the Shelf antics to Christmas Eve and December 1st boxes, discover creative traditions that add magic to your celebrations.

Answering listener questions, addressing topics such as navigating gift-giving challenges, handling difficult in-laws, and managing high-conflict situations with bio-moms. Alongside these questions, Lauren and Toni share additional holiday tips, emphasizing flexibility, keeping the focus on the kids, and setting healthy boundaries.

The latter part of the episode explores coping mechanisms for overwhelmed stepmothers, including stepping away when needed, seeking support in stepmother communities, and avoiding unnecessary comparisons.

Happy holidays, everyone!

In this episode of "Raising His Kids"! Toni is joined by the incredible Jyl Barlow, an American writer and humorist, listen in for a fascinating conversation. Jyl is the author of the #1 New Release, "What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting," a hilarious memoir that debuted in early 2023.

Jyl Barlow's humor, is often lost on Americans but most of all on her mother-in-law, which shines through as she chronicles her journey as a stepparent. Navigating life as a (second) wife and (step)mom, Jyl shares insights with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight. Her debut book provides a humorous and relatable look into the challenges, unexpected moments, and triumphs of (step)motherhood & blended family life.

In this episode, Toni and Jyl discuss her book, exploring the unique challenges faced by stepmoms and the complexities of blended family dynamics. Jyl reflects on her belief that the transition into stepmotherhood would be simple, given her positive experiences with kids in general. However, she candidly shares that the realisation of the wounds carried by children of divorce, the complexities of being unwelcome in the extended-original family, and the challenges of building trust took years to unfold.

Join us for a laughter-filled and insightful conversation as we dive into Jyl's journey and the humorous lens through which she views the rollercoaster of blended family life. Find Jyl's on Instagram @jylbarlow and her book, "What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting," on Amazon.

Join Toni and Lauren in this special anniversary episode of "Raising His Kids" as they reflect on a year of laughter, tears, and shared experiences in the world of blended families. It's a celebration, and they're pulling back the curtain to answer your burning questions in a candid "Ask Us Anything" segment.

From navigating tricky co-parenting situations to personal insights about life outside of stepmotherhood, Toni and Lauren share their stories and wisdom with humor and authenticity. Get to know the hosts on a deeper level as they answer questions straight from you their listeners.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and join the celebration with Toni and Lauren. Whether you're a stepmom, a parent, or someone navigating the complexities of family life, this episode is filled with relatable moments, laughter, and a few surprises.

Thank you for a fantastic year of support! Don't forget to leave a written review wherever you love to listen, and connect with us on your favorite social media platforms. Here's to another year of "Raising His Kids" together!

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Raising His Kids" with your compassionate hosts, Toni and Lauren! In this episode, we delve into a crucial topic that resonates with many stepmoms – the challenge of keeping your identity and not losing yourself in the intricate role of stepmotherhood.

Toni and Lauren courageously share their personal struggles, emphasizing the importance of preserving a sense of self amidst the complexities of court dates, custody schedules, and the unique hurdles of blended families. Join us as we explore the reasons why stepmoms may feel like they are losing a part of themselves, touching on topics such as shifting priorities and navigating imbalanced sacrifices.

But it's not just about sharing our experiences; we've also gathered thought-provoking listener questions that echo the challenges faced by many stepmoms. From the art of letting go of others' expectations to coping with comments that trigger the "second wife syndrome," we empathetically address your concerns and provide valuable insights.

As an extra treat, we showcase responses from our community, offering a glimpse into what fellow stepmoms do for themselves outside of their roles at home. It's a wake-up call for some and a wellspring of inspiration for others.

Remember, you're not alone in this roller coaster ride. Nurturing your identity is not just important; it's vital for your well-being.

Connect with us on Instagram @raisinghiskids and share your thoughts on maintaining your identity as a stepmom. So, whether you're sipping coffee or unwinding with a glass of wine, take a deep breath and acknowledge this: you're doing an amazing job navigating the complexities of stepfamily life. Stay strong, Stepmoms!

Join your hosts, Lauren and Toni, on the latest episode of "Raising His Kids," as they dive into the holiday spirit with a special Thanksgiving edition! With the festive season around the corner, the duo explores the challenges and joys of planning holidays in blended families.

While Thanksgiving might not be a tradition in Australia, Lauren and Toni offer valuable insights that resonate with listeners worldwide. Get ready for a delightful mix of advice, entertaining stories, and heartfelt discussions on navigating family dynamics during this special time of the year.

Grab your coffee or wine and settle in as Lauren and Toni tackle listener questions on Thanksgiving dilemmas. From handling family dynamics to surviving a six-hour drive for dinner, the hosts share relatable stories and offer practical advice. Tune in for a dose of humor as they read AITA Stepfamily Reddit stories that add a twist to the holiday madness.

Wishing you all a fantastic holiday filled with joy, turkey, and an extra slice of pie!

Stepmothers, get ready for diving into the world of documenting in this episode of "Raising his kids." Hosts Toni and Lauren share their expertise on what to document and when, covering critical aspects like preparing for court, keeping track of payments, and maintaining a record of agreements. As seasoned stepmoms, they understand the challenges and nuances of documenting, making this episode a valuable resource for listeners.

The hosts also announce the exciting launch of their Patreon membership, offering exclusive podcast episodes, voting capabilities, discounted coaching, and a unique stepmom group chat. Plus, there's a free Facebook group for engaging discussions on various stepmom topics.

Listener messages warm their hearts as they share an appreciative note from a fellow stepmom. It's a reminder that their podcast provides a sense of community and support to stepmothers navigating the intricate journey of blended families.

Join Toni and Lauren as they discuss essential aspects of documenting, including what to document and why. They offer their personal experiences and insights, giving listeners practical advice and solutions. In addition, the episode addresses listener questions, providing guidance on how to document when evidence is scarce, where to store records, and how to maintain your sanity while keeping thorough documentation.

Grab your coffee of wine & tune in to this episode of "Raising his kids" for a wealth of information and support, helping stepmoms on their unique journey through blended family life.