In this episode, we review a story from stepmom "Mrs. M" who has dealt with more than her fair share of insanity during her stepmom journey thus far. From stalking to restraining orders, name-calling, and insane manipulation - how do you even survive this as a stepmom? We share our advice on how, despite all the crazy in her world, she can bond with her stepdaughter.

Also - even though it's marked explicit, we have a few f-bombs in this episode so if you're offended... skip it. :)

In this episode we welcome guest, Megan McLaren. Megan resides in Alberta and is a mom to twins, stepmom, social worker, and certified life coach. We tlk through Megan's experience as a stepmom and how she overcame grief and grieving the life she never got to have. She missed out on being the first wife, the first birthing experience, and many other things with her now-husband, but Megan didn't let that stop her from finding joy and happiness through her struggles. We talk through that, and:

• Changing dynamics when you have an "ours" baby

Follow Megan McLaren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganmclarencoach/ 

During this episode, we read a situation from one of our very own stepmom friends who is dealing with a tough situation all around. Between feeling like a stranger in her own home, constantly walking on eggshells, a High Conflict Bio Mom (HCBM) to deal with, and a stepdaughter who is lashing out behaviorally, she's drained. We walk you through her story and give our best advice on how to move forward. 

This episode is all about the hottest topic now in the stepmom community: DOUBLE STANDARDS. Why is it that we rally around a parent who says "I need a break" but criticize a stepmom for saying the same thing? Whether it's being able to say "mom things", attending doctor's appointments or sporting events, or simply being welcomed into a "mom" community - it's something we always deal with.

In this episode, we read a submission from a stepmom struggling with the relationship her husband has with his ex. We unpack her story and ask ourselves where the lines are: how close is TOO close? When do you have the right to feel uncomfortable (spoiler: you have the right to feel uncomfortable whenever you please)?

This episode digs into all things disrespect-related. Maybe your stepkid makes your home a living hell. Maybe they talk down to you. Maybe they don't respect your boundaries. Hear from Bailey and Alyse how to handle this, how to prevent it, and how another stepmom has handled this herself.

This episode is a mini from a stepmom submission who is dealing with an extreme scenario. In this case, the biomom is actually a therapist (won't be referring anyone to her after hearing this), but is severely manipulating her kids to actively dislike the stepmom. Between inappropriate messages to her ex, saying things that aren't true, and actively trying to keep the stepmom away from the kids, this episode is packed with all the things.

Bailey and Alyse spend 6 minutes catching up on life, so if you want to skip directly to this part, head to 7:00, and find the rest of the episode based on this specific scenario.

In this episode, we welcome guest Cheryl (who also happens to be Bailey's momma). Cheryl has been what we'll call sandwiched right in the middle of a blended family - having been through a divorce herself, having full custody of her daughter, and dealing with what it's like to have a kid switch between two DRAMATICALLY different households. She also has an "ours" baby of her own and is re-married. Her perspective is one we found to be incredibly relatable to stepmoms dealing with different situations, specifically:

• Having kids go between houses with different parenting styles

Join us for a listen and let us know what you think on social media.

*TRIGGER WARNING: EMOTIONAL ABUSE*

In this episode, we read a submission from a stepmom in a tough situation. With a partner who struggles with addiction and often lashes out at the kids and her, and who tries to put the stepmom in a situation where she is a supervising party to court-mandated supervised visits. We try to pick through the information and give our best advice on how to handle this situation. It's worth noting that while we don't have ALL the information, we felt as though we had enough information to give sound advice.

If you are struggling or finding yourself in a potentially abusive relationship, please use the resources below to seek help.

https://www.thehotline.org/

Text "START" to 88788

Kelly and Angelina are unlike any stepmom and biomom duo we've met to date. Their relationship didn't start out with hugs and mutual respect. It took a lot of self-awareness, work, and reflection from each of them to get to the point where they could successfully co-parent the same kids together. Sure, it could be awkward that Kelly is married to Angelina's ex-husband... but these two brilliant ladies have figured out a way to put the kids first, and build a bond together that is so incredible and unique. Hear from each of them in this episode what it was like to meet. what they would have done differently if they could rewind, and how they manage to lean on each other to ensure their kids have the best lives.