In this episode Adrienne and Amelia dive into the bittersweet experience of watching kids grow up and become adults. They discuss the emotional challenges of letting go, the complexities of blended families, and the reality of navigating milestones in the late teen and adult years. They share personal insights about their own parenting journeys, including struggles with insecurity, ego, and maintaining composure in front of stepchildren. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on what’s within your control and accepting that not all relationships will be ideal.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Letting Go: The difficulty of transitioning from a hands-on parenting role to one of support as children become more independent.

• Blended Family Dynamics: Navigating family events and milestones in a blended family setting, including the challenges of making everyone feel included despite different family dynamics.

• Personal Reflections: Both hosts share their personal struggles with managing their roles, the impact of insecurity and ego, and the importance of focusing on the relationships they can control.

• Realness in Parenting: The conversation highlights the value of showing vulnerability and authenticity, especially with stepchildren, and the importance of letting go of the need for everything to be perfect.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

This episode continues the conversation from Episode 18, as Adrienne and Amelia dive deeper into the unique challenges that stepmoms face. Based on valuable feedback from listeners, they explore new strategies and insights to help you navigate your role with confidence and grace. Join them as they uncover the importance of understanding emotional triggers and how this awareness can transform your interactions with your stepchild and family. They’ll share practical tips for building a stronger bond with your stepchild, including finding common ground and creating cherished moments together.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Understanding Your Emotional Triggers: Recognizing and understanding your emotional triggers can help you respond more effectively to challenging situations as a stepmom. By identifying what specifically sets you off, you can take proactive steps to manage your reactions and communicate more effectively.

• Building a Stronger Bond with Your Stepchild: Strategies to build trust and foster a genuine relationship, such as finding common interests and spending quality one-on-one time together.

• Effective Communication with Your Partner: Techniques to improve dialogue with your partner, including active listening, setting boundaries, and ensuring that both partners feel heard and respected.

• Dealing with the Other Parent: Strategies for managing interactions with your stepchild’s other parent. This included setting healthy boundaries, maintaining a neutral stance, and focusing on the well-being of the child rather than past conflicts or personal feelings.

• Empowering Stepmoms to Find Their Place: Empowering stepmoms to embrace their unique role within the family unit and how to overcome feelings of insecurity or jealousy and find a sense of belonging by embracing your individuality and strengths.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

In this episode of The Stepmom Unfiltered Podcast, Adrienne and Amelia reflect on their decades of experience as stepmoms and discuss what they would do differently if given the chance. They dive into the nuances of stepparenting, the challenges of balancing roles, and the lessons learned from their past mistakes. From setting boundaries to understanding the differences between parenting and stepparenting, they share insights and advice for navigating the world of blended families. Tune in to hear about the importance of building strong foundations, recognizing the impact of personal history on present relationships, and the critical role of communication and boundaries.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Understanding the Stepmom Role: The importance of recognizing stepparenting as a distinct role, with its own challenges and nuances.

• Boundaries and Balance: How setting boundaries sooner could have made a difference in managing relationships and ensuring personal well-being.

• Reflecting on Past Experiences: Personal stories and insights into the mistakes made and lessons learned in the early days of being a stepmom and the importance of seeking help and advice early on. 

• Personal Growth and Self-awareness: The realization of how personal history and past experiences can impact current relationships and parenting styles. Emphasizing the journey of self-awareness and growth in becoming a better stepmom and partner.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

This week we dive into the complex and often emotional process of blending physical spaces in a stepfamily. Hosts Amelia and Adrienne share their personal experiences, from moving into a home with a history to creating new memories and making a space feel truly yours. Listen in as they discuss the unexpected challenges, emotional hurdles, and practical solutions for making a blended family home a place of comfort and belonging.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Personal Experiences: Amelia shares her journey of moving into a home her husband bought with his ex-wife and the unexpected emotional challenges that arose.

• Emotional Hurdles: The struggle of dealing with the physical reminders of a partner's past and how it can impact a stepmom’s sense of belonging.

• Practical Solutions: The importance of creating new memories, making changes to the home, and the significance of communication in navigating these challenges.

• Building Together: The benefits of working together to make a house feel like a home, including purchasing new items and making joint decisions.

• Grace and Understanding: Encouragement to give yourself grace during this process and the reminder that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable and take time to adjust.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom

Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/livinginhisexwifeshouse

https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/livinginhisexwifeshouse

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

Hosts Amelia and Adrienne talk about what they feel have been some of the hardest parts of being a stepmom. They share their personal experiences, from dealing with different parenting styles in blended families to managing relationships with stepchildren. The conversation highlights the importance of ego, acceptance, and understanding in navigating the complexities of stepparenting. This candid discussion aims to provide stepmoms with insights, support, and the realization that they are not alone in their journey.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hardest Part of Being a Stepmom:

• Amelia discusses the challenge of not having control over how children are parented in different homes.

• Emphasis on accepting different parenting styles and trusting that other parents love the kids equally.

• Adrienne talks about the role of ego and the importance of recognizing that different ways of parenting are not necessarily wrong, but different.

• Ongoing Journey and Self-Reflection:

• • The hosts highlight the continuous nature of stepparenting, emphasizing that there's no final destination.

• Easiest Part of Blended Families:

• Both hosts reflect on the surprisingly smooth blending of their families.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

This week Adrienne and Amelia take a look at stepmom self-talk and the narratives we tell ourselves. From challenging beliefs to identifying thought patterns, this episode offers practical insights and actionable strategies for navigating the ups and downs of stepfamily life.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Identifying Beliefs: Exploration of how our beliefs shape our actions and perceptions, and learn techniques for uncovering and challenging limiting beliefs.

• The Power of Perspective: The impact of shifting perspectives and reframing situations 

• Tools for Self-Reflection: Learn practical tools for examining and addressing negative self-talk, including questioning assumptions and seeking alternative explanations.

• Real-Life Examples: Hear personal anecdotes and experiences that illustrate the importance of self-awareness and intentional communication in stepfamily dynamics.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Course: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/thestepmomstore/p/the-sovereign-stepmom

Blog: 

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

Join Amelia and Adrienne as they explore the often-overlooked aspect of stepmoms having more control than they realize. From defining roles within the family dynamic to navigating boundaries with ex-partners, they provide valuable insights and practical advice for stepmoms seeking clarity and empowerment.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Defining your role: Understand what responsibilities you're comfortable with and establish boundaries in collaboration with your partner.

• Navigating societal narratives

• The importance of open and honest discussions with your partner to align expectations and parenting strategies.

• Recognize that you have the right to make decisions within your household, independent of your partner's ex.

• Importance of a parenting plan: Establishing clear guidelines early on can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts in the future, providing stability for everyone involved.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/stepfamilyhappiness

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

In this episode, we tackle a crucial and relatable topic: how to balance supporting your child's dreams while being realistic about their goals. Inspired by a personal experience with Amelia's son and the overwhelming response from an Instagram poll, we chat through the complexities of parental encouragement. We discuss the impact of teachers and parents on children's aspirations, the importance of perseverance, and how to handle disappointments and setbacks. Whether you're a stepmom, mom, or dad, this episode offers valuable insights on fostering a supportive yet realistic environment for your kids' dreams.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• How a teacher's discouraging words about making it to the NHL sparked a broader conversation on supporting kids' dreams.

• The benefits of encouraging children to pursue sports and other activities they love.

• The valuable life skills kids learn from being involved in sports, such as perseverance, teamwork, and resilience.

• How to be honest with your kids about the odds of achieving their dreams without crushing their spirit.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

In this episode we sit down with Megan Jerrelle, a dedicated mom, and wellness coach, to explore her expert insights on navigating the complexities of single-mom life. Megan shares her personal journey and offers practical tips on prioritizing self-care, establishing healthy habits, and creating connections with your children. Learn how small changes in your daily routine can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with sleep, overwhelmed by commitments, or looking to improve your co-parenting dynamics, Megan's advice will inspire and empower you!

HIGHLIGHTS:

•   Learn Megan's personal sleep routine: early bedtime and natural waking

•   Self-Care Strategies such as walking to boost mood and reduce loneliness

•   Handling extracurricular activities when co-parents have different levels of involvement

•   Megan’s practice of keeping Sundays free for spontaneous family activities

•   Megan’s experience with learning new activities alongside her children

•   Avoiding negative talk and focusing on factual, supportive communication

CONNECT WITH SPECIAL GUEST:

Website: www.meganjerrelle.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/megan.jerrelle

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/toxic-tongues

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach

This week we dive into the balancing act of navigating different parenting styles within blended families. Join us as we discuss the various parenting approaches and how they can impact family dynamics. We explore the challenges and benefits of co-parenting both within your home and with your exes. Learn practical tips for finding common ground, setting boundaries, and fostering respect among all parents involved. Whether you’re a stepmom struggling with guilt or a parent trying to blend different family traditions, this episode offers valuable insights to help you create a harmonious family environment.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The impact of family history and guilt on parenting decisions.

• Balancing different parenting styles within your own home and with your partner.

• Strategies for co-parenting with exes and navigating multiple households.

• The importance of establishing rules gradually.

• Challenges of parenting "ours babies" versus children who go between homes.

• Effective communication with children and the importance of explaining the "why" behind rules.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Blog: https://www.theartofblendedchaos.com/blog/stepfamily-benefits-of-having-rules-and-expectations

Website: theartofblendedchaos.com

YouTube: @StepmomUnfiltered

FOLLOW:

The Art of Blended Chaos: @theartofblendedchaos

Amelia: @amelia.lane.stepparentcoach

Adrienne: @adrienne.stepmomcoach