Society really doesn’t like stepparents, so coming into this role can feel intimidating. Or like we have something to prove, like we are NOT like those bad stepparents. We’re the GOOD stepparents. But do not let society or the ex or even your partner try to marginalize you or the stepparenting role.

Our role as stepparents is critical. We contribute to our families-by-choice in positive and vital ways. And unfortunately, it falls on us to educate all the haters out there about it.

So let's learn to collectively laugh our asses off at the people who tell us we're overstepping when we do TOTALLY NORMAL STEPPARENTING THINGS like helping with homework or showing up at our stepkid’s soccer game.

Let's all roll our eyes at the idiots who say we're mean, wicked, or coming down too hard when we give our stepkids the SAME RULES we'd give our own kids.

Above all, let's stop second-guessing ourselves about all this, and just be ourselves. Fully, completely, and unapologetically.

If you’re looking for a place where you’ll supported as a stepparent instead of judged, please come join our Substack community. The chat room is super helpful, you’ll get access to a ton of in-depth resources, and you can ask me and Dan anything during our weekly Q&A sessions. We’d love to have you. xo

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🧡 Need a bigger pep talk? Start here or join us over on Substack! xo

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blendedfamilyfrappe.substack.com