Coach Naja has a realizarion. After 10 years of being adjacent to a HCBM and an overall unfulfilling stepmotherhood experience, one's spirit can get infected and you all of a sudden realize that you don't like who you've had to become. That STOPS TODAY!" In the PICK UP YOUR CROWN Series, we will be discovering ways to redefine and rediscover our innate selves and get back to WHO we used to be before (all of this messy mess). Let the recovery begin!

Coach Naja explores the benefits and drawbacks of learning how to center yourself when the blended family conflict gets to be too much. Mom and stepmom guilt can run rampant and it can really be tough on your psyche, your relationship, and your whole life. In this episode, we explore ways to give ourselves permission to step back from drama AND how to let your loved ones know that you need a break.

One of our fellow Stepsistas is having a bit of a conundrum. Her partner of 3 years can't seem to shake his ex-wife. The ex wants her family back but this boyfriend that's playing both sides has assured our sis that he only has eyes for her! If you've gained inspo to leave a voice note, visit https://anchor.fm/vipstepmomndjnssdc22/message and you could be featured on the next episode!

We have many Stepmoms that are biological mothers. And while you deal with an HCBM, many may also deal with undesirable coparenting situations. High conflict biodads are a very real thing and today Coach Naja is breaking down the similarities, the differences, and how to handle an HCBD.

Coach Naja discusses child the two types of parentification: instrumental and emotional. Instrumental parentification includes functional responsibilities and physical tasks given to a child that isn’t age-appropriate. Emotional parentification is when one or both parents turn to their child to fulfill their emotional needs. This is considered the more problematic and damaging type of parentification.

She also teaches some best practices and techniques to handle interactions with your parentified child. It is tough coparenting with someone who relies on your child to become their partner. This foul form of manipulation is common for disordered parents to inflict on their children. If you think your child is being parentified, THIS episode is for you!

LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTIFICATION

*This content is exclusively for members of the VIPStepmom membership community

Coach Bee Chatman chats about the differences between being a custodial stepmom to kids with living and deceased mothers. She also teaches us about our DiSc personality styles and we even do a little role-playing exercise. Coach Bee is the February 2020 covergirl of Stepmom Magazine too! Please check her out.

Sadly, for some of us, the only way to get justice for our stepfamilies is to have our day in court. In this episode, Coach Naja lays out a clear plan of action for before, during, and after your BIG DAY. When we all "can't just get along" there are some best practices to keep your cool when you're fighting for peace.

Stepmoms that have to deal with high conflict biomoms often feel the need to vindicate their positions and expose the "truth" to their stepkids. The problem lies in the fact that our own personal experiences with these women do not often mirror our stepkid's experiences with their mothers. In this month's VIPod, Coach Naja discusses common challenges for stepmoms who want to help their stepkids "see the light".

If you'd like to watch the video version of this month's VIPod, visit https://youtu.be/Ch6cig2ViRU 

Naja chats with tiktok sensation and psychotherapist Stepanie Ward about childhood trauma and how to become the parent you wish you had. Stephanie is a coparenting mother, and psychotherapist specializing in childhood trauma, parent wounds and narcissistic abuse. She helps to people to understand their earliest attachments and foundations of love.

www.stephaniejw.com

We tend to take on our partner's "stuff" because we love them and we want to see them happy. As stepmoms, the utter helpless feeling of servitude can cause resentment and make you feel outright tired! As Coach Naja (respectfully) compares a Caregiver's role to your role as a Stepmom, you will begin to reframe your perspective.