Stepmomming Made Easy
Is stepmomming the most challenging thing you’ve ever done in your life? If so, you’re in the right place!
Welcome to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast, where your host, Certified Stepparent Coach Kristen Skiles will ensure you never feel alone on this stepmom journey again. We’ll never be able to predict every stressor or struggle you could anticipate as a stepmom, but each week, you’ll learn new tools and techniques to prioritize your peace. Tune in for your weekly dose of validation, inspiration, and step-by-step guidance to build a stepmom life you love.
Episodes
82 episodes
EP 80: The Most Underrated Tool in Your Stepmom Toolbox with Mia Wisinski
In today's episode, I sit down with Mia Wisinski of Playful Heart Parenting to talk about one of the most underrated tools in your stepmom toolbox: play. We explore what it means to "activate play mode" in everyday moments, how playfulness help...
EP 79: To the Stepmom Who Is Struggling Right Now
In today's episode, I'm setting aside the research and the action plans to speak directly to the stepmom who is barely holding it together right now. If you have ever felt like you are damned if you do and damned if you don't, like you are expe...
EP 78: I Didn't Sign Up for This with Michelle Zunter
In today's episode, I sit down with life coach Michelle Zunter to talk about what it really looks like to go from part-time to full-time stepmom, overnight and without warning. We explore the resentment, survival mode, and identity loss that ca...
EP 77: The Stepmom Puzzle: Finding Your Place in the Family with Wendy Tamis Robbins
In today's episode, I sit down with internationally recognized anxiety expert, author, and 16-year stepmom Wendy Tamis Robbins to talk about the evolving journey of stepfamily relationships. We explore why stepfamily life triggers our fight-or-...
EP 76: You Can't Force It: What Research Says About Teen Stepkids with Dr. Todd Jensen
In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with Todd Jensen, PhD, MSW to unpack what research really says about building strong stepfamily relationships—especially when pre-teen and teen stepchildren are involved. We talk abo...
EP 75: Parenting Differences & Connection in Stepfamilies with Heidi Farrell
In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with certified marriage and stepfamily life coach Heidi Farrell to unpack one of the most common challenges stepmoms face—parenting differences. We explore why discipline and househo...
EP 74: It Wasn’t Supposed to Be This Way: Grieving and Growing as a Stepmom with Rachel Dunne
In this episode, I sit down with stepfamily coach and licensed counselor Rachel Dunne to talk about grief, loss, and healing as a stepmom. We dive into how stepfamily life is built on loss and why acknowledging that truth is the first step towa...
EP 73: The Invisible Mental Load of Being a Stepmom
So many stepmoms I meet feel underappreciated. In this episode, I kick off season four by naming and unpacking the invisible load so many stepmoms carry behind the scenes. I explore the mental and emotional labor of keeping everyone and everyth...
EP 72: You can't live 100% of your life, 50% of the time.
In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a critical challenge for stepmoms: living life beyond the custody schedule. Drawing from a chapter in my upcoming book Stepmomming Made Easy, I share personal insights on how custody arrangeme...
EP 71: Overcoming Burnout with Amelia Nagoski
In this powerful episode, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout, dives deep into the unique challenges stepmoms face. She explores critical concepts like human giver syndrome, the stress response cycle, and how stepmoms can prevent burn...
EP 70: Navigating Co-Parenting as a Stepmom and Mom with Michelle Dempsey
Today, I'm joined by guest Michelle Dempsey-Multack, and we are discussing the unique challenges and perspectives of stepparenting and co-parenting. As a stepmom, biological mom who shares custody of her own daughter, and someone who grew up wi...
EP 69: Navigating Stepfamily Holidays with Ainsley Keller
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ainsley Keller from The Stepcollective to talk all things holidays! From managing expectations and navigating traditions to tackling tricky schedules, we cover it all. Ainsley also shares her powerful holiday m...
EP 68: How to Have Tough Conversations with Your Partner with Anita Inglis
In today's episode, I welcome back Anita Inglis to share her expert advice on navigating tough conversations with your partner as a stepmom. We discuss common communication challenges and strategies for effective dialogue. Anita provides valuab...
EP 67: Unique Challenges of Childless Stepmotherhood with Blooming Stepmom
Calling all childless stepmoms! In today's vulnerable and heartfelt conversation, childless stepmom Lauren shares her struggles with infertility and how it impacted her role as a stepmom. She opens up about the resentment, guilt, and loss of id...
EP 66: "Does it ever get better?" with Brenda Ockun
I'm thrilled to share this conversation with Brenda Ockun, the founder of Stepmom Magazine, who has been a wealth of knowledge and support for stepmoms worldwide for 15 years. Brenda and I dive into the common struggles stepmoms face, including...
EP 65: One Thing You Should REALLY Stop Telling Stepmoms
In today's episode, I am getting on my "stepmom soapbox" to address the common and unhelpful statement made to stepmoms that they "knew what they were signing up for." I knew my partner had a child; I did NOT know everything that entailed. No p...
EP 64: 3 Things to do Right Now for a More Peaceful Stepmom Life
As a stepmom, I've faced my fair share of challenges, but the struggle with control has been one of the toughest. I know how it feels to be at the mercy of custody schedules and co-parenting dynamics that don't always align with our own prefere...
EP 63: How Becoming a Mom Changed Me as a Stepmom
In this episode, I share how becoming a mom has impacted my role as a stepmom. I discuss the challenges and benefits of balancing these two identities, and how it has transformed my relationship with my stepdaughter. I'll also answer your most ...
EP 62: Myths about Disengaging BUSTED! with Tammy J
In today's episode, Tammy J and I discuss the myths surrounding disengaging as a stepmom. It's a conversation you really can't miss! We explain that disengaging is not about disappearing or failing, but rather an opportunity for stepmoms to ste...
EP 61: The Single Biggest Barrier to Thriving as a Stepmom
In today's episode, I am sharing the single biggest barrier to thriving as a stepmom. In order to create a stepmom life you love, you must first grieve the loss of the life you thought you would have. Holding onto unmet expectations will only l...
EP 60: Untangling Loyalty Binds with Mindy Kyle
In today's episode, I'm chatting with Mindy Kyle, and we are delving into the complexities of loyalty binds and betrayal blindness in blended families. Mindy defines loyalty binds as emotional conflicts where children feel compelled to side wit...
EP 59: Why You Should Stop Acting Like You're in a Nuclear Family
In order to be a happy, successful stepmom, you MUST stop acting like you are in a nuclear family. In today's episode, I'm making my case with 5 specific reasons: 1) Your role and position in the family are often unclear,...
EP 58: 5 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way as a Stepmom
I have learned a LOT of lessons the hard way as a stepmom. And today, we're shaking this up a bit from the typical episode. I'm sharing five of those lessons with you. Through my personal stories, I hope to validate and normalize the full range...
EP 57: When Co-Parenting Just Won't Work with Naja Hall
Co-parenting with someone who is chaotic, uncooperative, and/or high-conflict can be challenging, to put it lightly. Today, I'm joined by fan-favorite Naja Hall, and we are sharing personal experiences and insights on how to maintain peace and ...
EP 56: Stop "Should"ing on Yourself with Jessica Frew
In today's episode, Kristen and guest Jessica Frew discuss the harmful habit of "shoulding" on ourselves as stepmoms, and provide practical steps to overcome this by reconnecting with our intuition, setting boundaries, and taking small actions ...