The Inclusive Stepmom

11/29/2023

Dear Stepmom Community,

After a wonderful journey with all of you, I've decided to retire as The Inclusive Stepmom and as the co-owner of Stepfamily Magazine and The Stepmom Summit. Your stories and love have been a highlight of my life and I'm forever grateful.

Thank you for your support. Stay in touch with me on my personal IG account!

11/15/2023

I never in my life thought I’d lead a retreat. But the more days that go by since the very first Stepmom Retreat ended (like in the snap of a finger) the more proud I feel.

7 stepmoms prioritized themselves by coming to Utah and spending over 2 days deeply embedded in an agenda we prepared.

Tears were shed, pain was processed, successes were celebrated, and lifelong friendships were forced.

I couldn’t be more grateful 🤍

10/18/2023

Our retreat attendees will get super special swag bags filled with awesome products thanks to these sponsors!
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You've given. You've adapted. You've tried to fit the mold. But sometimes, the journey of a stepmom feels like you're walking down a path entirely alone.

Our first-ever Stepmom Retreat is designed to change that narrative. We've curated sessions that address the heartaches, the uncertainties, and the silent struggles.

Rediscover your strength, your role, and the unity in shared stories during this incredible getaway. This retreat isn't just an event; it's the beginning of understanding and healing you need to change things.

November 9th is almost there. If you're ready to book a flight and take one of the final spots, comment RETREAT below and we'll send you the signup details.

09/05/2023

I blinked and summer {unofficially} ended. ☀️ here’s a recap of ours.

Remember: social media is mostly a highlight reel. Keep that in mind while scrolling, then post your own so you can look back at this season of life as a way to imprint those highlights.

Be deliberate about revisiting them when things are hard, because sometimes we forget.

Sometimes the big, bad, stressful things take up so much room. But the glimmers shine pretty damn brightly when we gather them all together 💡

Thanks for the memories, 2023 🎉

08/30/2023

School is back in session - and it's my favorite time of year. I absolutely thrive on routine. But with back to school, comes all of these uncertainty that goes along with attending school events.

Sooo you're pondering the age-old question: "Should I grace the school with my fabulous presence?"

Every stepfamily is its own unique blend, from full-time stepmoms to those just stepping into the role, from harmonious co-parenting dynamics to the high-drama ones. Let's be real: stepparenting isn't a one-size-fits-all stiletto. Or Birkenstock, or Croc. You do you.

And spoiler alert: there's no definitive answer to this question. But I've got some tips to help you decide.

In the grand scheme, it's all about finding a balance that works for everyone, especially the kids since they're the ones who need to feel comfortable at school. Whatever you decide, know that your role is valued and essential. And hey, if you opt-out this time, there's always the next event to strut your stepmom stuff.

Do you go to every school event or meeting?

08/28/2023

Hot off the press! First blog I've written in over a year.

Ever wished for a guide on how to communicate better in a relationship? Keep reading for conversation tips.

08/22/2023

You know that saying “never go to bed angry?” Well, I think it’s bu****it in marriage...and ESPECIALLY in stepfamilies.

We face more conflict than the "average" family, and sometimes that means disagreeing or have stressful conversations in the heat of the moment, or sometimes after the kids go to bed.

But I had a client experience a total lightbulb moment once when I told her, "Maybe sometimes you both DO just need to sleep on it.”

It's ok to go to bed pi**ed. Sometimes we do need the time, and the space. I think it can actually be GOOD for your marriage or partnership.

My wife and I have avoided dozens of fights by simply sleeping on it. She has an Irish temper, and I have a penchant for drama, so if it can wait until morning, I let it. Otherwise, it's more likely we'll both wake up pi**ed AND tired.

Chances are, you're already tired if it's midnight and you're hashing it out. So give your permission to catch some Zzz's and look at the situation through the lens of a good night's sleep rather than someone who just got a bomb dropped on them. Try it. You'll thank me later.

08/16/2023

If you haven't yet claimed your spot for "How to Release Stepmom Resentment and Get Your Life Back(without pushing anyone away)", now is the time.

In this training, we'll unpack the FAIR method: Free, Accept, Investigate, and Rewrite. You'll discover tools and strategies to help you navigate the tumultuous sea of emotions that we, as stepmoms, often find ourselves in. This is not about quick fixes or band-aid solutions. It's about deep, lasting change.

We'll explore how you can free yourself from the grips of resentment, accept your emotions without judgment, investigate their roots, and, ultimately, rewrite your narrative as a stepmom. All the while, you'll be supported by a community of stepmoms who, like you and me, are on a journey towards understanding, acceptance, and transformation.

I've been where you are now. And I'm here to guide you towards a place of peace and fulfillment, using the same tools that helped me transition from feeling overwhelmed and hopeless to feeling empowered and happy.

This is your last call to be a part of it. Don't miss out on this opportunity to reshape your life and step into the stepmom role in a way that serves both you and your family.

https://pages.theinclusivestepmom.com/august-resentment

07/10/2023

This is just a drop in the bucket of what we're covering in my upcoming workshop on house rules and discipline.

"Stay in your lane."

"That’s not your place."

"Back off, you’re not their mom."

"You’re just a stepmom."

Chances are, you’ve heard at least one of things since you became a stepparent. We have no rulebook our “how-to” guide to steer us in the right direction and let everyone know what isn’t okay. Don't sabotage yourself by being the only person who holds a standard in your home and makes a point to maintain that standard.

You don't have to choose between being a doormat and a dictator, though. You CAN get more structure in your home without becoming that bad guy. On Thursday, July 14th, at 1pm Eastern, I'll teach you how. Sign up below!

https://pages.theinclusivestepmom.com/products/how-to-get-more-structure

07/08/2023

I want to speak straight to those of you struggling with your living arrangement — whether you just moved in with your partner, are newly spending MORE time all at the house together, or are just simply having a s**t time adjusting. Two quick tips for you:

1) Don't try to fill the role that is no longer present in that house. Sure, you might have a mothering instinct. You might even already have kids of your own, But that doesn't mean to have to dive in headfirst and start trying to do and be all things "Mom" — or whoever is no longer present in that home. You might even wear the same size of shoes (my wife's ex, my stepdaughter, and I ALL have the same shoe size), but that does NOT mean you should try to fill those heels. Or Uggs. Whatever your vibe is. Just not Crocs please.

2) Claim a space that only belongs to you. It is not selfish to need a quiet sanctuary within your home. Ideally it's a whole room, but realistically maybe it's a desk, or a bench, or a corner in your bedroom with a cozy seat and all your favorite things. Whatever it is, you are entitled (and encouraged for your own sanity) to have a space where you can go be alone and recharge.

This is just a drop in the bucket of what we're covering in my upcoming workshop on house rules and discipline.

"Stay in your lane."

"That’s not your place."

"Back off, you’re not their mom."

"You’re just a stepmom."

Chances are, you’ve heard at least one of things since you became a stepparent. We have no rulebook our “how-to” guide to steer us in the right direction and let everyone know what isn’t okay. Don't sabotage yourself by being the only person who holds a standard in your home and makes a point to maintain that standard.

You don't have to choose between being a doormat and a dictator, though. You CAN get more structure in your home without becoming that bad guy. On Thursday, July 14th, at 1pm Eastern, I'll teach you how.

Chances are, you’ve heard at least one of things since you became a stepparent. We have no rulebook our “how-to” guide to steer us in the right direction and let everyone know what isn’t okay.

06/25/2023

What does it really mean to “stay in your lane”?

A stepparent overstepping boundaries is often like an imaginary line we often cross that looks different for everyone. Here are a few tips!