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 […]
Sherelle Avery, founder of @dopemombrand discusses her journey from being a stepmom with 2 HCBMs to reaching a place of peace. Sherelle says, “I’ve learned so much over the years, so many ups and downs. I’m the step-parent who had to learn by trial and error. The step-parent who found the invisible boundaries and learned […]
Brittany Chatman is the owner of Chat With Bee, a popular lifestyle and social community. She’s an Air Force (Ret.) wife, (step)mom of three, a sister, a daughter, a career woman, blogger and freelance marketing creator, and a whole host of other things. After all, that’s what being a superwoman is about — right? As […]
Hi Naja! I’ve followed you for a while now and really appreciate the advice you provide. I’m looking for a little advice for my situation. What do you suggest stepmoms do when the biomom is hot and cold? She wants to be “friends” one minute and then blocks you the next! At this point […]
Are you dealing with disrespectful stepkids? Why would they be disrespectful? Like it or not, phrases like, “You’re not my Mom!” may be thrown around in times of disobedience and defiance. As a pruned at this very moment to defy my Husband and I every chance they get. They are being severely alienated and have […]
Are you dealing with disrespectful stepkids? Why would they be disrespectful? Like it or not, phrases like, “You’re not my Mom!” may be thrown around in times of disobedience and defiance. As a pruned at this very moment to defy my Husband and I every chance they get. They are being severely alienated and have […]
I’m a stepmom. I’ve written about it before but I consider being a stepmom one of the luckiest things that has ever happened to me. Some of you other stepmoms out there aren’t so lucky, and for whatever reasons you have bio-moms who you just can’t get along with, and who just can’t get along […]
When the bio-mom makes it clear she isn’t interested in getting along with us, it’s time for a new strategy. The following is a revised compilation of several earlier posts to sum up a new outlook for this enraging and painful situation. A new approach to dealing with the biological mother of your stepkids […]
By Lisa Cohn indy Copeland of Keene, NH, had just begun dating Wayne, a divorced dad, when she received a phone call she definitely didn’t expect: from Wayne’s ex-wife, who wanted to meet up. Wary, Cindy acquiesced but soon regretted it, as she sat there listening to the ex rant about how she and Wayne […]
I’m always gushing about how much I love the Blended and Black Facebook Support Group. Today a concerned Stepmom posted a question and a gentleman, Ron Blake (who is a Stepson and now a Stepdad), was able to give her and many other women some priceless advice. -Naja Hall, Founder STEPMOM: Why is it SO […]
Forming a bond with step children can be tough but being a stepparent is a role that over 50 million Americans will experience at some point in their lives. Most start their journey filled with hope and excitement. For some individuals, the feelings of anxiety and inadequacy soon set in and the role becomes obligatory […]
Stepmothers and their stepdaughters can be faced with unique challenges. There is an interesting dynamic that happens when a woman is tasked with “mothering” a child that she did not bear. In the case of the stepmother, this new ‘mother-daughter’ dynamic can exist because of divorce. In some instances, a biological mother is disinterested or […]
Are you a biological parent that is about to become a stepparent? Perhaps you are a step parent that is about to become a new biological parent. Be forewarned, you and your family are about to undergo some serious changes. You can expect some discomfort and frustration, however it’s not all bad. In fact, the […]
There is no typical day in my Coaching practice. Some days I may be sitting with a 10-year-old that is unable to accept her parents’ divorce. Other days, I am sitting with a grandmother who is unwilling to acknowledge her sons new wife’s children (her step-grandchildren). One of the core principles of Blended and Black […]
I pulled this excerpt from a paper written by Dr. Linda Neilsen. This is another one of the pieces I wish I had when I began my Stepmom journey. I would encourage SM and BMs to read it….carefully. -Naja Below are the situational factors which will determine what kind of relationship you have with your […]
dis·en·gage (dsn-gj) v. dis·en·gaged, dis·en·gag·ing, dis·en·gag·es 1. To release from something that holds fast, connects, or entangles. 2. To release (oneself) from an engagement, pledge, or obligation. To free or detach oneself; withdraw. “Disengage from the situation!” “Just disengage from your stepchild if they are causing you pain!” “I would just disengage from my husband if he was acting like that.” These […]