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 […]
Priscilla Appeaning, founder of The Stepmums Club sat down for a candid chat with VIPStepmom. Cilla is responsible for the viral video produced by BBC that forged a tense conversation between biomums and stepmums. In a spirited conversation, Cilla and Naja dug deep into high-conflict coparents, getting ignored by baby mamas, and the cycle of […]
In 2000, 9-year old Lizzie Capuzzi decided that she wanted to celebrate her stepmother, Joyce and felt this should be done on the Sunday following Mother’s day. Lizzie decided to take her celebration a step further by reaching out to U.S. Representative Rick Santorum. On July 11, 2000, it was published in Congressional Record No. […]
Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Play In this episode of I Know I’m Crazy with Naja Hall, I am sharing my very own stepmom affirmations. I know how weird stepmom life can feel and sometimes you need a quick reminder of how strong you really are. If you are mothering another […]
Great news Fam! Our founder, Naja Hall landed her very 1st magazine cover with Stepmom Magazine! Check out her article HERE. I’ve been reading Stepmom Magazine since before I officially became a Stepmom, so it’s definitely a full-circle moment to be featured by the women whom I go to for help. This is a really, […]
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 […]
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 […]
A childless stepmom may feel Isolated. Humiliated. Underestimated. These are probably the most common sentiments of stepmothers who do not have biological children. She feels isolated because stepmothering can be an overwhelmingly lonely gig. This woman may feel like a stranger in her own home because she is the last person to join a ready-made […]
Stepmom! Hey girl hey! Here’s a bit of advice that I almost learned TOO LATE! I know it sucks to see your partner deal with conflict from his coparent. As his Wonder Woman, it is natural to want to swoop in and save the day. 🛑Stop🛑 I want you to switch gears and work your […]
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 […]
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 […]
As second wives, it’s not uncommon to feel the brunt of the grief from the breakdown of your Husband’s first family. The children may still be unable to accept their parents’ separation, the ex-wife may still be full of resent and the father may have a lot of guilt because he is now displaced from […]
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 […]
At some point in life, you are going to experience unrequited hatred. It can come from an overlooked co-worker, an angry co-parent and even pure strangers. While I do not pretend to be the picture of innocence, I have faced some visceral that I just did not deserve! In the past, I would internalize the […]
Like most women that are falling in love, I was hopeful and anxious when my Future Husband and I began dating. He is an astonishing man! He’s tall, dark and very handsome. He is kind and gentle. He has rock hard abs! He is also a Father. The latter was a tough fact for me […]