I had a chance to chat with Emili Wadkins, the creator of The Unapologetic Stepmom Facebook Group. We spoke about the common misconceptions of new stepmoms, how to really identify a high conflict mom and how she has managed to remain Unapologetic. Be sure to show her some love and stop by Emili’s pages, Facebook […]
Guest submission When I began my journey as a stepmother, I was 26, about 7 months pregnant with twins, completing a Master’s Program, and at a job I hated. I was often back and forth to Child Support Court with my first biological son’s father. In that space, I was not emotionally ready to begin […]
Stepmothering is probably one of the toughest roles I’ve held to date. It’s not even so much the actual ‘mothering’ part. I enjoy being present in the lives of my stepchildren. I’m thankful to have the privilege of watching them grow up. I have been blessed with three really cool humans, so I am one […]
Hannah and Fard have ended their time as life partners and they’ve penned an excerpt that has the internet abuzz. In this day in age, especially considering the work I do, seeing new divorcees breaking bread is RARE. Here are 5 lessons learned in hindsight from Hannah and Fard. We wish their family love and […]
I realized that many of fellow StepSistas (stepmoms+sisterfriends) listen to my podcast because of my approach to stepmomming. After careful thought, planning and execution, I created a space just for us. It’s a site where I am pouring all of my stepmom tools, resources and content in one private community. There’s a discussion forum where […]
OMG, I’m so excited to share my chat with Brenda Ockun, the publisher of Stepmom Magazine. *Shameless plug, I am April’s Stepmom Magazine covergirl. Be sure to grab a copy! (As a bonus, be sure to listen to my Affirmations for Stressed-Out Stepmoms) Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Play In this episode of […]
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 […]
Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Play In this episode of I Know I’m Crazy with Naja Hall, I chat with Addiction Treatment Specialist, Chris Wilkins. I was instantly drawn to his work because many of us are consumed by conflict and he is the perfect person to teach us about letting go […]
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 […]
You may think, at first pass, that co-parenting with your child’s stepmother is unreasonable. If you think about it, we get to know our children’s teachers, doctors, daycare providers, their friend’s and their parents, and anyone else involved with our children. Why wouldn’t you want to get to know the other mother in your child’s […]
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 […]
I have not spent much time contributing to the B&B podcast, but I have been lucky enough to be featured on the work of others. Most recently, I sat down with Chicago-based Family Law Attorney, Andrea Harvey for her show Harvey Law Speaks. Check out the clip below! We discuss how I got dubbed, The […]
Join the call: Thursday August 9th 8:00-8:30p Eastern Call in number: (712) 770-4010 Access Code: 605465# I’ve not appealed to God as much as I have since becoming a Wife and a Stepmom. These roles are ones that will test your endurance and exhaust your faith. Aside from sustaining my physical and mental viability, I PRAY, but […]
Yesterday, I sat down with Dr. Jenelle Kariotis of Big Change of Heart, a platform that focuses on individuals, couples, and families in nontraditional relationships. Our chat was centered around parental alienation, conflict and MOST importantly the misdirected anger toward stepparents. As the “new kid on the block” a stepparent is often met with mistrust and […]
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 […]